Chapter 13

Normal people would have been terrified, but not Isabel.

“Alright, since you’re calling the shots,” Mr. Wales said, his eyes narrowing. “Let’s talk about Alex. He stole company materials, sold them, and that’s theft. He also assaulted my people. Multiple charges. Seems pretty clear-cut to me.”

“Alex is innocent. He’s too straightforward for that. You’re framing him,” Roy argued.

Jack added, “We want to see the security footage. That’ll clear things up.”

“Sorry, the cameras are down,” Mr. Wales said with a grin. “As for the theft and assault—plenty of witnesses. Especially for the assault. Lots of people—”

“Those so-called witnesses are your people. They can’t be trusted!” Jack retorted angrily. “You and Tommy are behind this. You planned it from the—”

“Planned? Alex assaulted someone. Even if this goes to court, he’s going to jail,” Mr. Wales turned his gaze to Isabel, eyebrow raised. “And you, the one in charge! Still not speaking up?”

Isabel spoke calmly but firmly. “What do you want for Alex’s release?”

Mr. Wales smirked. He’d been waiting for this. He stood, walking toward her.

Roy and Jack tensed, worried, but Isabel stopped them with a gesture. She met his gaze, her expression cold, showing no sign of backing down.

“300,000 dollars,” he said, eyes glinting, “and we’ll call it even.”

“What? Are you trying to rob us? Tommy’s still alive, isn’t he?” Roy snapped, furious. That was a fortune. They couldn't afford it.

“Fine, no money? Then we’ll do it another way,” Mr. Wales said, his voice oozing sleazy charm. “I have to admit, you’re not bad looking. If you’re willing to spend one night with me, we’ll forget about this whole mess.”

His greedy eyes were on Isabel as he reached toward her face. Jack saw red and shoved Mr. Wales away.

“Don’t touch my sister! If you’ve got an issue, come at me!” He stood between them protectively.

“Come at me? What are you, a joke?” Mr. Wales spat, furious. He snapped his fingers, and his bodyguards rushed forward to subdue Jack.

“Let go of me!” Jack fought back desperately.

“Jack!” Isabel’s fists clenched. Without hesitation, she kicked the bodyguards off Jack. Before they could react, they were sent flying. “You dare hit my men?” Mr. Wales fumed, red-faced.

Isabel remained cool. “Mr. Wales, we’re negotiating, and it was your people who started this.”

“Alright. Let’s talk then. Let’s see how you plan on talking your way out of this!” Mr. Wales’ temper flared.

“Since you’ve laid down your terms, I’ll lay down mine,” Isabel’s voice was unwavering. “As for Tommy’s injuries, we’ll cover the medical bills. He wasn’t badly hurt. After that, let’s put this to rest. No need for more trouble.”

“You think paying a little medical bill is enough? How naive. Alex stole from the site, and then assaulted someone! That’s prison time!” Mr. Wales laughed cruelly.

“Prison time?” Isabel smiled, unruffled. “Let me show you something.”

She took out her phone. The screen on the room’s media wall flickered to life, showing a video—the repaired security footage.

“The security footage? What… What’s going on?” Mr. Wales’ eyes widened as he looked to his men.

“I… I don’t know! The cameras were already broken…” one of them stammered.

“I’m asking how she got that footage?” Mr. Wales snapped.

“I really have no idea…” The man trembled.

“Get out of my sight!” Mr. Wales roared.

The footage showed Tommy and another man sneaking around, taking things and heading toward Alex’s resting area. They looked around suspiciously, clearly planning something.

“Alex has no chance getting away with this. We’ll leave the stolen stuff in his room. That’s his ticket to jail,” Tommy said smugly.

Mr. Wales’ face twisted in shock. He didn’t know the footage picked up their conversation.

“I knew it. Alex is innocent!” Roy yelled. “He was framed by Tommy!”

The video showed Tommy taunting Alex, accusing him of stealing. Alex tried to walk away, but Tommy and the others wouldn’t let him. They cornered him, and when Alex finally snapped, he fought back. He was so strong that even several burly men couldn’t overpower him. He landed a brutal punch on Tommy. In the end, the police arrived, and the others claimed Alex started the fight.

“Mr. Wales, have you figured it out? First, the theft was set up by Tommy. Second, Alex was just defending himself. With this footage, even in court, Alex would win. We’re offering to cover Tommy’s medical costs, which is already more than enough. Are you satisfied now?” Isabel’s voice was sharp.

“And if you want to keep pushing this, the Galvez family will fight you to the end,” she added, her gaze piercing.

Mr. Wales seethed. Smack! He slammed his palm onto the table.

“You little brat, you’re threatening me!” he shouted, fury in his voice.

Isabel didn’t budge. She remained standing, her gaze unwavering. When Mr. Wales thought she was intimidated, she shot back, slamming her hand on the table with a louder smack.

Bang!

“You overstep! It’s you who dare threaten me!” She replied strongly.

Mr. Wales was taken aback. Jack and Roy were stunned. They realized Isabel’s presence commanded the room.

“Isabel Galvez, right?” Mr. Wales growled, teeth clenched. “You’re going to regret this. I won’t forget this.”

“Mr. Wales, you might want to start worrying about yourself,” Isabel shot back, unfazed, then turned to Jack and Roy. “Let’s go.”

The bodyguards moved to block their path, but after witnessing Isabel’s strength, and seeing Mr. Wales remain silent, they hesitated and stepped aside.

“Dammit!” Mr. Wales muttered, loosening his tie in frustration.

“Mr. Wales,” one of his men hesitated.

“What now?” Mr. Wales snapped.

“Mr. Wales, I think… the table… seems to be broken,” the man said cautiously.

Mr. Wales glanced down. The table was shattered. Then, with a loud crash, it completely collapsed. Mr. Wales jumped back, horrified.

“The table… it was high-quality… thick and sturdy. How had it shattered from just a slap!” He thought in shock.