Chapter 57
Chloe shook her head gently. “Gosh, Mr. Rivas has a fleeting interest in Faith. No harm playing around with that woman, right? Besides, his interest in Faith…”
Belle interrupted, “Remember, Faith is in love with Kyle. I’m sure Mr. Rivas will make a move against Kyle. All we have to do is sit back and watch.”
Belle nodded in agreement, then shot Kyle and Elsa a disgruntled look.
At that moment, Elsa arrived in a gold-embroidered dress, looking sharp, cool, and charming. Her steps were filled with authority. Mike followed, less formally dressed but with a looming presence.
Elsa planned to greet Kyle but didn't want to interrupt his conversation with Faith. Instead, she went to the main table.
Upon seeing Elsa, Belle stood. “Ms. Rivas, Mr. Clements, I’m glad to hear Mr. Rivas Senior is fully recovered! Such great news! I’m sorry for showing up empty-handed—I didn’t have time to shop. Ms. Rivas, I hope you’ll forgive me. I’ll make it up to you someday!”
Elsa chuckled softly. “Hey, it’s no big deal. I’m honored to have you here, Ms. Cotton. Your presence is the greatest gift of all.”
Elsa displayed the diplomacy befitting the head of the Rivas family. Her generous remark boosted Belle’s ego. Although Rivas Corporation was at least ten times larger than Belle’s company, Elsa understood the importance of maintaining good relationships with all her allies, lest people accuse her of bullying smaller companies. That would ruin Rivas Corporation's reputation.
Mike piped up, “Ms. Cotton, why isn’t Matt with you?”
Matthew was one of Mike’s subordinates, but Mike didn't place much importance on him. Matthew, however, desperately sought association with Mike to leverage his name when intimidating others in Kerdonia. Despite his lack of respect for Belle, Mike didn't comment on Matthew's behavior; he couldn't care less about Matthew’s petty fights. He considered mentioning Matthew a show of respect to Belle.
Sighing, Belle grumbled, “Thanks for your concern, Mr. Clements. Matt got into some trouble. He was beaten up and hospitalized. That’s why I couldn’t make it to…”
Mike’s face fell when he heard Matthew was beaten up. First, he'd been the one to inquire about Matthew. Second, Matthew had been claiming to be one of Mike’s men. Matthew’s hospitalization was a slap in the face to Mike.
“Who beat him up? Why did no one tell me about it?” A frown creased Mike’s forehead. “Ms. Cotton, I will take care of this. No one hurts my…”
Belle was inwardly elated to see Mike’s serious face. The mention of Matthew's hospitalization had successfully angered Mike. She knew he would go after Kyle.
Smiling, Belle soothed him, “Mr. Clements, calm down. If anything, it’s Matt’s fault for bringing shame to your name. As his sister, I won’t sit idly by. However, I hope you’ll help if I ever need it. Today is a big day for Rivas Corporation. Let’s drop the doom and gloom! Ms. Rivas, Mr. Clements, please proceed. I’ll visit again later.”
Elsa nodded softly. “Ms. Cotton, you can talk to Mike if you run into any problems. Don’t worry about it.”
Mike agreed. “Ms. Cotton, call me if there’s anything! I’d like to know who’s the culprit. I’ll act when I’m free!”
Mike knew the culprit was Kyle!
Later, after receiving no contact from Rupert and conducting their own investigation, they realized Kyle wasn't someone they could easily obtain information about.
After they left, Belle couldn't stop smiling. Things had gone exactly as she planned. She gleefully said, “Kyle Archer, you’re cooked!”