Bella chuckled. "Does that concern you?"
Gina laughed awkwardly, trying to mask her discomfort. "No, no... I’m just curious. I didn’t expect to see you here, that’s all. By the way, I was just at Joshua’s studio. He told me that Willow’s designs got stolen. Those designs were about to launch next week, weren’t they? How did that happen?"
Bella noted how quickly the news had spread. "We are looking into it."
Gina feigned shock, her expression twisting into one of disdain. "God! I used to think so highly of Trina Young," she muttered, shaking her head as if in disappointment. "I can’t believe she plagiarized. Willow must be devastated. How is she holding up?"
Even though Gina tried to be sincere, her eyes betrayed her hidden delight. Her animosity towards Willow was palpable, and it was clear that Gina was relishing in the misfortune. The fake concern in her voice was almost nauseating. Bella chose her words carefully, not wanting to engage in Gina’s deceitful games.
"The incident is unsettling," Bella replied calmly, "but we will take action against Miss Young."
Gina’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction, even though she tried to hide it. She knew Trina Young was doomed, having crossed paths with Theodore’s sister. One of her competitors was about to be eliminated from the fashion industry. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢
Gina’s mind raced as she envisioned a future where she had successfully ousted Bella from Theodore’s life and secured her position as his wife. With his support, she would undoubtedly become a leading designer.
Her excitement was palpable as she said, "Yes, she should face the consequences," she beamed with delight. She glanced at the darkening sky, her voice laced with false concern. "It’s getting late. You shouldn’t be here alone. Come, get into the car. I’ll drop you off."
Gina’s true intentions were clear—she wanted an excuse to visit Theodore’s villa and perhaps get some time with him.
Bella dashed her plan. "Thanks, but I already booked a cab. It should be here soon," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. Just as she finished speaking, a taxi pulled up to the curb. "Look, there it is. I am leaving."
With a playful wave, Bella climbed into the taxi.
Gina’s polite smile faltered as she watched the taxi merge into the traffic, frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior. As the car disappeared, her expression twisted with anger.
"Bella! I’ll teach you a lesson," Gina muttered through clenched teeth. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number. When the line connected, she barked, "I want Zack Hudson’s number."
As Bella settled into the car, she quickly dialed Theodore’s number. "Are you coming home early?" she asked with a sense of urgency.
Theodore immediately sensed her unease. He assumed it stemmed from the afternoon’s troubling events, where Willow’s designs had been stolen. His protective instincts kicked in as he sought to reassure her.
"Yes, I will. Don’t worry," he said firmly. "I’m handling this. The people responsible won’t go unpunished. I’ve already started taking action against Miss Young. She’ll be blacklisted globally."
Bella wasn’t surprised. She knew Theodore’s sense of justice was unwavering, especially when it came to his sister and the projects he invested in. Yet, a knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach at the thought of how he might react when he discovered the true mastermind behind the attack on her.
"That’s great," she replied, trying to mask her tension. "She deserves it. But I have something important to tell you. Please come home quickly."
The urgency in her voice didn’t go unnoticed. Theodore, now more concerned, decided to abandon his remaining tasks and head home immediately. "Alright...I’ll be home soon."
As their conversation ended, Theodore was about to leave his office when his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen and saw Hugo’s name flashing. He paused, curiosity and anticipation mingling in his thoughts. What update could Hugo have now?
With a mix of concern and expectation, he answered the call.
"There is an update on the sharpshooter," Hugo reported gravely. "The man who hired him is the butler of the Hill household. We’ve devised a plan to draw him out. This time, he won’t escape."
Theodore’s excitement surged as he absorbed the information. He yearned to confront the man who had caused so much trouble. Yet, Bella’s urgent plea lingered in his mind, tugging at his conscience.
He weighed his options—should he heed Bella’s request and leave this matter to Hugo, or should he satisfy his own desire for retribution?
Theodore knew Hugo was more than capable, but the thought of personally interrogating the man was too tempting to resist. The decision wasn’t easy, but in the end, his determination won out.
"Send me the address," Theodore said with resolve. "I’ll be there."
With the call ended, Theodore wasted no time. He left his office in a hurry, his mind focused on the task ahead. The drive to the location took him no time at all.
Theodore arrived at the dump yard, a desolate place where old cars and trucks were left to rust and decay. The area was eerily quiet, with only the faint glow of the moon casting ghostly shadows across the wreckage. The smell of rusted metal mixed with the faint scent of wildflowers, created an oddly unsettling atmosphere.
He moved stealthily through the yard, keeping close to Hugo as they approached a hidden vantage point. Hugo gestured to a shadowy figure standing alone in the middle of the dump yard.
"That’s the shooter," Hugo whispered. He quickly briefed Theodore on the plan, explaining how he had coerced the shooter into summoning the butler. "As soon as the butler arrives, we’ll move in and capture him."
Theodore listened intently, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. "Great job, Hugo. I believe we’ll succeed this time."
Hugo’s confidence was palpable. "He won’t get away," he assured Theodore. "The entire area is under our surveillance. We’ve got guards posted at every corner."
Theodore nodded, believing in Hugo’s plan.
The wait ended as a sleek car approached the dump yard, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Theodore and Hugo dipped their heads lower, their eyes locked on the vehicle, every muscle in their bodies tensed for action. The car came to a halt just outside the yard, the engine idling for a moment before a man stepped out.
Clad in a long coat and a wide-brimmed hat that cast a shadow over his face, the man moved with deliberate steps toward the shooter. His posture was rigid, his demeanor exuding authority as he closed the distance between them.
Theodore’s senses were heightened, every detail registering in his mind. He could feel the tension in the air as he observed the encounter, ready to spring into action at the slightest sign of danger. His eyes narrowed as the butler drew nearer to the shooter. His grip tightened on his concealed weapon, prepared for whatever might unfold next.
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