Chapter 135
Alexander Kingsley, as expected, remained indifferent to the swirling rumors.
Noticing Isabella Sinclair’s cool demeanor, he didn’t press further. Instead, he simply said,
“I’ll head to the office first.”
Isabella gave a slight nod.
“Alright, see you later.”
Once Alexander left, she checked her watch and waited precisely twenty minutes—enough time for him to reach the company—before making her move.
She strode toward the lab.
The team, having pulled an all-nighter, shuffled in looking utterly exhausted. One young woman pulled out a compact mirror, wincing at her dark circles before casting an envious glance at Isabella’s flawless complexion.
She couldn’t suppress her frustration.
“How does Ms. Sinclair still look so radiant after working just as hard as the rest of us?”
“Life’s not fair. She’s gorgeous and blessed with perfect skin. What hope do we have?” another muttered.
Completely oblivious to their whispers, Isabella checked her watch again. Once everyone had gathered, she spoke.
“Yesterday, I mentioned bonuses—and I meant it. Because we delivered on time, the client sent us another major order today. So, each of you will receive a 20% bonus on this month’s salary!”
The lab erupted in cheers, excitement buzzing through the air.
“That’s a few thousand dollars! That’ll cover my rent for months! All thanks to Ms. Sinclair!” someone exclaimed.
“Exactly! Any other manager would’ve pocketed that money themselves,” another chimed in.
While the team celebrated, Marcus Wainwright sat quietly in the corner. He knew better than to expect a share—but the sting of their joy wasn’t lost on him.
Still, Marcus forced a smile as he approached Isabella.
“Ms. Sinclair, we really owe you for leading this project. I was wondering… if there might be a small bonus for me too? I know I didn’t contribute as much, but I did put in effort—”
Isabella’s smile was razor-sharp, though her tone remained light.
“Marcus, you’re aware your negligence yesterday nearly cost the company a massive loss, aren’t you? Per policy, your annual bonus—including the year-end one—has been revoked, and a significant portion of your performance bonus has been deducted. HR has already documented the incident.”
A few colleagues quickly piled on.
“Exactly, Marcus. One more mistake like that, and you’re out—Mr. Kingsley made that very clear.”
“Just focus on doing your job properly. Don’t make things harder than they need to be.”
“Thick skin won’t pay your bills,” another quipped.
Marcus’s face tightened as he surveyed the jubilant group, fury simmering beneath the surface.
What were they all so happy about? Hypocrites, every last one of them!
Just then, Evelyn Fairchild approached Isabella with a grateful smile, handing her a glass of water.
“Thank you, Ms. Sinclair. Truly.”
Evelyn’s family was struggling financially—this bonus would ease her burdens. Her gratitude was genuine.
Marcus’s gaze darkened as it shifted toward her. The shift in the lab’s atmosphere hit him like a punch to the gut.
Just days ago, these same people had been easy to manipulate.
His blood boiled. He had been working toward something bigger—Sophia Kensington’s task wasn’t finished—and now here he was, taking the fall while those he’d quietly influenced turned their backs for a few extra dollars.
Spineless cowards.
But this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.
If he couldn’t strike at Isabella directly, he’d make sure her subordinates suffered instead.
She thought this minor victory meant she’d won?
She had no idea what was coming.
