Chapter 144
Marcus Wainwright scrambled to defend himself, his voice laced with desperation.
“Mr. Kingsley, please, let me explain! I never meant to spread rumors, and Ms. Sinclair isn’t that kind of person. We just thought… maybe it was a harmless joke.”
But Alexander Kingsley’s presence was suffocating, his gaze sharp as a blade.
“Do you take me for a fool?” Alexander’s voice dripped with disdain. “Your lies are pathetic. You’re mediocre at your job, but you excel at backstabbing. I’ve heard whispers about you stirring chaos at the last corporate event. I don’t tolerate snakes in my company. Call HR. He’s fired—now.”
Marcus paled. He hadn’t expected a few careless words to cost him his career in seconds.
Isabella Sinclair smirked. She and Alexander had a knack for reading people. Loudmouths were one thing, but those who hid behind sweet smiles while twisting the knife? Those were the worst.
In many ways, Marcus was no different from Sophia Kensington—both played the victim while pulling strings from the shadows.
“Last night, Ms. Sinclair left with me,” Alexander stated coldly. “So if you’re accusing her, you’re accusing both of us of theft. Is that what you’re suggesting?”
His words hung in the air, a challenge no one dared accept.
Even without concrete proof, Alexander refused to let Isabella be slandered by those who had no idea what was truly at stake. His icy glare silenced the room.
Marcus, however, was spiraling. His mind raced—fired, just like that. No second chances. Desperation clawed at him, and in his panic, he made a fatal mistake.
If he was going down, he’d drag Isabella with him.
“Why defend her, Mr. Kingsley?” Marcus spat, venom in his voice. “Ms. Sinclair’s divorced. No matter how pretty she is, you’re just picking up another man’s—”
A sharp cry cut him off.
Isabella’s foot connected with his groin at the same moment Sebastian Harrington’s fist slammed into his face.
Marcus collapsed, writhing in agony.
Isabella shot Sebastian an approving glance. Mild-mannered as he seemed, the man knew how to throw a punch.
“Call the police,” Alexander ordered, voice frigid. “Or we’ll see you in court. Either way, the Kingsley Group will bury you.”
Security arrived swiftly, dragging Marcus away. But in his fury, he screamed, “Mr. Kingsley! You can protect her all you want, but don’t take it out on me! Everyone will see this as unfair!”
He knew he was no match for Alexander. Even if he fought, Alexander could ruin him effortlessly. He’d already burned his bridges—why not side with Sophia Kensington now?
Isabella chuckled darkly.
“Protecting me? No, Marcus. You’re just projecting your own guilt.” Her gaze swept the room, pinning every witness in place. “In case you didn’t know, there are hidden cameras in the ceiling—ones not everyone can access. This is about millions in stolen assets. And when that footage reaches the police… let’s see what price you pay.”
Marcus’s face drained of color.
He hadn’t known about the cameras. His confidence wavered—had he really covered his tracks?
His so-called allies panicked.
“Ms. Sinclair, you must be joking!”
“I always believed she was innocent!”
“Maybe someone framed her—someone jealous!”
“Mr. Kingsley, it had to be Marcus! He’s had a grudge against her forever!”
The group turned on him instantly, scrambling to save themselves.
Marcus roared in outrage, pain and betrayal searing through him.
Then he saw Sebastian retrieving the hidden camera, and his last shred of hope shattered.
With a sudden, crazed burst of strength, he broke free from security.
“You!” he snarled, lunging at Isabella. “You did this to me! Now you want me in jail?!”
Isabella’s eyes narrowed, danger flickering in them.
Marcus had lost—but he was determined to take her down with him.
