"What's your plan?" Lara asks, looking at her friend with a melancholy expression.
"I want to get a divorce," Isabelle replies.
"Whatever you decide, I'll support you," Lara assures her.
"Thanks, bestie. It seems like I'll quit modeling," Isabelle says.
"Why?" Lara asks, surprised.
"I..." Isabelle's sentence is cut off as a waiter arrives, carrying their order and placing it on the table.
"Go on," Lara prompts.
"I have to take care of my father's company. I'll be heading to the office tomorrow," Isabelle explains.
"Sure, you should be the one managing your father's company, not those parasites," Lara says, nodding in agreement.
"Lara, do you know any lawyers?" Isabelle asks her friend.
"Yes, I do. He's an excellent lawyer, and he's never lost a case. But his fees are quite high," Lara responds.
"That's not a problem; what matters is that I get a divorce from Zac as soon as possible," Isabelle says.
"I'll contact my friend then."
After chatting at the cafe for a while, they head home as the day turns into evening.
**********
In the morning, Isabelle gets ready for work. She applies light makeup, grabs her designer bag, and takes her car keys from the dressing table.
When Isabelle arrives at her company, many employees can't believe that their boss has returned. Since she married Zac, she had let him manage the company, trusting that he would develop it successfully. However, her trust was shattered, just as the saying goes: "No matter how well you hide a lie, it will eventually be revealed."
Isabelle had discovered Zac's infidelity, and she was now taking action to end the web of deceit spun by her husband.
"I want to take control of this company again. I hope for your cooperation. And thank you to Nathan for helping my husband advance this company. Without him, the company might not have flourished or could have gone bankrupt," Isabelle says, giving Nathan her respect. The employees applaud Nathan for his achievements in the company.
"You're exaggerating, miss. This is my duty as an employee," Natahan responds respectfully.
Nathan is a competent assitant and Isabelle's trusted confidant. He played a pivotal role in the company's success, as Zac didn't fully understand the business managed by Isabelle.
"Miss, here is the report you requested. We've double-checked it with the report you gave earlier, and none of the data matches," an administrative staff member reports.
"Thank you, you may leave," Isabelle says, looking around the room. She smiles sadly when she notices that her picture, which used to hang on the wall, is no longer there.
Suddenly, the company's door slams open loudly, and Jenny enters, her eyes red and filled with anger. Isabelle, far from being scared, simply smiles.
"Apologies, miss, I tried to stop them, but Mr. Zac was holding my hand, so this woman got this far," the security guard explains.
"It's alright. I've been waiting for them. You can leave now," Isabelle says, smiling as she gazes at the two traitors.
Suddenly, Nathan bursts in and stands in front of Isabelle.
"Don't, Nathan, let them sit. I'm sure they can't wait to meet me," Isabelle says calmly.
"You're going too far, Isabelle. Because of you, I lost my job and got blacklisted from any company. I was accused of being a home-wrecker," Jenny shouts, seething with anger.
"Well, if the shoe fits, then wear it; you ARE a home-wrecker, after all. SO I don't see what's wrong with that," Isabelle says innocently.
"Please, forgive me. I'll do anything as long as you forgive me," Zac pleads with Isabelle.
"Hahahahaha!" Isabelle bursts into laughter, hearing the words of the two people in front of her.
"I should be the one angry, but here you both are, angry at me. Truly, the wold has turned upside down-mistresses are more agressive than legal wives."
-CLAP-CLAP-CLAP-
Isabelle applauds, watching the two couples, whom she thinks have no shame.
"Please, I beg you to forgive me. I promise never to betray you again. You can't separate me from her and our child, can you?" Zac says, pleading.
"Unbelievable, Isabelle, you want to separate a child from their father. Don't you have any feelings?!" Jenny screams.
"Those words should be for you, the cheap woman. Do you even realize what you're saying? The man next to you is my husband," Isabelle says bluntly.
"That's because you're barren; your husband and your in-laws need descendants. But you can't give them a child," Jenny says heatedly.
Isabelle rises from her grand chair and approaches Jenny.
-SLAP-
A resounding slap lands on Jenny's smooth cheek. Zac tries to intervene, but Nathan quickly restrains him, preventing him from helping Jenny.
"Miss, you should enjoy her anger. That slap was well-deserved for the home-wrecker," Nathan whispers evilly.
"Agh..." Jenny cries out as Isabelle pulls her hair.
"Trashy woman, how dare you insult me," Isabelle says as she smashes Jenny's head onto her desk, causing Jenny's forehead to bleed.
"Get out of here, both of you, and Zac, never set foot in this office again; you're fired," Isabelle shouts.
"I will report you to the police for assault," Jenny threatens, holding her head in pain from the impact caused by Isabelle.
"I'll be waiting. Let's see who ends up in jail, you or me." Isabelle says, signaling Nathan to escort the two individuals out.
Isabelle sits back down on her grand chair, feeling weak, her chest heavy, her heart broken, all because of her husband and her supposed friend's betrayal. She takes a deep breath and tries to compose herself, reminding herself on the strength she possesses.
Nathan, loyal and dependable as always, stands beside her, offering silent support. He knows Isabelle well, understanding that beneath her graceful exterior lies a resilient spirit capable of overcoming any adversity.
"Miss Isabelle, please don't let their actions define you," Nathan says softly, his words a soothing balm to her wounded soul.
Isabelle nods and takes another deep breath. She looks around the office, realizing that she must reclaim not only her company but also her life. The journey ahead won't be easy, but she is determined to rise above the betrayal and rebuild her world.
"Thank you, Nathan. You've been a pillar of strength for me," Isabelle says, her voice filled with gratitude.
"I'm here to support you, Miss Isabelle, no matter what," Nathan replies his loyalty unwavering.
**********
TO BE CONTINUED...