As Isabella stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing down at the metropolis below, the cool morning air of London blew into her office. Although the view was meant to soothe her, it felt more like a battleground today. She kept thinking about Dominic's threat, but she wasn't going to let it stop her. He had greatly misread her if he had assumed she would roll over and give him her company.
Grace, her helper, knocked quietly on the door and entered. The board members are assembling for the urgent meeting you called, Ms. Montgomery. Should I take them to the meeting room?
Isabella turned to her helper and firmly answered, "Yes." "Ensure that everyone arrives on time. No justifications.
With a nod, Grace quickly left. Isabella already had a plan in mind, so she reached for her tablet and the folder Lucas had given her the night before.
She was aware that persuading the board would be difficult. Others were too weak-willed to resist pressure, and others were probably in Dominic's pocket. Isabella, on the other hand, thrived on challenges, and this was no exception.
The board members were already seated when Isabella walked into the sleek, contemporary conference room. Her heels clicked forcefully on the marble floor as she strode in, quiet conversations. After setting her folder and tablet on the table, she sat down at the head.
"Good morning, everybody," she said in a clear, authoritative voice. "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss an urgent issue about Montgomery Industries' future."
The board members looked at each other, some interested, some uncomfortable.
Isabella went on, looking at each member in turn, "Let's not waste time with pleasantries." "This company has been the target of a hostile takeover attempt by Dominic West. I can prove it with evidence.
Isabella made a stern motion that broke the murmurs that were circulating around the table.
Let me clarify before you draw any conclusions: Dominic West has more in mind than simply acquiring Montgomery Industries. He wishes to take it apart. Some of you have been bought off by him with false promises of riches and influence. This business as we know it will vanish if Dominic is successful.
The room became quiet. Some of the board members shifted uneasily in their chairs, their shame visible in their turned heads.
Isabella opened the folder and handed out copies of the documents Lucas had found, saying, "Here's the proof." Emails, transaction logs, and intricate plans outlining Dominic's approach. I advise you to thoroughly study them.
Isabella observed the board members' responses as they combed through the documents. Some people's features turned white, while others became furious. She was already able to identify the complicit parties.
James Collier, one of the board members, eventually declared, "This is outrageous." "Dominic West believes he can subvert us in this way?"
"He doesn't just think it," Isabella said calmly in response. For months, he has been doing it. What will we do about it is the question.
Isabella left the meeting room with a mixture of satisfaction and annoyance after over two hours of contentious debate. Although she had succeeded in winning over the majority of the board, certain members continued to be strangely silent.
Lucas was waiting for her in one of the leather chairs in her office when she got back.
With a light tone and keen eyes, he inquired, "How did it go?"
Isabella sank into her chair and said, "Better than expected." "I now have the majority of the board on my side, but there are some people I don't trust."
Lucas gave a nod. That is to be anticipated. They're most likely in Dominic's pocket. We'll have to watch them closely.
Isabella sat back and stared at Lucas. "What should we do next?"
With a sly smile, Lucas took a tiny flash disk out of his pocket. "This."
"What is it?"
Lucas threw the disk onto her desk and stated, "Prove that Dominic has been embezzling money from his own business to finance this takeover." "His shareholders will turn against him, and he will lose everything if this gets out."
Anxiety and exhilaration were mixed together as Isabella gazed at the road. "Are you certain of this? Things could get worse if Dominic is exposed in this way.
With a solemn gaze, Lucas leaned forward. If you play nice, do you really believe Dominic will stop? Isabella, this goes beyond your business. Sending the message that no one can meddle with you and get away with it is the goal.
After giving his remarks some thought, she nodded. "Take action. Spread the word. However, ensure that it cannot be linked to us.
Lucas smiled. "Ahead of you already."
The story broke that evening. The West Enterprises affair dominated London's headlines. Dominic West's reputation suffered greatly once he was charged with embezzlement.
With a glass of wine in hand, Isabella watched the news unfold from her apartment. Instead of feeling triumphant, a peculiar uneasiness descended upon her.
With his own glass in hand, Lucas joined her on the balcony. As if he could read her mind, he responded, "You made the right decision."
Her voice was soft as she said, "Did I?"
"You're defending your property," Lucas stated firmly. "Dominic wouldn't have hesitated to destroy you."
The uneasiness persisted even after she nodded. She couldn't get rid of the sensation that the worst was still to come because the conflict with Dominic was far from ending.