Dominic West started his planned retribution the following morning. He wasn't a man to break under duress, even though his name could have been tarnished in the media. Isabella was sitting in her office going over a proposal when Grace rushed in with a tablet.
Her voice was tight with desperation as she said, "Ms. Montgomery, you must see this."
Isabella looked up, aware at once. "What is it?"
Grace gave the tablet to her. Dominic's reaction. It can be found anywhere.
"West Enterprises CEO Speaks Out: Claims of False Allegations and Corporate Sabotage by Montgomery Industries" was the headline that appeared on the screen.
Isabella tapped on the video, her jaw tensing. Addressing a room full of reporters, Dominic's face filled the screen with his typical charm tinged with righteous wrath.
With a calm but scathing tone, Dominic stated, "These unfounded charges against me are nothing more than an attempt by Isabella Montgomery to divert attention from her own mismanagement of Montgomery Industries." She is obviously attempting to damage my reputation in an effort to keep her job. To be clear, though, I will not watch helplessly as my name gets tarnished.
When the media started asking questions, Dominic stopped them with a wave of his hand. "The truth will eventually be revealed. I have faith that the authorities will find the true perpetrators of this smear campaign.
Isabella exhaled sharply and put the tablet down. Dominic had a clear plan: portray himself as the victim and put her back in the center of attention.
Grace was silent for a moment. "There's more. A few board members are beginning to doubt your ability to lead. I heard James Collier remark that he would rather not be embroiled in a scandal.
"He doesn't, of course," Isabella mumbled, her thoughts racing. Collier had consistently been one of the board's weakest members.
"Ms. Montgomery, what's the strategy?" With worry on her face, Grace inquired.
Isabella steepled her fingers beneath her chin as she sat back in her chair. "We don't allow Dominic to steer the conversation. This afternoon, set up a press conference. I'll play dirty too if he does.
The press conference took place in Montgomery Tower's large atrium, a contemporary area with glass walls that let in an abundance of natural light. Cameras flashed as Isabella took the podium, and reporters crowded the room.
With her sharp features set in a composed yet determined face, she exuded confidence and authority while wearing a sleek black suit.
"Good afternoon," she said in a firm, authoritative tone. "The purpose of this press conference is to respond to Dominic West's recent remarks about Montgomery Industries."
She hesitated, allowing the room's tension to rise. "Mr. West has accused me of planning an effort to discredit him. To be clear, these claims are not only untrue, but they are also an obvious attempt to divert attention away from his own wrongdoing.
Isabella pointed to a big screen behind her, which came to life with several pictures and documents. "This is proof of Mr. West's unlawful actions, including fraud, embezzlement, and the use of shell corporations to finance his hostile takeover attempt of Montgomery Industries." These accusations are not without merit. These are facts.
A swarm of questions erupted in the room, but Isabella put up a hand to stop them. "I will not permit someone like Dominic West to damage Montgomery Industries' reputation because we have always conducted business with integrity. You can be confident that we will take legal action to guarantee that justice is done.
Isabella noticed Detective Ethan Hale standing at the rear of the room, his arms folded, his eyes on her, as she moved away from the stage.
Isabella sat in her apartment later that night, mentally reliving the news conference. Lucas was also present, sitting on the couch and sipping a drink of whiskey.
He remarked, "That was impressive." "You took good care of yourself."
Isabella answered, her voice tinged with fatigue, "It had to be done." But Dominic isn't going to give up. He has already gotten too involved in this.
With a solemn gaze, Lucas leaned forward. "Then we strike him in the most painful spot."
Isabella's eyebrows went up. "Where is that?"
Lucas grinned. "His supporters. The people that support Dominic are the source of his power. He won't have anything left over if we can turn them against him.
"And how would you suggest that we accomplish that?"
Lucas pulled out his laptop and replied, "I've already started." He turned the screen to her and opened a file. "I have been investigating his inner circle." These individuals—politicians, investors, and even some criminals—are the ones who finance his schemes. They will sever relationships in order to protect themselves if we reveal their relationship with him.
Isabella looked over the list, already making plans in her head. "This might work. However, we must exercise caution. If Dominic discovers our activities...
According to Lucas, he won't. "Not until the last minute."
Dominic, meanwhile, tightened his jaw in rage as he glanced at his own laptop in his private office. He had been hit by the press conference, but it wasn't enough to shatter him.
He paced the room and whispered, "Isabella thinks she's won." "But she doesn't know what's going to happen."
He grabbed his phone and punched in a number. A voice on the other end responded after a few rings.
"Time to escalate," muttered Dominic icily. "You're aware of what to do."