Chapter 160: The project is more important.
Theodore felt a pang of guilt. He returned her embrace, his arms tightening around her. "I’m sorry," he said softly, kissing her head. "Something urgent came up. I had to take care of it first."
Bella looked up at him, her eyes filled with determination and apprehension. "I need to tell you something. I know who leaked the designs. I have proof. And..." Her voice shook slightly. She took a deep breath to steady herself and continued, "I also know who is so desperate to destroy me."
Theodore’s expression grew serious, his gaze narrowing as he asked, "Who?"
"Ivy..." That name hung heavily in the air. Both Bella and Theodore were silent for a moment, letting the revelation sink in.
"She misunderstood the relationship between Mr. Hudson and me," Bella continued, her voice laced with frustration and sadness. "That’s what drove her to this. All the office politics, the schemes to hurt me, and even the kidnapping... it’s all her doing. But wait, let me show you something."
She rushed into the bedroom, leaving Theodore standing on the balcony, his mind racing. A deep scowl formed on his brow. The revelation that Ivy was behind everything, driven by jealousy and a deep misunderstanding, left him both angry and protective.
Everything got clear to him slowly. Ivy had likely paid the gang to kidnap Bella and ruin her reputation. But criminals were unpredictable. Something must have happened between Ivy and the gang leader, leading her to order his death.
The realization that Ivy, a woman of such social standing and a revered family heiress, could stoop to such vile and vicious actions left him both disgusted and enraged. The whole situation was a sordid mess, and Theodore felt a deep loathing for Ivy.
Before he could dwell further on these thoughts, Bella reappeared her expression a mix of determination and unease. "I met with Olivia today," she began. "She confessed everything." She paused, then added, "I sneakily recorded the conversation."
Bella handed him her phone, and without another word, she played the recording. Theodore’s eyes narrowed as Olivia’s voice filled the space, recounting the twisted plot that Ivy had set in motion. As the details unraveled, his grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white with fury.