Chapter 202

Isabella and Dominic weren't exactly sworn enemies. The situation simply required her to maintain boundaries - she wasn't about to make concessions too easily.

Now that Richard had personally intervened, she could extend this professional courtesy.

However...

Richard's voice remained gentle through the phone. "Bella, no pressure. Take your time to consider and get back to me when you've decided."

"Understood," Isabella replied.

He added, "Regarding Dominic, treat him as you see fit. Don't compromise your principles on my account."

"Noted," she responded briskly.

Richard chuckled at her directness. "Alright then, I won't keep you. Let's catch up properly soon."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, Isabella immediately dialed Frederick.

It took Frederick thirty minutes to return her call. "What's the situation?"

Isabella briefed him concisely.

Frederick's response was characteristically measured. "Richard doesn't offer favors lightly. Consider this carefully." His words confirmed Richard's reputation.

"Thank you, Mr. Aldridge."

A simple acknowledgment before the line went dead.

By morning, Isabella had made her decision and called Richard back.

He'd anticipated she might consult Frederick first, so the delayed response didn't surprise him.

"Thank you, Bella," Richard said warmly when she gave her answer.

"You're too kind."

The call ended with Richard exhaling deeply.

A colleague noticed. "Trouble, Mr. Fairchild?"

Richard sank into his chair. "Sometimes I wish I had a daughter."

"At our age? Spare your wife the trouble," the colleague joked. "Your son should be settling down - hope for grandchildren instead."

Richard shook his head. "That boy makes nothing easy."

Meanwhile, Dominic had rushed to YodaVision the moment he received confirmation.

Isabella had already informed Nathaniel about Richard's involvement.

Nathaniel kept Dominic waiting for over an hour before granting an audience.

Dominic's revised proposal exceeded their initial terms in generosity.

Yet Nathaniel remained impassive. "Looking forward to collaborating."

Dominic shook his hand firmly. "The pleasure's mine." His quarrel was with Isabella, not Nathaniel.

"Join me for lunch?" Dominic suggested. "We can discuss next steps."

Nathaniel's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Certainly. Though Isabella will be joining us. That won't be a problem, Mr. Fairchild?"

Dominic assumed Nathaniel's cooperation resulted from Richard approaching Frederick, who then influenced Nathaniel. Isabella's presence seemed incidental.

While he disliked her, business came first. "Of course. If Ms. Sinclair has no objections."

Nathaniel summoned Isabella without another word.

She arrived promptly.

Dominic expected resentment or at least visible frustration toward Nathaniel.

Instead, she offered a professional handshake. "Looking forward to working together."