Chapter 223: A Woman Among Women
"By that logic, you're technically correct. But you need to understand the legal principle of ne bis in idem—double jeopardy. If you settle with him now and let him walk, you can't charge him with theft again later," the officer explained.
The choice was clear: severely punish a small-time player, or use him to catch the mastermind behind everything.
Isabella and Richard quickly made their decision.
During their statements, they deliberately undervalued the Crystaphene, claiming a minimal financial loss. They then reached a private settlement with Jesse, and just like that, he was released.
Jesse eyed Richard and William with lingering fear. As he left the police station, he deliberately gave them a wide berth, determined to cut all ties with these people.
Isabella, however, stepped directly into his path.
"There's one more small favor we need from you."
Jesse instantly bristled. "We already settled! I paid you back—what more do you want from me?"
He actually believed this nightmare was over.
Richard and William simultaneously moved forward, flanking Isabella on either side in a rare show of unity.
"We let you out precisely to catch the bigger fish behind you. I need you to contact him again and arrange a meeting," Richard said flatly.
Jesse's face twisted with reluctance. He opened his mouth to refuse.
William had no patience for his stalling. He went straight for the kill.
"The theft charges may be settled, but we haven't pursued you for corporate espionage yet. That Crystaphene contains Infinity Ventures Corporation's core proprietary technology."
Not to mention the chaos Jesse had caused at today's press conference. The reporters had been furious.
If Richard decided to press charges, Jesse wouldn't stand a chance.
Cornered, Jesse grudgingly agreed. He'd go back and try to contact the young man. As soon as he made contact, he'd notify them immediately.
After the press conference, Isabella—as Infinity Ventures Corporation's Chief Research Officer—became an overnight sensation. Her poised performance under pressure went viral across social media.
With her revolutionary new material, she'd single-handedly driven Infinity Ventures' stock to new heights.
A beautiful woman commands admiration. But a beautiful woman with both brilliance and the patent for a publicly traded company's core technology? That demanded respect on an entirely different level.
[Isabella isn't just Infinity Ventures' Chief Research Officer—she's also Victoria, the legendary racer who just won the Canvia Championship, one of the deadliest races in the world!]
[Isabella's life is literally my dream. If I could be half as smart in my next life, I'd die happy.]
[When I was little, I genuinely thought I'd grow up to be a badass scientist like her.]
Back at the lab, Emily enthusiastically read aloud the flood of praise for Isabella from social media.
Isabella had been given two weeks off, but she'd returned to pick up something she'd forgotten. Pushing open the lab door, she walked into this unexpectedly spirited scene.
"Didn't Mr. Spencer give the entire lab time off?"
Emily grinned, setting down her phone. "Everyone's pumped. They want to become as accomplished as you."
Isabella knew they were talking about the viral post. She'd essentially become the public face of Infinity Ventures Corporation. The post's popularity was undoubtedly boosted by Richard's PR team.
She picked up her belongings, smiling dismissively.
"Why aim to be like me? Be a one-of-a-kind Emily instead. Make people remember your names, not mine."
Isabella added offhandedly, "The experiments belong to the company. Your health belongs to you. You've been corporate drones for a year—aren't you tired of working? We give you vacation time and you refuse to take it?"
The words were blunt, but true. The room's enthusiasm cooled. After a moment of reflection, people began packing up their things.
"I'm booking a flight tonight. Two weeks on a tropical island—nobody contact me!"
"Phone's going off. Sleeping at home. Saves money and energy."
"This bonus is almost as big as my year-end bonus! Time to finally upgrade my tech!"
Leaving the office, Isabella drove straight to the preschool.
She arrived just as school let out. Richard's flashy sports car immediately drew attention from the other parents.
Mary usually handled pickups. Isabella's rare appearance surprised the teacher.
"Ms. Capulet, this morning's press conference was incredible. I had no idea you were such an accomplished scientist."
Isabella took Olivia's hand, smiling awkwardly at the teacher. "It's just work. Nothing heroic about it."
Nathan stood by the entrance, watching Isabella hopefully. But she didn't spare him a single glance.
After collecting Olivia, Isabella turned to leave.
Coincidentally, William had come to pick up Nathan as well.
Spotting Isabella, he said nothing—just silently quickened his pace to follow them.
Olivia pulled a folded piece of drawing paper from her little backpack.
"Mommy, the teacher praised my drawing in art class today!"
Children always crave their parents' approval. Olivia gazed up at Isabella, eyes bright with expectation.
Isabella unfolded the drawing. A vast blue sky stretched overhead. On a green lawn stood a man and woman, with two children between them—one in pink, one in blue.
At first glance, it looked like a happy family of four.
Isabella's gaze sharpened slightly.
William also saw the drawing. A faint smile curved his lips.
"Olivia did a great job on this family portrait."
He picked up Nathan, letting him see the picture too.
"This is what the child wants. You can't deny your own daughter's wishes, can you?" His words carried clear implications for Isabella.
Nathan frowned. "Wait, what? Why did Olivia draw braids on me too?"
Olivia's face scrunched up indignantly, her lower lip jutting out.
"That's me and Mommy, and Uncle Richard and Julia!"
The explanation made both William's and Nathan's expressions freeze.
This family portrait... was of Richard?
William's eyes darkened dangerously as he warned Isabella, "We're not divorced yet. Without my permission, you are not giving my daughter a stepfather!"
Especially not Richard. Absolutely not Richard.