Chapter 57

Chapter 57

But in Isabella's view, having William's company was better than fighting alone.

"Okay, thank you, thank you for your support, William."

"Don't mention it. Just remember to take care of yourself and don't push too hard."

After hanging up, Isabella personally called Hayden's secretary, Flora, to let her know that she was willing to take on this project.

Flora acted quickly. Almost the next second, Hayden got the news. He was staring at the data on his computer screen with a headache when he heard what Flora said. His body shook, and his eyes widened.

"Are you sure? Isabella is willing to take on this project?"

He stood up suddenly in excitement.

Flora nodded. Isabella's willingness to take on this project at least meant that the Taylor Group had some hope.

But thinking about the project's situation, Flora's face showed some worry again. She stepped forward and gathered her courage to ask.

"But Mr. Taylor, this project is quite tricky. There are only ten days left, and the current progress is less than one-third complete. Even if we rush from today, we might not finish it."

Hayden's excitement faded a bit, and he sat back down in his seat.

"Even if we do finish it, if the results aren't good, it'll all be for nothing."

Flora's worry wasn't unreasonable. As the company's boss, how could Hayden not understand the project's situation?

He knew from the moment he got this project that it was a mess, but Harold had grabbed him by his most sensitive spot.

Money, it was all about money, and tons of resources. Harold made it sound good - if this project really succeeded, money and resources wouldn't be a problem. Not only could it help the Taylor Group get through the current crisis, but it could also take the Taylor Group to the next level.

But the problem was, this project was difficult and might not succeed.

"I trust Isabella. She won't do something she's not confident about."

That's what he said, but worry still flashed in Hayden's eyes. He irritably pushed away the files in front of him. Seeing this, Flora still didn't leave. After hesitating several times, she continued to ask.

"Mr. Taylor, have you thought this through? If this project succeeds, someone else might be calling the shots at the Taylor Group."

Hayden laughed coldly, sat up straight, his eyes cold.

"Someone else calling the shots? You're overthinking it. As long as I'm here, the Taylor Group will never have someone else in charge. Keep a close eye on Isabella's side and tell me immediately if anything unusual happens."

Flora didn't ask more questions and left tactfully, closing the door. In the office, Hayden still maintained his straight-backed posture, as if to maintain his authority.

On the other side, Isabella had already received the project proposal. After flipping through it, her heart sank.

This proposal was a complete mess. It started well, but the second half was basically nonsense.

Isabella pushed the proposal aside and pursed her lips in thought.

This proposal was useless except for showing what work had been done in the early stages. She now had to start writing a new proposal from scratch.

When the project was transferred to her, several people in charge came along. Seeing that Isabella was young and seemed naive, their contempt deepened. They sat casually on chairs nearby, not taking Isabella seriously at all, doing their own thing.

Isabella didn't mind their casual attitude. When she first came to the department, wasn't it the same? The department staff looked down on her, but later on, didn't she get them all in line?

"There are ten days left until this project ends. Tonight I'll try to get the design drafts done. I hope you can give me a general introduction to what this project's positioning is."

The conference room was dead silent. They didn't even look up at Isabella. Briar's face flushed red with anger at their attitude, and she was about to slam the table in protest when Isabella stopped her.

She shook her head at Briar, her expression calm, and picked up the proposal, turning to one of the pages.

"As far as I know, the budget allocated for this project at the beginning was quite substantial. Why did it keep decreasing later on?"

She spoke slowly and deliberately, each word clear and forceful, her eyes scanning everyone present. Seeing their uncomfortable expressions when she mentioned the budget, they even stopped looking at their phones.

She had an answer in her mind, but wasn't in a hurry to press further, letting the conference room fall into dead silence until one person sitting below spoke with a trembling voice.

"After the budget was allocated, we used it all on the project."

He seemed to have been pushed forward by others, looking guilty, his voice shaking.

Isabella smiled slightly, the smile not reaching her eyes.

"Used it on the project?"

She questioned, "I don't see any positive changes in the project. Instead, it's getting worse, the positioning is becoming unclear, and we can't attract investors. Why don't you tell me exactly where the budget went?"

Isabella looked directly at the person who just spoke. He was left speechless, looking embarrassed, and simply lowered his head and played dead.

"Where the previous budget ended up, you all know better than anyone. Don't worry, I don't want to dig too deep, but if you're not willing to cooperate with my work, then I'll have to investigate this matter directly."

"What happens when you pocket the budget? Everyone here knows. We're all in this together, and I don't want to make things too ugly. There are only ten days left. I hope everyone can cooperate with my work during these ten days and not make things difficult for each other, right?"

Isabella spoke calmly and steadily. With just a few sentences, she had analyzed the whole situation for everyone present. Although they felt defiant inside, they didn't dare show it on their faces. They quickly put away their phones and started listening seriously.

"What's your positioning for the project?"

The meeting didn't last long, but it was exhausting. Isabella looked at the pile of documents on the table and let out a long sigh, picking up her coffee.

Until this project was finished, she could forget about leaving work on time. Forget leaving on time - she might not even make it home.

Briar looked at her with sympathy.

"Why did you take on this project? I feel like this project can't be saved."

She had a straightforward personality and always spoke directly. Isabella was amused by her blunt words and almost spat out her coffee, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Don't be so pessimistic. We don't have the results yet, do we? Why be so down?"