Chapter 131

Dwayne was originally going to hand the whole project over to Isabella. But with the design department now split into two camps, he had to think about the company's best interests. So, he decided to give the project to both Isabella and Madeline.

Madeline's eyes lit up. "Mr. Larson, I can totally handle this! I've worked with Mr. Hamilton before. When we were abroad, he even said my design style was exactly what he was looking for!"

Dwayne was taken aback by Madeline's experience.

"Alright then, show us what you got. And Isabella, you too, give it your all!" Dwayne said, making sure to be fair and give both of them a shot.

Isabella looked super serious because she knew this was her big chance to prove herself as the head of the design department. Nailing this project was the only way to really secure her position.

Madeline, on the other hand, was a bit miffed. She felt this project should've been hers alone, given her history with Kevin.

Madeline knew how crucial this was for Isabella, which is exactly why she wasn't going to let her have it easy.

Madeline suddenly turned to Isabella and said, "Isabella, how about a little bet?"

Isabella glanced at her and asked, "What kind of bet?"

"Let's see whose design Mr. Hamilton picks! If I win, I become the director, and you become my deputy! Deal?" Madeline said with a confident smirk.

Dwayne frowned. The fact that Madeline was bold enough to propose this bet meant she was in a strong position, which wasn't good for Isabella.

"Enough, this is a company project. We want healthy competition, not gambling," Dwayne scolded, trying to put an end to it.

But Isabella raised her hand to stop him. She looked at Madeline and asked, "Ms. Eve, if you lose, what then?"

Madeline didn't think she'd lose, but a bet's a bet.

"If I lose, I won't bother you or Juliet anymore, and I'll take on any tasks you give me seriously," Madeline said with a smile.

Isabella looked at her, a smile forming on her face. "Alright, let's have Mr. Larson as our witness."

"Are you sure? This isn't exactly in your favor," Dwayne said, puzzled by her decision.

Isabella nodded firmly. "I know a lot of people don't think I should be head of the design department. I want to use this chance to prove myself. If I'm not good enough, stepping down is only fair."

Madeline, for once, gave Isabella a thumbs up. "Isabella, you really are something!"

Dwayne sighed. Since Isabella agreed to the bet, he had no objections.

"Alright then, the bet is on. Isabella, I hope you give it your best," Dwayne said, waving them off.

After Isabella and Madeline left, Dwayne hesitated for a moment before dialing Michael's number.

Isabella's position was personally appointed by Michael. Even if Isabella wanted to resign, Dwayne had to let Michael know.

When Michael heard about the bet between Isabella and Madeline, he was quiet for a moment before saying he understood.

Dwayne sighed in relief; at least Michael wasn't mad at him.

After hanging up, Michael tapped his fingers on the desk. He knew Kevin well, and they had a good relationship. He wondered if he should help Isabella out.

In the end, Michael shook his head. He remembered Kevin's personality. Kevin was very particular about his work, so trying to sway his decision through their relationship was a no-go.

Although Michael couldn't directly make Isabella the winner, he could give her some extra support.

After leaving Dwayne's office, Isabella went back to her own. She carefully read through the documents in her hand.

Kevin was a genius in chemistry, holding numerous invention patents used in various scientific fields. He even owned a research company. Since he didn't develop products in the cosmetics industry, he licensed related patents to other cosmetics companies.

The goal of this design project was to create a new look for Kevin's products to improve their market value.

Meanwhile, Madeline found her assistant, Thea.

"Go and doctor all the files on Kevin, including the company's research on what he likes. I want to make sure Isabella falls into a trap she can't escape," Madeline said, a malicious glint in her eyes.

Thea nodded and got to work immediately. She had just been demoted and had her salary cut, so she was eager to vent her frustration.

Isabella finished reading the documents and started searching the company's internal database for information on Kevin.

But after reading the info, Isabella frowned deeply. "Kevin's taste is so unique? Fluorescent pink and red with green? My God, who would come up with this combination?"

Isabella sensed something was off. She closed the internal data and searched online for Kevin's product designs over the years.

She found that the online information was completely different from the company's internal data.

"Madeline, you are truly malicious." Isabella angrily slapped the table. It was obvious the internal data had been tampered with, and the only person who could have done it was Madeline.

"Is Madeline planning to beat me this way? How ridiculous." Isabella sneered and continued to search for information about Kevin online.

As she read more and more, her understanding of Kevin's preferences grew deeper.