Chapter 171

Madeline's words left Isabella momentarily stunned. Bianca, too, was stunned. She had no intention of apologizing.

However, Bianca quickly realized that this might be her best excuse to enter the company.

"Isabella," Bianca said, all sweetness and light, "I'm so sorry about what happened before. The online harassment freaked me out, so I couldn't face you. But things are calmer now, and I heard about your mess. I feel for you, really. So, I'm here to say sorry. Please, accept my apology." She squeezed Isabella's hand.

To Bianca's surprise, Isabella didn't pull away but instead smiled warmly.

"I didn't expect you to think of me even while undergoing a kidney transplant, Bianca. I'm deeply touched by your concern. Since you care so much about me, of course, I'll accept your apology." Isabella gently patted Bianca's hand, her face showing a kind smile.

Bianca's smile froze, and Isabella's reaction made her uneasy.

"Isabella, it's so good that you think this way." Bianca forced a smile.

"Of course, we're not letting this little thing come between us. We practically grew up together. I even helped you with your homework, remember?" Isabella brought up their childhood, subtly mocking Bianca.

But Isabella wasn't going to forgive Bianca so easily; she had other plans.

"My dear cousin, I can forgive you, but that doesn't mean the public will be so lenient about your past deceit! A quick online apology won't cut it. You need to apologize to the public as well," Isabella said, waving her hand.

"Everyone in the design department, please look over here. If you have friends in other departments, please call them here. I have an important announcement to make," Isabella called out, standing on a chair. The surrounding colleagues looked over curiously.

Madeline and Bianca turned pale, realizing what Isabella intended to do.

"Isabella, there's no need to make such a big scene. You're making me feel very embarrassed," Bianca said, forcing a very awkward smile.

Isabella stepped down from the chair, patted Bianca's head, and said seriously, "Sweetheart, a real apology needs to be heartfelt. You misled so many people online, and they're all waiting to hear from you. I've already told you, apologizing to me isn't enough. You owe those you deceived a proper apology as well."

Isabella then contacted Dwayne to inform him of Bianca's planned apology.

In his office, Dwayne was stunned for several seconds after receiving Isabella's call. After she hung up, his mouth twitched.

"What's going on now? Damn it, who let Bianca in?" Dwayne muttered, thinking that the design department might need a major personnel reshuffle.

Dwayne immediately phoned Michael, updating him on the situation with Isabella. Michael had previously ordered him to report anything concerning Isabella.

Michael smiled upon receiving Dwayne's call.

"Isabella wants you there for her cousin's apology, so you're going. And get people from all departments - everyone, including the cooks andthe cleaning crew," Michael commanded.

Dwayne started to protest, but thought better of it. He just nodded, then ended the call.

"Bianca is such an idiot. Why did she have to mess with Isabella? Isabella's caught in a media storm. Instead of watching the show at home, Biana came here to stir things up. She's just asking for trouble," Dwayne muttered, complaining about Bianca's foolishness while gathering employees from various departments to the design department.

With Dwayne's help, soon all the company's employees gathered in the design department. Due to the limited space, some even stood on tables.

Despite the crowd, the room was silent. Everyone was looking at Bianca with curious and puzzled expressions.

Moments before, all of the employees received directives from management to assemble in the design department and observe. They were instructed to maintain silence until they were told to return to their work.

On the way, some learned about the situation in the design department and shared it with their colleagues. They were all eager to see Bianca apologize, especially since they had been deceived by her and had insulted Isabella online, only to feel foolish when the truth came out.

Bianca's face was extremely grim. With so many people watching her, she felt immense pressure, as if Isabella was publicly humiliating her.

Once all the employees had gathered, Isabella stood on a chair and pointed at Bianca, smiling. "Everyone knows her, right? This is my cousin, Bianca. She stole my designs during the company's design competition. Many people were deceived by her, but there's something I need to say."

Isabella's expression turned serious and kind. "Bianca is my cousin, and I'm willing to give her a chance to admit her mistakes. Today, with Ms. Eve's help, my dear cousin has come here to apologize to me. I'm so glad she's owning up to her mistakes and wants to make things right. Everyone, phones out - let's get this apology on record! Remember how sorry she is, and let's move on."

Isabella then jumped off the chair, held Bianca's hand, and smiled. "Bianca, are you ready? You can start your apology now."

Bianca glared at Isabella with venomous eyes, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.