Chapter 404
The designers bailed on Bianca's company. They were brought in by Bianca, using John's name. They weren't too worried about pissing off John, figuring they'd land on their feet somewhere else.
Meanwhile, after her hospital check-up, Bianca found out her baby was fine despite her stress. She felt a bit better, but then the dread set in, knowing John would be furious. And boy, was he mad. When he saw Bianca, his face was like a thundercloud.
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I just lose it every time I see Isabella," Bianca said, looking down, sounding really sorry.
John's voice was icy. "Starting tomorrow, no phone or smart devices for you. The radiation isn't good for the baby. Grab some books if you're bored, but don't cause me any more trouble."
John was barely keeping his cool, trying not to blow up right then and there.
Tears filled Bianca's eyes as she looked up at him. "I know I messed up. I'll take the company's stuff seriously from now on, and I won't go against Isabella again."
John waved her off. "No need to say more. Your company's done. Because of what you did, the Olympic Committee rejected all your entries. Even my other Olympic-related businesses are affected. It's gonna cost a lot to fix."
Bianca was shocked. She hadn't realized how bad things had gotten.
"I'm so sorry, honey. I didn't think it would get this bad. I didn't think it through," Bianca said, holding John's hand, her voice full of regret.
"Please don't let my company go under. I really want to do something for you," she pleaded, looking at John.
John's grip on her was tightening, and she couldn't afford to lose her last bit of leverage against Isabella.
John looked at her coldly, and just then, Daphne burst into the hospital room.
"Mr. Williams, this is the resignation report from the design department," Daphne said, holding a stack of papers, looking a bit awkward. She wanted to hand them to John but hesitated.
Bianca glared at Daphne. "Can't you see we're in the middle of something? If the design department wants to quit, let them."
Daphne smirked and reluctantly handed the papers to John. "It's a collective resignation. They're really disappointed with Ms. Taylor."
"What? Are they nuts?" Bianca snatched the papers and looked through them, confirming the whole design team had quit.
Bianca shook with anger.
John shot a disappointed glance at Bianca before handing the documents back to Daphne. "Let those designers know that if they stick around, I'll give them a 50% raise. And Bianca, you're off the hook from all your duties starting today."
Daphne nodded and quickly left the room, sensing the tension and not wanting to stick around.
Bianca sat on the hospital bed, feeling utterly defeated.
"I don't get it. You have everything you need and a higher status. Why do you keep going after Isabella? Am I not enough for you?" John asked, his voice full of frustration.
Bianca closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face.
"You don't get it. You're the only heir, always the favorite of your grandfather. But I've never felt that way. My grandpa only has eyes for Isabella. She's always been the star, and I've been stuck in her shadow. We're both family, so why does she get all the love?" Bianca's eyes were red as she stared at John.
"So this is all about jealousy? You're jealous she's more popular?" John sighed deeply.
Bianca stood up, glaring at John. "Shouldn't I be angry? We love each other, but your grandpa wants you to marry Isabella! Has he ever thought about our feelings? Why does my grandpa favor Isabella over me? And why does your grandfather prefer her too?"
Bianca shouted, grabbing John's clothes and shaking him.
John fell silent. "I'm sorry. If I had told my grandfather earlier, maybe he wouldn't have arranged the engagement with Isabella."
"As the heir, there are things you can't just do because you want to." Bianca wiped her tears, a bitter smile on her face.
"I don't see any point in living. Maybe I'm just here to get back at Isabella." Bianca sneered, shrugged, and walked out of the room.
John stood quietly, facing the door, and sighed after a long time.
Meanwhile, Isabella was working in her office when Carol burst in.
"Isabella, come with me. Stop what you're doing. I need to introduce you to some people." Carol urgently pulled Isabella from her desk and headed to the meeting room downstairs.
"What's going on? Why the rush?" Isabella asked, her heels clicking on the floor as she was pulled along.
In the elevator, Carol said excitedly, "Bianca's company is going under. The Olympic Committee canceled their participation because of a scandal."
"And?" Isabella asked, confused. The news was satisfying, but she didn't see how it related to her.
Carol grinned. "The designers from Bianca's company have resigned, and they're here to apply for jobs."