Chapter 129

The moment Victoria appeared, the models surged forward like a tidal wave.

“The evidence is overwhelming! How can anyone still defend her?”

“She must pay for our losses! Ten million per model is non-negotiable!”

“As her sister, make her confess! We’ll sue and get her blacklisted industry-wide!”

Their voices merged into a furious chorus. Victoria’s gaze drifted toward Isabella, her lips pressed into a thin, apologetic line.

“My sister has a point,” she said softly. “The evidence is circumstantial. Traces of poison on her fingers could’ve come from accidental contact.”

Eunice scoffed loudly. “Then explain why she didn’t eat the strawberry! Why throw it away?”

All eyes locked onto Isabella. “Yes! Explain yourself!”

“Why is she the only one with poison residue?”

“Enough talk! She’s just stalling. Let’s sue her now! Boycott all her companies!”

Lawyers were already being summoned, phones pressed to ears as legal threats circulated.

Victoria approached Isabella with feigned concern. “Just compensate them first. We can sort out the truth later.”

“So you endorse extorting ten million from the ‘culprit’?” Isabella’s voice cut through the noise like ice.

Victoria stiffened. The question felt like a trap.

“If you’re responsible,” she said carefully, “compensation is reasonable. These are top models losing millions per day. Ten million is generous.”

Eunice sneered. “Be grateful we’re not demanding more!”

Isabella scanned the room. “You all agree? Ten million each? No regrets?”

“Just pay up!” they shouted in unison.

“Fine,” Isabella said. “But I can’t access funds while detained. The court ruling is in two days. My lawyer will distribute compensation then.”

“You’re lying!” Eunice spat.

Isabella ignored her. She produced a notepad and scrawled a contract: ‘The agreed compensation is $10 million per model, payable upon court verdict.’

She coated her thumb in crimson lipstick and pressed it firmly onto the paper.

“Your turn,” she said, passing the document around.

“Why do we need to sign?” Eunice protested.

Isabella’s smile was razor-sharp. “So you don’t suddenly decide to double the price tomorrow. Press your thumbprints. All of you.”

The models hesitated, unnerved by her commanding presence. She was the accused, yet she held the room in her thrall.