Chapter 165 Stark Naked
Ten minutes later, Bella and Ximena left the café. No one knew what they talked about.
Bella went back to the office, thinking about how to save the Redstone Group.
Suddenly, she remembered the Clinton Group's billion-dollar investment in LR Design Studio. If she could just take a small part of that, it might save the Redstone Group. She could return the money later, and no one would know.
With that thought, Bella made up her mind.
Around noon, Bella transferred the money to Julian. She felt relieved but also resentful towards Julian and Lauren. If it weren't for them, she might already be with Felix.
In the following days, LR Design Studio's sales stayed high, but they also lost a lot of money. In just a week, the losses hit over 10 million.
Under pressure from shareholders, Bella had to stop the price war. The shareholders were unhappy with her, and she was frustrated with them.
To Bella, the shareholders were just old-fashioned and couldn't adapt.
She thought losing some money to beat MY FASHION was normal. It was the fastest way to capture the market, but the shareholders insisted on stopping her.
Feeling restrained, Bella was very unhappy. She even thought about kicking the shareholders out of LR Design Studio, but she still needed them since she had just taken over.
Meanwhile, Gianna and Faith were in the office calculating LR Design Studio's weekly losses.
"About 10 million. If they had continued, LR Design Studio might have increased its market share. Now that they've stopped, that 10 million is wasted," Faith said.
Gianna stayed calm, "It's not entirely wasted. At least LR Design Studio's brand awareness has increased. MY FASHION will need excellent designs next quarter, or they might face backlash. How's Emily doing?"
"We've hired four designers for her. If all goes well, the first batch of designs should be out in about two weeks."
Gianna nodded, "Keep a close eye on that. We need to establish this high-end line before LR Design Studio can react."
"Got it."
After discussing business, Faith asked, "Are you free tonight?"
Gianna raised eyebrows, "Why? Are you inviting me to dinner?"
"Yes, remember the guy I've been seeing? We've made it official, so I want to treat you to dinner."
Gianna looked surprised and smiled, "Sure, but I might bring someone along."
"Felix?"
"Yes."
"No problem, I'll let my boyfriend know."
After Faith left, Gianna called Felix about the dinner invitation.
There was a brief silence before Felix's deep voice came through, saying, "Sorry, I might not be free tonight."
Gianna pursed her lips, "Why? Do you have a business engagement?"
"No, I am going to the Clinton family's old house."
Gianna felt a bit disappointed but replied nonchalantly, "Alright, I understand."
After hanging up, Gianna messaged Faith to let her know Felix wouldn't be coming, then put her phone down.
After work, Gianna and Faith went to the restaurant together. When she saw Faith's boyfriend, Gianna's eyes widened in disbelief.
"How did you two end up together?!" Gianna couldn't believe Faith was dating Dominic, the man she had a date with and rejected.
Faith raised an eyebrow and smiled, "He fell in love with me at first sight and kept pursuing me."
Gianna gave her a look, "You're so full of yourself."
Dominic chuckled, his eyes full of affection.
"Gianna, Faith is telling the truth. I fell for her the moment I saw her," he said.
Faith raised eyebrows, "See, I told you it was true."
Dominic handed the menu to Gianna, "Gianna, pick what you want. I've already ordered some of Faith's favorites."
Faith kissed Dominic's cheek, "Thanks, darling."
Gianna rolled her eyes, "Can you two not be so affectionate while in front of me?"
Faith smirked, "We're even more affectionate in private. This is us being restrained."
Gianna was stunned.
After dinner, they got up to leave and ran into Uriah at the door. He was with his secretary and a CEO, both smiling, clearly discussing business.
Uriah's smile faded when he saw Faith. He glanced at her and Dominic holding hands, nodded at Gianna, and walked away.
Faith ignored him and kept chatting with Gianna.
Faith and Dominic dropped Gianna off at her villa. The place was dark, meaning Felix hadn't returned yet.
Inside, Gianna turned on the lights and relaxed in the living room. Just as she was about to head to the bedroom for a shower, her phone buzzed.
She opened the message to find a video and pictures from Bella. She clicked on them immediately.
Her fingers tightened, and a chill ran up her spine.
She quickly called Felix, but Bella answered, "Gianna, I sent you the photos and videos. Why call to humiliate yourself?"
She then added, "Oh, and Felix won't be going home tonight. Go to bed early."
Gianna hung up, checked Felix's location, and drove straight to the Clinton family's old house.
In less than half an hour, she arrived at the gate.
The servant's expression changed upon seeing her and blocked her way, "Mrs. Redstone, Mrs. White said you can't come in!"
"Move!" Gianna shouted.
The servant tried to stop her again but got slapped.
"Get out of my way!" She pushed past and walked inside.
Soon, Ximena appeared.
Seeing Gianna's grim expression, Ximena smiled smugly, "Gianna, Felix and Bella are together. You should leave now if you know what's good for you. Otherwise, you might not handle what you'll see."
Gianna sneered, her eyes cold, "I'm not the one cheating. What do I have to be afraid of?"
She pushed Ximena aside and stormed through the house.
Ximena stumbled, gritting her teeth in anger, and followed Gianna, 'helpfully' directing her to the room.
'Felix has taken the drug. He should be with Bella by now,' Ximena thought.
Ximena felt triumphant, waiting for Gianna to be heartbroken.
Gianna kicked the door open, but the scene inside wasn't what she expected.
Behind her, Ximena's face was smug, "Gianna, have you given up now?"
Gianna ignored her and walked into the bedroom, grabbing Bella's chin coldly, "Where is Felix?!"
Bella thought the suggestive videos and pictures would make Gianna misunderstand and give up, but she hadn't expected her to come directly.
However, Bella was prepared.
She tidied her slightly disheveled clothes and smiled, "Felix is taking a shower. Sis, you shouldn't disturb him."
Gianna's icy gaze swept over her face and landed on the white bedsheet with a red stain. She said slowly, "Bella, do you think I'll let you off today?"
Bella's eyes flashed with disdain, and she sneered, "I'm already Felix's woman. I don't believe you'd dare to do anything to me...!"
Gianna grabbed her and dragged her to the window, her eyes filled with coldness.
"This is the price for climbing into Felix's bed," Gianna growled.
Just then, a cold voice came from the doorway.
"What are you doing?!"