Chapter 197
Seeing it was Lauren, Bella frowned and hung up right away.
A message from Thomas popped up next.
Thomas: [Bella, is this your idea of good news?]
Bella was stunned, 'How could we lose the case?'
Soon, the lawyers from LR Design Studio came out.
They looked defeated, unlike their initial confidence. Meanwhile, MY FASHION's lawyers looked triumphant.
Reporters ignored Bella and rushed to MY FASHION's legal team.
"Attorney Edwards, why did you wait until the last moment to present the evidence?"
He smiled and said, "We wanted to see how shameless LR Design Studio could be. They didn't disappoint, asking for fifty million dollars. In all my years, I've never seen such audacity."
Everyone stifled their laughter, while LR Design Studio's lawyers looked grim.
Bella was furious. She didn't expect MY FASHION to prove the picture was photoshopped!
Didn't Thomas say hardly anyone could detect this kind of photoshop?
Fuming, Bella messaged Thomas.
Bella: [How dare you ask me? Didn't you say the picture wouldn't be discovered as photoshopped? How did MY FASHION's lawyers find out?]
She got into her car, threw her phone on the passenger seat, and drove off.
With this loss, LR Design Studio would face even harsher criticism. She needed a solution fast.
In MY FASHION's President's office, Gianna got a call from Faith about their win.
She wasn't surprised; she had expected this outcome.
LR Design Studio was getting what they deserved. Netizens who had criticized MY FASHION would now be furious at being deceived. Bella's punishment was just starting.
As news of the victory spread, MY FASHION's stock price soared.
To celebrate, MY FASHION offered a 30% discount, and their clothes sold out quickly.
Meanwhile, LR Design Studio was in shambles.
With the lawsuit loss, many of their misdeeds were exposed, making them a public target. Online, people organized a boycott against them.
Bella spent the day in her office, reading angry online comments.
Netizens who had supported LR Design Studio turned against them. Their Facebook page and Bella's personal account were flooded with criticism.
The harsh words echoed in her mind, and Bella smashed her phone in anger.
The PR department tried to control the comments but eventually gave up.
Business partners started terminating contracts with LR Design Studio, demanding compensation. Some even speculated that Bella had influenced Nathan, the client manager from M, to terminate the contract with MY FASHION.
When Ella knocked and entered Bella's office, Bella was behind her desk, eyes red, gripping the keyboard tightly, exuding a tense aura.
Ella stood a few steps from the door, too scared to get closer.
"Bella, our biggest brand partners are terminating their contracts and demanding compensation."
Bella's face was icy as she gritted her teeth, "Let the other shareholders handle it!"
"Also, MY FASHION's lawyer is here to discuss compensation."
Bella's eyes flared with anger and she yelled, "Tell them to get lost! I won't give Gianna a single penny!"
Ella, terrified by Bella's outburst, quickly left.
At 7 p.m., at Free Life restaurant in Dawnridge, Gianna and Felix were dining by the window, enjoying the night view.
"Gianna, congrats to MY FASHION for winning the case," Felix congratulated.
Gianna smiled, clinked glasses with him, took a sip of wine, and said, "Thank you."
Felix put down his glass, looking a bit nervous.
"I have something else to tell you," he said.
Gianna looked puzzled, "What is it?"
Felix pursed his lips, stood up, and was about to kneel when his phone rang.
He frowned, wanting to ignore it, but Gianna handed him the phone.
"Take the call first," she said.
After answering, Felix's face turned grim.
"Natalie suddenly fainted and was hospitalized!" he informed her.
By the time they got to the hospital, it was past 8 p.m.
Leon quickly approached them. Felix asked urgently, "What did the doctor say? Why did Natalie faint?"
Leon shook his head, "They couldn't find out. The doctor thinks it might be low blood sugar and suggested observing her for a few days."
Felix's expression was cold, "Natalie has regular check-ups. How could she have low blood sugar?"
"I don't know, but lately, Natalie's appetite has decreased. She can only eat half a bowl of food at each meal."
Felix frowned, "I understand. You go home and rest. I'll arrange for caregivers to look after Natalie."
Leon nodded, "Alright, I'll go home and pack some things for Natalie. The doctor said she needs to stay here for a few days."
"Okay."
Shortly after Leon left, Natalie woke up.
When she learned she had to stay in the hospital, she was unhappy and insisted on going home.
"I just fainted from low blood sugar. The doctor is overreacting. I've been healthy for years. I can rest at home," she said, pouting.
While peeling an apple, Gianna said, "Natalie, just stay for a few days and get some tests done. If everything's fine, we'll be at ease."
Natalie frowned, "I'm really fine. Staying here makes me uncomfortable."
Gianna smiled, "It's just a few days. If you're not used to it, I'll stay with you. How about that?"
Natalie reluctantly agreed, "Alright."
Gianna cut the apple into small pieces, scalded them with hot water, and gave them to Natalie.
While they were chatting, Connor and Ximena arrived.
After learning Natalie wasn't in serious condition, they sighed in relief.
Natalie said indifferently, "Alright, it's just low blood sugar. You can go home now. There's nothing to do here."
Connor nodded, "Okay, Natalie, you rest well. I'll come see you with Ximena tomorrow."
"No need. The caregivers will handle everything," Natalie rejected immediately.
She had always disliked Ximena and didn't want her around.
As they were leaving, Ximena said to Gianna, "Gianna, could you and Felix come out for a moment? I have something to discuss."
Outside the ward, Ximena looked at them and asked directly, "When do you plan to remarry?"
