Filed to story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
“You’re really kind,” Betsey said, tears of frustration rolling down her cheeks. “She isn’t a philanthropist; she’s a monster!”
“Oh, you poor thing. You shouldn’t just sit back and take it. I have an idea…” Jada leaned in and whispered something, causing Betsey’s eyes to light up with hope.
As evening approached, the city glowed softly in the golden light of the setting sun. Isabella stood by the expansive window of her office, gazing at the opulent skyline while pondering where to dine.
“Miss Patton, there’s a situation. A crowd has gathered to see you,” her assistant said, urgency lacing her tone.
Isabella pivoted to face her. “Who are they?”
“They claim to be the students you used to support.”
Isabella’s brow furrowed as she took a seat and accessed the surveillance footage. Almost immediately, she spotted dozens of eager students gathered outside.
“These students must have been found with serious flaws, which is why you stopped their funding. But the identity of the benefactor is supposed to be confidential. How did they learn about it?” her assistant inquired.
Isabella narrowed her eyes and made her way to the elevator, heading down to the first floor.
The students conversed with passersby.
“We traveled a whole day by train to thank Miss Patton. Even though she no longer supports us, she helped us before, and we are really thankful.”
Dressed in ragged clothing, the students appeared thin and unwell. Bystanders looked on with sympathy. “You guys are incredibly mature. Why did they cut off your sponsorship?”
“We’re not sure. We came to learn why. Regardless, we’re very thankful to Miss Patton.”
The students’ heartfelt maturity touched the hearts of those nearby.
“Don’t worry. Miss Patton will definitely explain everything. She’s the Charity Angel who looks after everyone in need,” someone reassured them.
The assistant leaned in to whisper to Isabella, “I believe these students are being manipulative. If we don’t support them again, we’ll look heartless! The media will tear us apart. They’re so young yet so scheming.”
The assistant felt a wave of disgust. How could Isabella not see through this? Even though the villages these students came from were impoverished, she had mailed them decent clothing. Yet today, they appeared to be staging this for impact.
“Miss Patton, why don’t we just explain why we stopped the sponsorship? The onlookers will get it.”
“They’re in Ansport now. If anything goes wrong, we’ll be held accountable,” Isabella replied coolly.
The assistant smacked her forehead in frustration. “I was too naive. Even if they have moral flaws, if something happens to them, people will see us as heartless. Is there really no better option?”
“Bring two of them to my office,” Isabella instructed.
After returning upstairs, she quickly received a call from her mother.
“Isabella, I heard the students you had supported financially have come looking for you. How did they find out about you?” Elaine asked, her voice tinged with concern.
“Someone’s definitely causing trouble behind the scenes. But don’t worry, Mom.”
“Who would do such a thing? This is outrageous! Bringing a group of students here—if anything goes wrong during their visit, you’ll be the one held responsible.”
Isabella’s mind went to one person—Betsey.
“I think I know what’s happening. I’ll take care of these students,” Isabella replied with a confident smile, already crafting a strategy.
Hearing her daughter’s assured tone, Elaine felt a wave of relief. Her precious girl was remarkable, always managing to stay composed even in the most stressful moments.
However, she couldn’t just sit idle. Elaine began making a few phone calls. “Yes, it’s me. Remember those people who fraudulently obtained funding from our foundation? I think it’s time to make some information public about that. Scammers are becoming increasingly brazen these days.”
A young boy entered the reception room of Edge Entertainment, guided by Isabella’s assistant. The dusty little boy scanned the room with curious eyes. The upscale, brightly lit reception area and the unfamiliar antique decor captivated his attention.
As a student, a flicker of greedy desire sparkled in his eyes. Surely, taking one of these antiques home could fetch a lot of money, right? He had heard that certain antiques could be valued in the millions. Millions—such an amount was beyond his imagination. That would mean his family would never have to fret about food or clothing again.
Yet the boy was quite perceptive. He quickly gathered himself and addressed the elegant woman on the sofa. “Are you the one who supported us?”
“Yes, please take a seat,” Isabella replied warmly. The boy eased into the seat across from her, quickly launching into his complaints. “Miss Patton, I was innocent! I fought with others because they were pushing me.” He had lost his sponsorship because of the fight.
Tearfully, he continued, “Miss Patton, I’m truly grateful for your support, but my family can’t survive without it. Please help me. Saving a life is the greatest kindness.” For someone so young to articulate such thoughts, it was evident that Betsey had taught him well.
Isabella’s voice remained calm. “But I’ve heard you were bullying others during those fights. What’s the truth?”
The boy’s expression shifted slightly, but he firmly replied, “That’s not true at all! I would never bully anyone. Miss Patton, don’t believe those lies. Some people are just jealous of my sponsorship.” He stubbornly maintained his innocence.
“Oh? So you’re claiming all of you are innocent and wronged?”
“Yes, we’re all wronged. We’re just students; how could we possibly bully anyone?” The boy gazed at Isabella with big, pleading eyes. “Miss Patton, could you please keep supporting us? We won’t survive otherwise.”
Isabella responded, “I understand. But business is challenging right now, and funds are limited. I can continue to support someone, but I can only choose one.”
The boy hesitated, considering his options. “How about this? Go back and talk it over with the others, then come back and let me know who needs help.”
“Miss Patton, can’t you help all of us?” The boy’s expression became even more sorrowful.
“Honestly, I can’t. I’m stretching my budget to support you. Do you understand? If not, I won’t be able to support any of you,” Isabella explained.
The boy paused, contemplating. Isabella added, “The person I continue to support will receive a better education. They’ll have the chance to work in our company, and I’ll help them become a successful professional.”
The boy felt tempted. If he secured this sponsorship, he could work at this company.
“Miss Patton, I really don’t think it’s necessary to talk to the others about this. I’m the one who needs your support the most.” He gazed at Isabella, desperation etched on his face. “My family has nothing. My parents are unwell and can’t work, and my grandparents have passed away. At least the others have someone who can contribute.”
“Is that true?”
“Absolutely, Miss Patton.” The boy eagerly expressed his sincerity. “If I get the chance to be here, I’ll work hard for you. I’ll do whatever you need.”
“That’s great. But what about the others? If they have problems, our company won’t function properly. Not only will you miss out on working here, but we could also go bankrupt. Businesses are failing left and right these days.”
“Miss Patton, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,” the boy assured confidently.
“Then I trust you,” Isabella replied with a smile.
The assistant led the boy out of the room.
When she returned, she looked impressed by Isabella. “Miss Patton, you’re incredible. This means we only have to support one student.”
However, Isabella curled her lips into a cold smile. “I won’t support any of these kinds of students.”
The assistant looked confused. “What do you mean, Miss Patton?”
“Just wait and watch. These students are inherently selfish. They won’t simply let the boy take the opportunity,” Isabella said calmly.
The assistant began to understand a bit more. She pulled out her iPad. “Miss Patton, I just saw the news. A lot of people know these students are here. Everyone is waiting to see how you respond.”
Isabella took a quick look at it. Indeed, the news article read, “These unfortunate students have journeyed far to express their gratitude to Isabella. How will the new Charity Angel treat them? Surely, she will ensure their comfort. We hope Isabella can nurture the future leaders of our nation.” The comments were overwhelmingly positive.
While it seemed beneficial, it actually placed Isabella in a moral quandary.
This idea was, in fact, hidden.
“Miss Riggs, we followed your instructions. Now Isabella is really in a bind. If she neglects these students, she’ll face severe backlash. If she helps them, we’ll reveal their flaws, and she’ll still be criticized for being foolish,” Betsey said to Jada in the CFO’s office of Gentle Fragrance Company.
Her eyes sparkled with admiration. She had always considered herself clever until she met Jada. With just one move, Jada had managed to corner Isabella effectively.
Jada gave a small smile. “We’ll see how Isabella responds.” She took a sip of her coffee, her eyes shining with resolve.
The boy returned to the first floor, where the other students were waiting for him.
“So, Bennie, how’d it go?” one of them asked, full of anticipation.
“Let’s talk at the hotel,” Bennie Palmer answered. Isabella’s assistant organized a ride with the company’s cars to take the students to the hotel.