Chapter 2 The Recording

I didn't hesitate. "You must admit, Carson, I am still your best successor."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Carson Brooks' sardonic chuckle. "Isabella, you're way too full of yourself."

I clenched my fingers, my voice steady. "It's confidence. Without enough confidence, I wouldn't have reached out to you."

"Very well." Carson's tone gradually took on a serious edge. "I can help you, but you must agree-to accept my test and prove with your abilities that you are worthy of becoming the true successor to the Brooks Group."

My heart tightened painfully. I knew this was the price of making a pact with him who was like a devil. "I agree."

Carson seemed satisfied with my straightforwardness, his deep voice slowly resonating. "I'll give you Walter's phone number. He will provide whatever you need. Do not disappoint me, Isabella."

Not long after hanging up, my phone rang again. Eva sent a recording.

I clicked to play it.

"Aren't you supposed to be with your fiancée?" Eva's laughter was seductive.

"Aren't you missing me?" Richard replied breathlessly.

Then came the sound of kissing and rustling fabric. The recording abruptly ended.

I stared at the screen, my hand trembling, each breath a stab of pain.

My stomach churned, and I even wanted to rush over and tear apart their self-righteous facade! But I had to endure-now was not the time.

A hunter must be patient, or they risked becoming the hunted.

The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. "Miss Brooks, I am Walter Saunders, Mr. Carson Brooks' secretary." The voice was crisp and composed. "The live stream team is ready. When would you like to proceed?"

I took a breath, enunciating clearly, "A week from now, at my wedding."

"Understood." He paused. "Additionally, tonight you will represent the Brooks Group at the Douglas family's Royal Charity Ball. I've sent the invitation and guest list to your email. The dress and jewelry are ready for you."

I knew this was Carson's arrangement. I had no power to refuse, nor did I intend to.

"I understand."

After hanging up, I was about to come up with an excuse to brush off Richard, but he messaged me first. "Darling, there's an emergency at work tonight. I'll be back late."

I stared at the message, unable to suppress a sneer. I knew the Ahmed Group's project schedules better than he did. There was no overtime planned tonight. As for where was he going, I already had the answer in my heart.

Sometimes I even tortured myself wondering if every night he stayed out, he was in Eva's bed.

The Royal Charity Ball proceeded as scheduled. As the representative of the Brooks Group, I signed a $300 million donation, setting down the pen amid applause. It was a prestigious event where donations signified influence and status.

I mingled with a champagne glass, handling the scene with ease, though it felt utterly dull.

Until I heard a familiar voice.

"Mr. Sanderson, let me introduce-this is Miss Eva Marsh, the chief planner of the Ahmed Group. She is in charge of the AO3 project in collaboration with your company."

I froze for a moment, then turned around.

Eva was dressed in a nude gown, affectionately holding Richard's arm, her smile both smug and sweet.

My breath caught, and then I laughed. The AO3 project? I built this project from scratch, but Eva took all the credit. And Richard had the audacity to bring her to such an event?

I raised my champagne glass, my gaze clear, my tone laced with just the right amount of surprise and innocence.

"Oh my, Richard, what brings you here?"