Belle was indeed a gem unearthed by the hardworking HR Director of The Ellington Group. Within just a week, she had delivered the designs to Percival's office. Thomas had finished his boot camp training and returned to Percival's side. "Boss, the design department's Belle is waiting outside."

Percival glanced at the designs in his hand and handed them to Vivienne while saying, "Vivienne, take a look at these."

Vivienne flipped through the pages and nodded. "Let her in."

Belle walked in nervously, stealing glances at Percival and quickly looking away, "Mr. Percival, Vivienne."

Vivienne did not look up, simply muttering, "Good design work."

"Thank you, but it's still not up to par with your work. I feel something's off. It doesn't match the initial concept. Could you perhaps offer some guidance?"

As Belle spoke, her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Percival.

Vivienne made a few quick annotations on Belle's design and handed it back.

Belle accepted it with both hands, nodding at Vivienne and then turning to Percival. "Mr. Percival, I plan to host a launch party next week. We'll invite Rivenwood's A-list celebrities and society ladies to create a buzz for our new line. What do you think?"

Percival barely looked up as he replied, "Mhm."

Belle pursed her lips and left Percival's office in silence.

Once the door closed, the timid look on Belle's face disappeared.

Back in the office, Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, sensing something amusing afoot.

Percival waved Thomas away, who left discreetly.

Standing up, Percival sat next to Vivienne. "You seem pleased?"

"Of course, the show's about to start."

Days later, at the launch party.

influencers, all there to hype The Ellington Group's new

being part of The Ellington Group's launch was a prestigious affair that could bring valuable connections

and Vivienne waited

Percival, everything's set. We can start

nodded, straightening his suit. "Vivienne, wait here

acknowledged, her gaze fleetingly brushing over

a beat. Had

disguise

Belle

Vivienne received a call from Dorian. "Trouble, Vivienne. Thaddeus has come down with a stomach bug

Well-prepared, indeed.

out the back as

Taking a sip, he felt his vision blur and his breathing tighten. Something

some instructions, Percival silently retired to the backstage

a distance and followed once Percival had left,

in the venue had noticed that the

Percival found Vivienne

sofa, eyes closed, a mask of

Click!

lock was

of a gun,

eyes opening, "Mr. B, how do you

Belle was unfazed.

realized he was poisoned with Boar Poison and guessed her identity. Not

do?" Belle looked down at Percival with arrogance, "Perhaps I misspoke. Given your condition, you're

chuckled, "How can you be

Vivienne's not here. Who else would

Belle had been itching to administer Boar Poison to Percival. But he was always with

she had managed to send Vivienne away and poison Percival when

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