?<strong>Chapter 883:</strong>


    The following day, the guard unlocked her door as part of her daily routine, which included routine interrogations.


    However, today was different. At the end of the corridor stood an unexpected figure.


    Fiona was there, impable in high heels and a Chanel suit, her coat elegantly draped over her shoulders, exuding mour.


    “Please, I need to speak with her alone,” Fiona requested of the person beside Dulce.


    Taken aback, Dulce followed her into the meeting room. Once seated, she blurted out, “Why are you here?” Fiona’s usual polite smile was absent. Today, she looked as if she was ready toy all her cards on the table—cornered and poised for confrontation.


    Silently, Fiona reached into her designer handbag and slid a stack of photos across the table to Dulce.


    The images captured Johnny dining with the chief designer from the rivalpany.


    Dulce looked from the photos to Fiona. “What is this supposed to mean?”


    “Haven’t you always wondered who leaked the blueprints?”


    Dulce sensed trouble brewing.


    As expected, Fiona’s next words cut sharply. “It was you, Dulce.”


    “That’s not true!” Dulce countered sharply.


    Fiona’s face was a mask of impassivity. “Whether I’m lying is irrelevant. If I release these photos, it’s over for both you and Johnny.” It took Dulce a moment to process the implications.


    Johnny was one of Michael’s people. It was inconceivable that he would act against his interests. Meetings withpetitors weremonce in their field. Johnny was simply unfortunate to have been ensnared by Fiona.


    With Fiona confronting her so boldly, the stakes were evidently high.


    Regaining herposure, Dulce faced Fiona, torn between disillusionment and anger. “Why are you targeting me? I haven’t wronged you.”


    “You broke your promise first!” Fiona retorted, unable to meet Dulce’s gaze, knowing it would bring memories of Lacey.


    After a pause, her tone chilled further. “What did you promise me? You said your interest in Michael was fleeting. Yet, you spent three days and nights at his ce. Just because Lacey is gone, do you think I cease to matter?”


    This wasn’t the first time Dulce had encountered Fiona’s animosity. She thought she was immune to it, but her initial reaction was still one of guilt.


    “Lacey is gone. Michael deserves a chance at happiness, and so do I!”


    “Enough!” Fiona snapped, her hand tightening around a ss of water. She lifted it, then set it down with a deliberate effort to control her anger. “Since you helped me once, I’d rather not escte this. I know you’re considering a study program abroad. Leave the country, and leave Michael. If you do, I won’t pursue this further.”


    Dulce scoffed and shook her head. “Absurd. Why should I abandon what makes me happy just because you say so?”


    Fiona had prepared for Dulce’s resistance. She pulled out her phone, dialed quickly, and crisply ordered, “Let them in.”


    The door opened to reveal Dulce’s professor and the chief engineer, both looking visibly distressed and anxious—a sight Dulce had never seen before.


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