I stood my ground as Julian's face contorted with humiliation. The fake ginseng incident had stripped away his carefully crafted veneer, and now everyone could see what lay beneath.
Isabelle picked up the jade box containing Julian's fraudulent gift. With deliberate slowness, she closed it and handed it to one of his assistants.
"I appreciate the gesture, Julian," she said, her tone measured yet cutting, "but I think we both know this isn't what you claimed. Perhaps you should discuss quality control with your supplier."
The dismissal was elegant but unmistakable. Julian's eyes darted between us, his composure crumbling further.
"This... this is merely a misunderstanding," he stammered, adjusting his tie nervously. "I'll have my people investigate immediately. You deserve only the finest, Isabelle."
"Of course," she replied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."
