They continued their conversation while ignoring Leo’s funny ideas.
"Yes, I also thought about it, Sam. Even though I believe Jack will agree to whatever I propose here, I will ask him first for courtesy…" Bella agrees with Sam that they must open a Sentinel Network branch office.
This security and network company operates similarly to a spy network throughout the country in which it is based. It collects and analyzes information to keep on file for future reference, and it also hires capable individuals who could act as guards if needed.
"Yes. That’s a good idea, Boss. I know Mr. Jack would never reject your proposal." Sam smiles.
"I know. Sam, you can start recruiting your former army colleagues and take the Director position of the new establishment. You have experience working at the head office, and I know you can handle the operation and management of the Network smoothly.
Sam was taken aback at Bella’s words.
"Certainly, Boss. Thank you for your confidence in me. I will immediately begin working on it."
"Excellent!" Bella answers. Then she looks closely at Leo to ensure he follows the discussion before asking, "Do we have any empty floors in this building, Leo? Can you spare one entire floor discreetly for our plan?"
"Boss, don’t worry. I’ll handle everything related to office location and setup," Leo reassures her with a warm and excited smile.
Leo remained silent when Bella shared more details about her Sentinel Network plan. His silence is because he fully supports Bella’s plan. Moreover, he recognized the need for such a network in this country.
Leo believed that this Network would play a crucial role in their bigger plan to elevate Quantum Capital’s status to one of the top twenty-five companies in the country.
After thanking Leo, Bella smiled and got up from her seat. She dismissed them, "You guys can continue working," she said before returning to her own tasks.
However,
When Bella opened her laptop, the news she read surprised her.
The news of Laura Kiels’ decision to withdraw from the entertainment industry and her apology note on social media shocked Bella.
Laura Kiels stated that she would pay Stellar Entertainment the amount she owed, plus all fines from her client for her faults.
This surprised Bella even more. She can’t help but took a deep sigh after reading all those articles and A-Netz* comments. They blame Stellar Entertainment while defending Laura Kiels. She already expected this, so she kept her last card to turn the tide.
"Did Laura really have enough money to go with that scenario?"
Bella doubts Laura’s ability to pay off her debts since S Jewelry sued her for a large amount of money for settlement.
After thinking for a while, Bella took the landline and called Leo.
"Did you read the trending news on the internet?"
"Yes, I was just about to call you. Why do I feel like this girl might not be telling the truth? I don’t think Andreas Corby would give her enough or even any money. Where did she find the money to pay off her debt?" Leo asked.
Bella was amazed because Leo shared the same doubts as her.
After a soft chuckle, Bella asked Leo to confirm with the legal team whether Laura had already settled everything, as it seemed suspicious to her.
Later, Bella set aside Laura’s affairs and redirected her focus to other matters.
....
Bella quickly texted Jack, asking him to call her when he had free time.
It didn’t take long before Bella’s cell phone vibrated again. She immediately picked up when she saw Jack’s name appear on her cellphone screen.
"Wow, Boss... you still awake now?" Bella happily greeted him.
"Yeah. Thanks to you. Why did you wake me up with such a text? Why do you need me to call you and not the other way around? This better be genuinely urgent." Jack’s voice was hoarse, and he sounded rushed.
Bella is sure Jack is lying because how could a text notification wake him up? However, if he set his text notifications to a loud song, she might believe it.
She put aside her curiosity and immediately announced her plans to open a Sentinel Network branch office in Astington. She also told him that she had actually asked Sam to start recruiting.
After explaining everything, Bella continued, "Jack, I hope you agree with the decision I made before speaking to you."
A soft chuckle could be heard on the other end, followed by Jack’s earnest voice.
"Bella, you don’t have to ask me about this. Did you forget why I opened the branch there? It’s because I have full and undoubtful confidence in you, so you can do whatever you want there."
Bella, "...."
"I’m serious, alright!"
He laughs before saying, "Well, my friend, me too. I’m serious. If you need more capital to start a new company, call Harper. Tell her how much money you need to establish a new company there. She will send it to you."
A smile spreads across her face as she responds, "I don’t need money. I could withdraw cash from the black card you gave me…"
"Are you kidding me? Of course, the money won’t be enough to start a new company," Jack laughed at Bella’s answer.
"Gosh!! Jack, why did you give me such a small amount of card when I thought the black card was unlimited?"
Jack patiently explained that the card had limits. It couldn’t withdraw large amounts of money but could buy expensive items like a private jet or an island.
"I hope you can understand, Bella."
"Got it. I’ll ask Leo to prepare a proposal for Harper."
"Nice. Anything else?" Jack asked. He had to go back to bed, or his wife would sleep, and he might not get what he wanted tonight.
"No," but she paused abruptly when she remembered the Dark Skull organization. "Uh, Jack, on second thought, I might need to ask you about something else."
"Yes?"
"Do you know where your brother-in-law is?" Bella asked, suspecting that Andreas Corby may have been the one to hire Dark Skull to investigate her.
****
* A-Netz = Astington Netizen