Chapter 78

Bella's POV

"Don't yell at me, woman! I did what was necessary," Mr. Dave responded calmly. "Do you think not giving her a salary will make her stay? The girl probably looking for ways to get money to take care of herself. For this plan to work, we need her to trust us. As far as I'm concerned, this was the right move to ensure her cooperation."

Trust them? Cooperation for what? My mind was flooded with questions, and I couldn't resist lingering just outside the office door.

Lady Lee's voice grew even more agitated. "Look, Dave. We can't afford any missteps. If we lose Belle, we lose everything we worked for over the years."

I strained to hear every word, my anxiety mounting.

As I listened, my thoughts were a jumble of possibilities. Were they running some kind of scheme that involved me? When did they start? How many people were involved in it? Oh Moon Goddess, what have I unwittingly gotten myself into now?

Mr. Dave spoke again, his tone measured. "Trust me, Lee, this was a calcula