85 The Collusion

Edward's company dealt with event planning. Gordon had hired him to plan the Autumn Fashion Show that would promote Rising Sun's newest jewelry line. There were other corporations involved as well. The modeling agency that hired the models for the event had inadvertently hired one of Charlotte's least favorite people: Penelope Winslow.

Penny had already showed her pettiness and scheming nature by trying to visit Gordon in his office. Penny didn't know that Gordon literally kept his wife by his side, even in the workplace.

Gordon had quickly taken the wind out of her sails by banning her from representing his company. While the agency was still keeping her on, and she would still be allowed to model other brands of clothing and accessories at the fashion show, she would not be permitted to wear anything produced by The Rising Sun Corporation.

She was angry. She was used to getting her way. She was also not used to being rejected by men. She had to find a way to make Gordon and Charlotte pay for their treatment of her.

The day of the event was beautiful and sunny. Those involved in the show arrived that morning for the final touches and last minute details.

Penny noticed some workers from the Rising Sun Corporation bringing in cases with the jewelry.

"Here, let me help you!" Penny volunteered, reaching out for the cases.

"Thanks! Just put them in the dressing room." One of the men instructed her before leaving.

Penny walked down the hallway of the event center until she found the janitors' closet. She put the cases of jewelry on a back shelf and slid cleaning supplies in front of them.

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"Has anyone seen the jewelry for today?" One of the stylists asked in the area where the models were getting dressed. No one had.

The stylist rushed out to Gordon and Charlotte arriving.

"President Zhou, do you happen to know where the jewelry for today would have taken to?" The stylist asked.

"Employees were supposed to have them in the dressing area an hour ago." Charlotte answered. She had sent out the memo.

Gordon made a call to one of the managers to inquire.

"Sir, they were delivered by two men on my team an hour ago." The manager confirmed. Gordon ended the Call.

"Review the security footage and have everyone keep an eye out." Gordon instructed. Millions of dollars of jewelry was now missing on one of the biggest days of the year for his company.

"Gordon, I need to visit the washroom." Charlotte excused herself as the order to spread out and search was given.

Wendell Chung stood in empty room looking into the hallway as people scattered. Perfect! Now it was time to enact his plan. He saw his target leaving the ladies washroom. His unlikely partner stopped Charlotte in the hallway.

"Looks like today your family is getting what it deserves." Penny taunted.

"Penny, I don't know what you're talking about. I have things to attend to." Charlotte replied.

Wendell was now behind her and grabbed her, quickly shoving the sweet smelling handkerchief over her nose.

Before Charlotte could react enough to fight back, she had passed out. Wendell scooped her into his arms.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Miss Winslow." Wendell said.

"No, the pleasure is mine." Penny said.