Isabel’s POVI stand in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for tonight’s dinner.I’ll be making dinner tonight, I say, feeling the excitement rush through me. The rhythmic sound of the knife hitting the cutting board calming me, yet my mind is far from at ease. Thoughts of my parents’ strange behavior kept swirling around in my head. Urgh! I take a deep sigh.Letting the thoughts out.It’s been two months since my divorce, and I can’t help but wonder how Alexander is doing? I miss those days when we made plans on having dinner together. I don’t eat dinner till he gets home, so we can have it together. I chuckle slightly.‘Why am I smiling so sheepishly?’ I thought to myself, slightly slapping my face with my hand. ‘You have to stop thinking about Alexander, he’s in the past now.’ A thought flickers through my mind as I let my shoulders down. Especially now there has been news about the marriage tie between the King’s family and the Castillo’s family. It’s going to be a tie between
Alexander’s POVFive Years Later.I make my way to bed, exhausted from the enormous meetings today at work. I feel weighed down, my body aching for sleep. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts a soft glow across the room as I lay down.Soon I feel a hand creep across my body, fingers sliding with the kind of softness that once, years ago, might have stirred some warmth. But it’s different now. It’s Cynthia.Her touch immediately sent a wave of irritation through my entire body. The repulsion tightens my chest, the muscles in my neck stiffened, and my body tensed like a coiled spring.I turned to the side, hoping it’s just a bad dream, but the pressure of her hand remained—a sickening reminder of what my life had become.I grabbed her wrist hard, probably harder than I meant to, and yanked it off me. I clench my jaw, my breathing shallow as fury spreads through me like wildfire. “Don’t you dare!” I say, the words ripping from my throat, each syllable punctuated by rage.She st
Isabel’s POVI lean in my plus leather chair, letting the hum of the city outside of my office windows become nothing more than a distant murmur. Christine my PA stands before me, her usual poised self, a report clasped in her hands. “Ms. Claire,” she says, her voice steady as she handed me the documents from our LA branch, “The numbers are looking promising, but we’ve had some delays in the shipments.”Taking the papers from her, I let a smile tug at the corner of my lips. “Thank you, Christine,” I replied, my voice calm, almost deceptively serene. As I glanced at the papers, a different file caught my eyes—the one on King’s Empire. Seeing this, my smile grew a little wider. If only they knew. I had asked for a private investigation done on the King’s Empire businesses— their hotels, furniture designing and decor business, everything concerning Alexander King a week ago.So it was only normal that I smiled harder seeing that report come in so fast. I know you must be wondering wh
Isabel’s POVLeaving the office, I glance at my watch—3:45PM. It’s time to pick up my babies, Scarlett and Sterling from preschool. I feel excited.My driver, Travis, is already waiting beside the sleek, black Bentley, its glossy finish glinting in the afternoon sun. I slid into the luxurious leather seats, the car’s interior exuding opulence and comfortTravis greets me with his usual courteous nod. He has been with me for years and now understands the delicate balance between professionalism and warmth.As he starts the engine, I feel a familiar pang of anticipation. Despite my busy schedule, nothing was more important to me than being there for my twins.The ride was smooth, and the quiet luxury of the Bentley provides a sense of peace and comfort that is much needed after a busy day. Being a mother to Scarlett and Sterling is my greatest joy, one that I can’t tell. Their laughter, their tiny hands reaching for mine, and their innocent excitement are the highlights of my day.I’m
Isabel’s POV“Of course, honey,” I whispered softly, reaching out to gently stroke Scarlett’s hair. My fingers tangled in her soft black curls as I tried to steady my voice. “You do have a father..” I pause for a moment, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. I drifted my gaze as I said, “But he’s far away from us now, so very far.” I can feel the weight of these words, a heaviness settling in my chest that I didn’t dare let slip into my expression. I held her gaze, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me with the tenderness only a mother could give. “Are you two done with your ice cream?” I ask, interrupting Scarlett who looks like she’s about to say something else. I didn’t want to hear more questions—didn’t want to face the innocence of her curiosity any longer. “So can we head home?” I let my smile brighter this time, willing them to see only the warmth I so desperately wanted to shield them with.“Okay! Let’s go home now, Mummy!” They both shouted in unison, their
Isabel’s POVThe news hit like a thunderclap in the quiet dawn, the headline flashing across every screen I passed: “The Montgomery’s Set to Announce the Return of Their Long-Lost Daughter. She Takes Up the Family Business in LA.” It was as if the entire world suddenly turned its gaze toward me, my name whispered in every corner, from New York to San Francisco. I could feel the tremor of shockwaves spreading like wildfire, the curiosity, the gossip— all of it echoing back to the power and influence of the Montgomery name. The Montgomery family—my family—is no stranger to the spotlight. We are the untouchables, the elites. With LM Group dominating both fashion and real estate, we have an empire that stretches across every state, every skyline dots with our investments.My parents are billionaires ranked number one, with wealth so vast it’s almost unimaginable. Our name opened doors, and our presence commanded rooms. And now, after years of being hidden in the shadows, I’m set to rec
Alexander’s POVI walk to my mother’s study room, a place where she summons me whenever she has some serious discussion to do. “I’m sure you must have heard about the news,” she began, her voice tinged with urgency. “The Montgomerys are making waves, and this is our chance. Her eyes flicker with something—maybe determination, maybe fear. Something I can’t quite grasp. “We need them on our side, before other people do. The Montgomerys are extremely wealthy and having them on board is going to be great. Their investment could be a game-changer, especially with the current crises we’re facing.” I nod, already running the scenarios through my head, but before I could respond, Cynthia stride into the room, her gaze shifting between Sabrina and me. “Is it just business, or is there something more to this?” She asked, her tone laced with a hint of jealousy.Her question dropped like a stone, and the atmosphere in the room became thick with tension. My mom’s eyes widened in disbelief and
Alexander’s POVI stare out of the office window, watching as the sun dips lower on the horizon. It’s hard to believe how fast the day has slipped through my fingers, leaving me with nothing but this gnawing sense of exhaustion. Everything feels heavy—my shoulders ache with the weight of the business, the mess at home, and everything else that’s been spiraling out of control. It’s as if I’m standing in the center of a storm, unable to catch my breath.Just then, my phone rings, breaking through the haze. Collins’ name flashes on the screen. I pick up, feeling a strange mix of relief and dread.“Hey, Alex, busy?” His voice is casual, but I can hear something underneath—something tired, maybe even desperate. “Let’s meet at the lounge.”I can’t say no. Collins has always been there for me, through every storm and every mistake, always ready with a word of advice or a quiet moment over a drink. Maybe now, it’s time for me to be there for him too.“Sure,” I say, pushing the exhaustion as
Alexander’s POVIt’s not just her beauty.It never was.It’s the way she carries herself. Regal, yet detached. That air of quiet defiance, like she doesn’t need to try—like she was born to own every damn space she walks into. Even now, standing in the center of this glittering hall with eyes trailing after her like moths to flame, I still can’t figure her out. And I hate that about her.I tell myself I feel nothing but anger toward her. But the moment I see her—just one glance—and I lose grip.My eyes flick, without permission, to the slit in her dress. Her skin catches the light like satin, a soft shimmer that holds my gaze longer than it should. My attention moves to her lips—watching the way they move as she speaks to someone across the room. I know every curve of those lips, every silent message they used to send me.I drag my eyes away, clenching my jaw as I shake my head.Damn it.I curse under my breath, angry at myself. At this weakness. She shouldn’t still have this effect on
Isabel’s POVAs we take our seats, I glance around the room, soaking in its glow.Crystal chandeliers hang like stars above a sea of curated beauty—fashion elites, influencers, designers, journalists. All gathered for LM Fashion’s latest showcase. Velvet drapes in the brand’s signature maroon shade frame the wide runway, sleek and gleaming beneath the spotlight. The air smells of roses, ambition, and a hint of tension that only those like me can sense.Roy sits beside me, his shoulder brushing mine slightly, his quiet presence grounding. Across the table, my mother, Victoria Montgomery—still poised as ever—leans in to whisper something to Grace, who gives a soft chuckle in return. They look relaxed. Pleased. The calm before the wave.I glance up—my eyes drawn to the opposite table where the night’s showstoppers sit.Aurora.She looks like she belongs here: regal in black, her hair pinned back with delicate crystal clips that shimmer under the soft lighting. Beside her, Richard looks d
Isabel’s POVIt’s been two weeks since the fall.Two weeks since I cornered Cynthia and made it painfully clear just how much she stands to lose if she ever dares to come for me again. I didn’t need to raise my voice. Just facts, laid bare like knives on silk. I showed her the cracks in her perfect little world—one by one. Her reputation? Hanging by a thread. Her false sense of security in that house? Dismantled. Her place in the industry? Already slipping through her manicured fingers.And that was just the beginning.Because losing her foundation is only the first drop on the rollercoaster I’ve strapped her into.Next comes the descent.I’m going to make her stay at the King’s mansion a living hell. A place so cold, so hostile, even the walls will reject her. I want her to feel the weight of being truly hated—not just by me, but by everyone that matters in that house. Especially Sabrina. The anger in Sabrina’s eyes when she looks at Cynthia now? It’s sharp. Raging. I’ve stoked the f
Isabel’s POVI struggle to loosen my arm from Alexander’s grip, tugging harder even as his fingers dig into my skin like claws desperate to stay tethered. My chest heaves from the pressure, my throat tight with restrained fury.“Let go,” I hiss, but he doesn’t budge.Not until the door swings open.And then… I see him.Roy.He’s standing there, still, shoulders broad, presence commanding. But it’s his eyes that speak volumes. The intensity in his gaze, the way it flickers from me to Alexander’s hold on my arm—it’s enough to make Alexander go still too.In seconds, Roy strides forward. I feel a rush of relief as he reaches us, his hand locking around Alexander’s wrist. His grip is firm. Steady. Without hesitation, he peels Alexander’s hand away from me, forcing him to let go.“How dare you touch her,” Roy growls, his voice low and rough, seconds before his fist crashes into Alexander’s jaw.The blow is fast, brutal. Alexander stumbles back, nearly losing balance but catches himself jus
Alexander’s POVCameras flash like lightning across a stormy sky, the air thick with tension. I stand there, jaw set, the words already rehearsed in my head—but still, I can’t believe Isabel is making me do this.A public apology.God.But as my mother said earlier this morning, “If getting low is the only way to gain control, then get low. We’ll crawl beneath her feet if we must—until we’re ready to rise and flip her world upside down.”And when we do, it’ll be her turn to choke on regret.I inhale sharply through my nose, straighten my shoulders, and speak to the press with a calm I barely feel.Then it comes—the reporter’s question. His voice cuts through the buzz.“We see that your wife, Cynthia Castillo, has indeed offended Miss Claire Montgomery by releasing her private affairs without consent… but what we don’t know is—why? Do you mind telling us why she did so?”My fist tightens.Jaw clenched.My eyes flick toward Cynthia where she sits at the corner of the stage, legs crossed
Isabel’s POVI’m in the middle of a quick briefing with the heads of each department for the upcoming fashion show, everyone huddled around the oval table in my office. Swatches are being passed, digital models flicker across screens, and fabric samples are laid out like cards at a poker game. I’m about to ask a question about lighting when Christine slides in quietly, pressing her hand against the glass door.“Ma’am,” she says, voice low but urgent, “someone is here to see you. He said it’s important.”My brow furrows. “Who is it?”She hesitates.I dismiss the team with a nod. “We’ll pick this up later. Keep working as planned.”They file out, murmuring to one another, a few casting curious glances over their shoulders. The last door click hasn’t even faded when the knob turns again—and in walks the least person I ever expected.Carl Edward.His presence draws an immediate scoff from my lips. I arch a brow, half-surprised, half-irritated. He looks almost the same—tailored charcoal su
Isabel’s POVI barely make it through the door before my mother rushes toward me, her heels clacking against the floor.“Claire, dear, what happened?” she asks, worry laced in every word.She doesn’t wait for an answer. Her hands gently guide me to the couch, pressing me down to sit as though I might shatter if left standing.I stay still.My body might be here, but my mind keeps flicking back to Cynthia’s words earlier—family secrets.What could she be referring to?Is this one of her usual mind games?She knows exactly how deeply things like this get to me. And that’s what makes it worse. Is she just toying with me again? Or… is there actually something I don’t know?I stare at the polished floor, my brows slightly furrowed, thoughts tangled.It wouldn’t be the first time she used manipulation to shake me—but something about her tone today… it didn’t sound like a bluff.I glance up slowly, meeting my mother’s expectant eyes.Should I go on to ask?But why do I feel like even if I do,
Alexander’s POVI sit slouched in my chair, head resting against the high back, rocking slightly as the chair creaks beneath me. My fingers tap a pen rhythmically on the table, a steady beat that contrasts the chaos in my mind.“Be prepared to go down with Cynthia.”Isabel’s voice plays on a loop in my head. I don’t know why, but it’s the way she said it—with quiet certainty—that unsettles me. She’s not bluffing. That much I know.The door bursts open.I sit up instantly as my mother storms in like a woman who’s just been ripped out of a nightmare—wild eyes, stiff shoulders, hands trembling by her side.“What was she doing here?” she demands, jerking her thumb back toward the hallway. “She was just here. Isabel. And she—” Her voice falters, lips trembling.I stand slowly. “What?”“She spoke to me like I was nothing. Can you believe how she spoke to me? She even accused me of wishing her dead!”Her chest rises and falls fast, anger mixed with fear pouring from her in sharp breaths. “Sh
Aria POVThe moment I step into the LM Group building, I can feel it—the air is tense, buzzing with something unspoken. It’s in the way the receptionists glance nervously at each other, in the hushed footsteps of employees scurrying past, trying not to draw attention.But it’s when I step further inside that I spot her.Cynthia.She stands like she owns the damn place, as always. Her shoulders back, head high, the kind of look that screams drama cloaked in luxury. A slow, knowing smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Of course she’s here. Probably to pull one of her usual stunts—perform for the gallery like she hasn’t already been exposed. But who would still be sane, knowing just how close they are to losing everything?I barely had to do anything. And yet… now she’s standing right in the middle of her downfall, finally receiving the punishment she deserves.That thought comforts me—for a second.Until I see her turn toward Isabel.I can’t hear what she says, but I see it happen. I se