Isabel’s POVI knew he was going to do this. The Alexander I know thrives on challenges, and now that he’s beginning to grow feelings for Claire Montgomery, he’d stop at nothing to ruin my date. So I agreed to this place—my little sanctuary. It’s a quiet, dimly lit restaurant nestled in the heart of the city, with dark wooden furniture, soft amber lights, and the faint aroma of lavender in the air. This place has heard more of my sadness than my joy, an escape from the pain he’s caused me.A quiet scoff builds in my throat as he gestures for me to make the order. Typical Alexander, always playing games. And now he wants me to choose the meal? Could it be that he’s walking right into my plan, or is the universe finally favoring me? A smile curves on my lips as I say, “Alright, if you all want me to handle the orders, I will. This is the least I can do for everyone, considering how hard you’ve all been working.”I wave the waiter over, giving him clear instructions. “Bring your chef’s s
Isabel’s POVThe drive to the hospital is quiet, save for the occasional hum of Roy’s engine and the faint sound of my own thoughts whirring like a storm. Once we arrive, we step into the cool, sterile air of the lobby and inquire about Alexander King. A nurse directs us to his room, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as we head toward it.When we enter, Alexander is lying on the bed, looking much better than when they’d rushed him out of the restaurant. Relief washes over me. I knew it was a mild allergy, but I can’t lie—I worried. What if his allergy had worsened over the years? What if I’d unknowingly caused him serious harm? But seeing him now, steady and breathing fine, the weight lifts.Good, I think. He’ll need his strength for what I have planned next.The doctor explains the situation. “Luckily, it wasn’t severe—just a mild reaction. But you should be careful next time about consuming any dish with hazelnut,” he advises, scribbling on a notepad. Alexander n
Alexander’s POVThe hospital room is colder than I expected. The soft hum of the AC does little to soothe the ache in my head or the dull itching on my arm. I’m finally lying on a narrow hospital bed, the crisp white sheets barely wrinkled beneath me. After some initial checks, the doctor—a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair and a calm demeanor—finally attends to me. His voice is steady as he assures me, “The reaction isn’t severe. You were fortunate to come in early.”I nod absently, though my mind is barely in the room. The sting of the incident is still fresh. The only thing I can focus on is the discomfort in my chest—the kind that isn’t physical.The door creaks open, and my eyes flick toward it. Claire steps in, her expression a mix of guilt and unease. Annoyingly, Roy is right behind her, his presence already grating on my nerves. My gaze narrows instinctively, but the doctor keeps talking, oblivious to the sudden tension.“Glad it wasn’t worst,” the doctor says, slippin
Isabel’s POVThe hospital air feels stale, but my senses sharpen the moment Cynthia, Roy and Susan step into the room. My gaze briefly locks with Cynthia’s before she turns her attention to Alexander. He sits stiffly on the hospital bed, his expression tight, like he’s been cornered.Cynthia’s scoff slices through the tension as she says, “I didn’t know your allergy could be cured by making a woman rest on your chest.”The absurdity of her words almost makes me chuckle, and despite myself, a small laugh escapes. It’s faint, but loud enough to draw attention. I clear my throat quickly, masking the amusement, and move closer to Roy, who stands stiffly beside me. He looks like he’s unsure whether to stay or speak.Alexander’s jaw tightens visibly, and he turns his gaze away, irritation etched into every muscle of his face. I wonder to myself, Oh, Cynthia, you’re starting to lose your hold on him, aren’t you? How much longer before he begins to despise you?My thoughts swirl with satisfac
Isabel’s POVThe day hums with energy as we pull up to the luxurious condo. The internet has been in a frenzy these past few days, with every teaser and announcement stirring excitement for today’s unveiling. Promotional clips of the condo’s sleek interiors and panoramic views have been everywhere—trending across social media, featured in business news segments, even flashing across the billboards we passed on the way here.Stepping down from the limo, I take a breath, smoothing the fit of my dress—a sleek, off-white gown with delicate embroidery, elegant but understated, just right for the occasion. Beside me, my mother exudes her usual grace in one of LM’s signature power suits, the bold navy fabric tailored perfectly to emphasize her commanding presence.Roy is already waiting with his team, a brief smile exchanged between us as our eyes meet. The clicking of cameras surrounds us, a constant hum of the AD media at work. To the side, a live broadcast is in full swing, one of the rep
Alexander’s POVThe condo is finally complete, and here we are—my mother and I—seated in the expansive lounge of the building that now symbolizes one of our company’s greatest achievements. The room hums with energy as executives begin to file in, their excitement palpable. Today is the launch, and it feels monumental.One of our senior executives approaches me, his stride confident and composed. “Congratulations, Alex, for pulling this off,” he says, extending his hand. His grip is firm, his eyes steady, radiating assurance as he holds my gaze for a moment before turning to exchange pleasantries with my mother. The interaction is brief, but his confidence feels like a nod of approval, a reminder that this project has made an impact.As more executives take their seats, the room begins to buzz with conversation. The flashes of cameras go off at every angle, capturing this significant moment. I settle into my seat, only for my gaze to lock with Roy’s across the room. His expression is u
Isabel’s POVCynthia strides into the room with calculated grace, her entrance commanding attention as if the entire event were curated solely for her. Her eyes lock with mine, and for a moment, the air between us feels heavy, laden with unspoken tension. Her lips curve into a faint smile, but it’s not one of warmth—no, it’s deliberate, sharp, meant to cut. Then, as though dismissing me entirely, she glides toward Alexander. With a practiced elegance, she loops her hand around his arm, her fingers curling possessively, her head tilting just slightly as she flashes a radiant smile for anyone who might be watching.I laugh softly under my breath, swirling my drink as I watch him. The tension in his shoulders, the clench of his jaw—it’s all too familiar, a silent plea to escape her grasp. There was a time when I might’ve pitied him. Now? I savor the sight, every ounce of his discomfort a vindication I didn’t know I needed.”Just then, My mother leans in close, her voice low but pointed.
Isabel’s POVI let her words hang in the air, savoring the weight of her audacity. Slowly, I take a step closer, the corner of my mouth curling into the faintest hint of a smile. Her confidence wavers—just a flicker, but enough for me to notice.“Cynthia,” I say evenly, my tone as smooth as silk. “What a surprise.”Her face remains composed, but her posture stiffens. “I thought I’d come and celebrate your success,” she says, her voice laced with mock sincerity. “It’s quite the achievement.”I tilt my head, studying her. “I appreciate the gesture,” I reply, letting my voice dip slightly, enough to make her uneasy. “But if I wanted your congratulations, I would have asked for it.”Her smile falters, her lips twitching as though searching for the right response. I don’t give her the chance.“Especially not from someone who almost ruined this project,” I continue, my voice dropping lower, sharper.Cynthia’s eyes widen, and for a moment, the mask slips. The confidence she wore like armor c
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
Isabel’s POVI step out into the cool air, letting the heavy door click shut behind me. A breath pushes past my lips as I lift my face toward the sky, the breeze brushing over my skin like a silent reward.“That was cool,” I murmur to myself, nodding slightly. “You don’t have to let Alexander’s presence affect you. Never again.”He’s not worth it—not the pain, not the confusion, and certainly not the space in my heart. A man who can look you dead in the eye and question your safety like it’s a business inconvenience doesn’t deserve to be kept anywhere near your soul.My hand curls into a fist at my side, nails biting into my palm.“I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he stays far away from my life for good.”I turn to walk toward my car, heels clicking steadily across the pavement. But just as I reach for the handle, a shift in the air stills me. That familiar scent—too expensive, too calculated—hits before I even see her.Sabrina.The mother hen.Of course.I blink, inhale slowly,
Alexander’s POVThe moment Susan steps in and sees my hand clamped tightly around Isabel’s arm, the look on her face says it all—shock, confusion, maybe even fear. I release her instantly. Not because she asked me to. But because I don’t want this to be misread. I don’t need anyone forming conclusions that aren’t true.I clear my throat, jaw tight. “What is it I have to see?”Susan’s body stills like a paused frame, her eyes flicking between Isabel and me, her lips parted but words refusing to come out. I catch her hesitation, the way her fingers tighten around the phone in her hand.“It’s okay. Go ahead,” I tell her, forcing calm into my voice.Isabel crosses her arms as Susan steps forward, her face blank, almost like she’s suddenly detached. She stretches the phone toward me like she doesn’t care how it lands.I take it and press play.My breath stills the moment Isabel’s face appears on screen—teary, delicate, almost too damn convincing.“I and Cynthia have been friends for long n
Isabel’s POVI walk through the glossy marbled floors of the King’s Empire building, each step echoing with purpose. The air is thick with quiet power—assistants darting between elevators, phones ringing in clipped urgency, polished shoes tapping rhythmically against glass floors. But none of it touches me. My focus is razor-sharp.Strike when the iron is hot.Perfect timing isn’t just a tactic—it’s an art.And right now? The fire’s raging.I don’t stop to greet anyone. I don’t pause when heads turn. I know where I’m going.Alexander’s office.When I reach the door, I don’t knock. I push it open with a practiced ease. Bold. Unapologetic.His face lifts from the document he’s reading, surprise—or is that shock?—etching deep into his features. Understandable. I’m not the type to show up uninvited. But today?Today, I’ll bend the rules.If only to twist the reaction I want out of him.He stands slowly, like a lion woken from his throne, cautious but alert. I wrap my arms around my chest,
Isabel’s POV I’m in the middle of a meeting with the team, my fingers tapping lightly against the polished table surface as voices buzz around me. But my mind… my mind drifts elsewhere. It drifts back to that moment at The Elites, to Cynthia’s face—her expression shifting like crashing waves. Shock. Anger. Confusion. Disbelief.The thrill of it makes me scoff under my breath, an involuntary laugh slipping through. A few heads snap in my direction. I quickly adjust in my seat, placing my hand over my lips like I’m clearing my throat. Too late.“Ma’am?” one of the team leads leans in, cautious but direct. “What are we going to do about the event location? Time’s running out. As of now, we still don’t have a confirmed venue.”I nod, slow and thoughtful. Their concern is valid. “We were supposed to partner with The Regency,” I say, voice calm but clipped. “Carl turned us down at the last minute.” My jaw tenses slightly. “Now, it’s either we go back to partnering with The King’s… or we se
Cynthia’s POVHe walks toward me calmly, like a man who didn’t just have his secret ripped from the shadows and laid bare. Without a word, he plucks the photo from my trembling fingers, bends slowly to pick up the book, and straightens with a sigh like this is nothing more than an inconvenience. Like my entire world hasn’t just shifted.He turns his back to me, facing the far end of the room with that irritating stillness he always uses when he’s trying to dismiss a situation.I blink. Once. Twice. The coolness in his posture stuns me—it’s a stark, calculated contrast to what I expected. No shouting. No denial. Just silence. But I refuse to let him act like he doesn’t owe me an explanation.“If you’re here to ask for money again,” he says, his voice hard and sharp, “then just leave. I’m not wasting my money on you—especially not when you’ll end up spending it on shopping sprees.”He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even turn. And that’s what sends my pulse spiking. He’s ignoring it. All of it.
Cynthia’s POVI slam my leg into the air, nearly losing balance as rage swells inside me like a storm. My fists clench tightly by my sides, nails digging into my palms. My mind won’t stop replaying the scene—her smirk, her voice, the smug way Isabel claimed ownership of the flagship store like it was hers all along. And the audacity—the unforgivable nerve—to send me out like I was nothing. Canceling my membership card like I was some common outsider.I scream, the sound raw and guttural, before slamming my hand against the tire of my car. “Damn you, Isabel. Damn you!” I shout again, louder this time. “Who the hell do you think you are?!”My chest heaves, and I pause for a second, my rage momentarily paralyzed by the weight of humiliation. Then, without thinking twice, I yank the car door open and slide in, slamming it shut behind me. My foot hits the gas like I’m crushing every ounce of rage Isabel left behind, and I tear out of the parking lot.Minutes blur together before I’m pul
Isabel’s POVI smooth my hand over the silk fabric hugging my body, taking in the sight of myself in the mirror. A slow, calculating smile tugs at my lips. “Today,” I murmur to my reflection, “I’m going to reveal a part of me Cynthia never knew about. A part I placed in her life for a moment exactly like this.”My fingers graze the velvet box on the vanity, lifting it to reveal a set of emerald-encrusted earrings—bold, elegant, quiet power. As I slip them on, I think of her. I know how much of a big spender Cynthia is. Shopping is her escape when the walls start to close in, when the guilt begins to whisper. But how will it feel when she finally discovers the mastermind behind the elite group she so shamelessly parades around in? The very empire she thought was her playground—mine.Just as I pick up my bracelet, the door bursts open.“Well, well…” Aurora says, arms crossed, eyes twinkling. “I guess today’s the day. I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. Do you know how annoying it
Cynthia’s POVThe glow of the TV screen is the first thing I see when I wake up. The news stares back at me, unrelenting. The same interview that has been flooding the internet since yesterday plays on loop, as if daring me to react.I sit up slowly, pulling my knees to my stomach. My fingers thread through my hair, pushing it back as I take a deep breath. But the words keep replaying, burning themselves into my mind.“It’s true that my daughter Claire is also known as Isabel—the name she has been known for since she was separated from us. We decided to hide the fact that she’s Isabel for her safety.”Victoria Montgomery’s voice feels distant, but it still hits me like a blade.I throw the covers aside, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. My throat feels dry, my chest tightening with something I refuse to name. I reach for the glass pitcher on the nightstand, pouring water into a glass with unsteady hands. The water swirls as I lift it to my lips and down it in one swift gulp,