Isabel’s POVAs I walk back into the hall, my mind is still swirling with thoughts of what just happened. The conversation, the memories—all of it spins together until I hear a familiar, joyful chorus that pulls me back.“Mommy!” Scarlett and Sterling’s voices ring out in perfect harmony, their excitement lifting a weight I didn’t realize was pressing so heavily on my chest.I turn, and the moment freezes. The soft lights of the hall seem to dim, the edges of the room falling away until all I can see are my children running toward me, their faces lit with pure joy. A faint melody drifts from the speakers above—a soft piano tune that barely cuts through the sound of their laughter. Everything else blurs as I drop to my knees, not caring that my dress pools around me on the polished marble floor.“Oh, my babies,” I whisper, opening my arms wide. They crash into me, and the warmth of their small bodies melts the lingering chill in my heart. The familiar scent of baby shampoo fills the ai
Alexander’s POVI’m not at the hotel today. Instead, I’m sitting in my office at the main headquarters of our furniture and design company. The plush leather chair feels solid beneath me, but my thoughts are anything but steady.My fingers tap restlessly against the edge of the desk as I try to make sense of last night—Isabel’s return, her introduction as the Montgomerys’ daughter. How is this even possible? She’s been alive all these years, waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. Why? What exactly is going on in that mind of hers?I shake my head and lean back, fingers lacing behind it. Each time I think about it, confusion digs deeper. Dammit, I can’t wrap my head around it. She stood there, bolder than I ever remember, with those two kids… and that man. Who was he? I suck in a deep breath, my chest tightening with every chaotic thought. Those kids… Could they be hers? No, that’s impossible. I didn’t get a clear look, but something feels off.I stand and cross the room, facing
Isabel’s POVIt’s been days since my official welcome party, but the city’s rhythm hasn’t quite settled into my veins. The sprawling mansion, the unfamiliar streets, even the morning light filtering through the windows—it all feels new. Too new.I sit across from my mother at the breakfast table, her poise as steady as ever as she goes over Scarlett and Sterling’s school enrollment. She speaks with the confidence of someone who believes everything will fall perfectly into place, as it always has for her.“Scarlett will love the extracurriculars,” she says, her tone soothing, like a balm for my anxious thoughts. “And Sterling? He’s going to charm every teacher in sight, just like he always does.”I nod, but my mind struggles to keep up. “I just don’t know how they’ll cope with the change,” I admit, my voice softer than I intended. “They were starting to adjust in New York, and now… now it’s all happening again. What if it’s too much for them?”My eyes dart to her, hoping for reassuranc
Alexander’s POVMy phone rings, startling me from the whirlwind of thoughts that have clouded my mind ever since I told my mom about taking up the task.I check the ID and instantly bring the phone to my ear as Collins’ voice flows through the speaker.“Alex, just as you asked me to, I’ve run some investigations on this present Isabel…” He pauses, as if hesitating on what to say next.My breath catches in my throat as a million thoughts race through my mind. Why is he pausing? I know something is up. This woman isn’t Claire; she’s Isabel. She has to be. This is just some elaborate ruse. But how? “C’mon, Collins, this isn’t the time to pause. Just spill it, will you?” I say darkly, my hand tightening around the phone in anticipation.“Hey, relax. I know you won’t believe it, but what I’m about to tell you is nothing but the truth,” he replies, his voice laced with some kind of satisfaction.“From the records,” he continues, “she is Claire, not Isabel. But, something feels strange. She
Isabel’s POV“Ma’am, Ma’am.” Christine’s voice cuts through my thoughts, her tone soft but insistent.I blink, shaking off the haze, and lean back in my chair with a sigh.“Is everything alright? You seemed lost for a moment.” She leans in slightly, her brows knitting with concern.I don’t respond right away. Instead, I exhale deeply, letting my shoulders slump. How do I even begin to explain the strange feeling this unknown number stirs in me?Christine straightens, recognizing my silence. “You’ve got a packed schedule today, ma’am. I suggest we get started.” She places an iPad on my desk.I glance at the screen but remain quiet. My thoughts keep drifting back to the countless times that number has called. What if it’s an emergency? I sit up abruptly and reach for my phone. Or what if it’s nothing? Just some random person—or maybe… I hesitate, my fingers tapping on the desk. No. I need to focus.“The team meeting will begin shortly,” Christine reminds me, her voice pulling me back to
Alexander’s POVI pull up in front of the LM Group building, its striking design catching my eye. Towering glass and steel reflect the city’s light, an impressive monument to success.But I’m not here to admire architecture. My focus is solely on the CEO—Isabel.The thought of her makes my stomach tighten. She’s barely been back, and already, she’s making decisions that directly impact my company. Or rather, my family’s company.My fingers tighten around the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. Anger surges first—familiar, burning—but underneath it, something more dangerous stirs. Regret? Longing? I shake my head, forcing those thoughts aside. Isabel isn’t just a ghost from my past; she’s a threat to everything I’ve built. And yet, the mere thought of facing her again has my pulse hammering like I’m some rookie walking into his first boardroom.Stepping out of the car, I adjust my suit and stride toward the entrance. Inside, the reception area is pristine, almost sterile, with
Alexander’s POVShe freezes, her hand still on the door handle. Slowly, she turns, her eyes narrowing. “It’s Claire,” she snaps, her voice slicing through the air like a whip. “How many times do I have to remind you?”Her lips press into a thin line, frustration simmering beneath the surface. For a moment, her knuckles whiten as she grips the door handle, her irritation clear in the subtle tension in her posture.“Wow,” she says, her tone dripping with mockery. “The great Alexander King is asking for a chance. This is what you should have said earlier, instead of wasting my time.”She releases the handle and strides toward me, stopping just close enough to let the weight of her words sink in. “How about getting your mother to beg for a chance too?”she says, her voice sweet with sarcasm.My jaw tightens, anger boiling just beneath the surface. “You know that’s not going to happen,” I say, my voice rough, barely containing the fury building inside.She throws her hands up in mock exasp
Collins’ POVWe sit in the private room of a quiet, upscale café, waiting for the other party to arrive.My client, Mark, shifts nervously in his seat, glancing around, clearly uncomfortable. I wonder why. Maybe it’s because he’s about to face the woman who gave him a solid beating.I tap my fingers on the table, trying to keep my thoughts in check. Finally, the door swings open, and the other lawyer enters, followed by the woman.At first, I think my eyes are playing tricks on me. Aria? After all these years of seeing her from a distance, here she is, just a few feet away. She doesn’t know me—of course, she doesn’t—but I’ve memorized every detail. And now, she’s looking at me for the first time. My heart pounds, and I grip the table, trying to steady myself.What are the odds? Of all the cases, of all the women, it had to be her.I quickly dart my eyes to Mark, who’s staring at his hands, biting his lip, avoiding eye contact. My voice drops, barely controlled. “Did you say you did no
Isabel’s POVI stride down the stairs, the sharp click of my heels echoing through the quiet house. The morning light streams through the wide windows, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Aurora has already left with the kids for school, and now it’s my turn to head to the office.As I reach the final step, I notice my mother standing near the foyer, her back turned to me. There’s a stiffness in her posture, her shoulders tensed as she grips her phone tightly to her ear. Her voice is hushed but urgent, words spilling out in quick, clipped sentences.I slow my steps, watching her carefully. Something is wrong.She doesn’t notice me at first, too caught up in whatever conversation she’s having. Her fingers press against her temple as she listens, then she exhales sharply, like the weight of whatever she just heard is pressing down on her.Then, the call ends.She turns, her face set in deep lines of worry. And then, her eyes meet mine.“Claire, there’s a problem,” she says.A
Alexander’s POVI sit in the dimly lit lounge of my family’s hotel, the only place that has ever felt like a sanctuary. The air is thick with the scent of aged whiskey and polished wood, and the low hum of jazz plays in the background. Here, I can breathe—at least, I used to.I gulp down my drink, the burn trailing down my throat before I drop the glass onto the table with a loud thud. It echoes in the silence, but nothing drowns out the memories flooding my mind. Isabel’s face. The way she ignored my presence, focusing on Carl like I wasn’t even there. The way she smiled when she admitted to trying to sabotage the condo project by requesting the material cancellation.I don’t even know her anymore.They say people change when they have money, but maybe it’s not just that. Maybe she found something better—something worth throwing everything we once had away.I take another long gulp, but it does nothing to dull the ache in my chest. It’s ridiculous, really. Like some adolescent boy nu
Alexander’s POVThe sight in front of me stirs something deep and unwelcome.Carl. Isabel. Together.Not just discussing business, but enjoying each other’s company, the kind of ease that speaks of familiarity, of something beyond mere negotiations. I freeze at the threshold, my mind stumbling for a second—before reality snaps back with a sharp, bitter edge.So, it’s true.I scoff, sliding my hands into my pockets, masking the tightness in my chest. “Didn’t realize your office had turned into a home for strays.” My voice is calm, laced with indifference, but the words are aimed directly at Carl. A reminder that no matter what he’s doing here, no matter how much he tries to insert himself into Isabel’s world, he’ll never be me.Carl smirks as he rises to his feet, unbothered. “That’s the thing about business, Alexander.” His voice is smooth, measured, with that infuriating edge of self-assurance. “The best opportunities tend to find their way home.”I catch the meaning behind his words
Isabel’s POVAlexander strides in, frustration carved into his features. Christine rushes in after him, trying to stop him, her expression tight with unease. “Sir, I told you—“But he’s already inside, his stormy gaze flicking between Carl and me. I relax my shoulders, turning toward him with quiet amusement. He looks ready to burst at any moment, and it’s almost entertaining. I catch Christine’s gaze and give her a curt nod. It’s fine.Alexander scoffs, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t realize your office had turned into a home for strays.” His voice is laced with something sharp, something simmering just beneath the surface.Carl smirks, rising from his seat. “That’s the thing about business, Alexander. The best opportunities tend to find their way home.” His tone is light, but there’s no mistaking the underlying edge.I sense the flicker of unease in Alexander, and I savor it. I stand, crossing my arms over my chest. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” I say smoothly. “B
Isabel’s POVIt’s been days since the shoot, and today’s meeting with the committee in charge of our fashion line’s new collection launch has finally wrapped up. I slip into the backseat of the car, exhaling softly as I lean into the leather seat. Travis pulls away from the building, the tinted windows reflecting the city’s skyline as we head toward LM Group’s headquarters. Moments later, the car rolls to a stop at the entrance, and I step out, smoothing the crease on my dress. Christine follows closely behind, her heels clicking against the pavement. As we make our way through the glass doors, the cool air inside brushes against my skin. The marble-floored lobby stretches ahead, modern chandeliers casting a warm glow. My steps are steady as I head toward the elevator, but Christine closes the gap between us and leans in, her voice a whisper.“Ma’am, Sir Carl Edwards is in the waiting room.”I pause mid-step, his name ringing through my mind. A slow, knowing smile tugs at my lips. So
Isabel’s POVI take a deep breath, my shoulders rising high as I glance at Aurora. It’s a subtle signal—I had no idea this was coming. She reads the unspoken message in my eyes, but her face stays unreadable.Turning to face Richard, I manage to say, “Wow, I didn’t know you model.”His face softens, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He glances at Aurora, but she doesn’t flinch, her expression neutral.“Oh, it’s just a side gig. Something to mix things up now and then.” he says, his voice casual yet confident, as if he’s used to keeping things light.I feel my shoulders drop, my arms folding instinctively across my chest. “Right. I see.” My voice is even, but inside, the awkwardness churns. How do I navigate through this?The silence stretches, thick with unspoken tension. Richard clears his throat, breaking the stillness. “So, can we begin?” His gaze darts around until it locks briefly with Roy’s. Richard chuckles softly, a smile playing on his lips, before looking away
Isabel’s POVLooking at Nadia, I can tell she’s deeply worried about something. Her grip on the clipboard is tight, her expression pinched with stress.“I’ll be right back,” I say, excusing myself from Roy and Aurora. Nadia follows me as I step aside, already bracing myself for whatever bad news she’s about to deliver.When we reach the corner, I turn to face her. “What’s wrong?”She exhales, shifting uncomfortably. “The main models for the shoot—both of them—aren’t coming. Last-minute emergency.”My stomach drops. “Both?”She nods grimly. “The female lead model canceled first, and then her male counterpart followed. I reached out to the agency, but they don’t have replacements available today.”I pinch the bridge of my nose, swallowing the frustration rising in my throat. The main models were supposed to be the face of this collection—the ones leading the campaign. Without them, the entire vision we planned is compromised.“And you’re just telling me this now?” I ask, keeping my voic
Isabel’s POVMy heels click sharply against the polished tiles as I stride into the shooting scene, commanding attention without a word. Aurora trails behind, her steps lighter but equally poised. Heads turn as we pass, and the air shifts, a ripple of greetings and smiles flowing through the crew.“Good morning, ma’am.”“Welcome, Ms. Montgomery.”They nod and smile, but something feels… off. There’s a tension, a subtle hum of unease in the air. Murmurs ripple like a secret thread weaving through the room. I catch fleeting glances, the way their eyes dart back to their phones, then quickly flick up to meet mine before they school their features into polite expressions.I stop, crossing my arms, my gaze narrowing as I glance at Aurora. She shrugs nonchalantly, feigning ignorance. “Don’t look at me,” her expression says.Flipping my hair to the side, I turn back to the crew. “Is there something I need to know?” My voice cuts through the air, calm but commanding.They fidget, exchanging u
Isabel’s POVThe moment I open my eyes, the weight of yesterday crashes down on me. The school event was supposed to be a celebration, but instead, it became a battlefield, thanks to Sophia and Scarlett. My head pounds as the scene replays in my mind: Sophia shoving Scarlett, Scarlett retaliating, and Alexander stepping in to demand Scarlett apologize. A scoff escapes my lips, bitterness tightening my chest. Seriously? Even when Sophia started it, he still sided with her? Is that the kind of father he is? Is that how he raises his child—to believe she can do no wrong?My eyes widen at the thought, and my pulse quickens. Glad he’s nowhere near my children. If he were, they’d grow up demanding, controlling, and belittling others just like him, thinking the world revolves around them because they’re dripping in wealth. I push my hair back, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The tension in my shoulders barely eases as Roy’s voice from last night surfaces in my thoughts.