Emerson is coming! How two powerful men face off?
Isabel’s POVMargot, not one to give up easily, nudged me under the table with a playful grin. “Come on, Isabel! Don’t you think my brother deserves a chance at happiness too? He’s been so focused on revenge, he hasn’t even thought about romance. Someone needs to snap him out of it.” Her teasing tone belied the seriousness of her words. Sebastian shot his sister a glare, though it lacked real anger. “Margot, enough.”“What?” she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes as if she had said nothing out of the ordinary. “I’m just saying, you deserve more than this endless chase for justice. You deserve love, too.”Her words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. The room went quiet. Sebastian cleared his throat, his discomfort evident.“I’m not looking for that right now,” Sebastian said, his voice quieter. As if he was trying to convince himself more than us. “There are more important things.”“Are there?” Margot challenged gently. “Or are you just afraid to live again?”I lowered my eyes
Isabel’s POVI woke up early, long before the sun had fully risen. My mind was already racing. Today was the day I would see Emerson—my ex-husband, the man who had once been everything to me. Who was now a source of fear and uncertainty. I hadn’t seen him since I was kidnapped from the hospital. My thoughts spiraled as I tried to piece together what today’s meeting would bring. How had he been recovering? Did he know that Lilith, his fiancée, was involved in the very scheme that had me kidnapped? And even if he did, would he leave her?I knew the answer in my heart. No, he wouldn’t. But I still feel heartbroken for such a known answer.Emerson was too calculating, too determined. Our past wouldn’t be enough to make him discard Lilith. Not with her power and influence at his side. The weight of this truth pressed against me, making my chest tighten as I threw the blanket off and got ready.A knock at the door pulled me out of my anxious thoughts. It was Sebastian, standing in the doo
Isabel’s POV“No, Emerson. Don’t be impulsive. Control yourself,” I screamed inwardly, watching through the glass. I gripped the arms of my chair tightly. Tension radiated through my body as I anticipated what might come next.Sebastian remained calm, unfazed by Emerson’s looming anger. It was as if the heat rolling off Emerson’s glare was invisible to him. But I could feel it, even from this distance, as if it were directed at me.Sebastian, with a faint smirk, continued his bold provocation. "I’m sorry. Did I misspeak? Is Lilith not your fiancée? Strange, because I can’t recall anyone of such significance in your life—at least, not based on what I’ve found." His tone was polite, almost apologetic, but dripping with intent.Michael, Emerson’s loyal assistant, shifted uncomfortably beside him. "Mr. Sebastian, I’d suggest watching your words," he cautioned, though his voice lacked authority. It was clear who held the reins in this confrontation, and it wasn’t him.For a heartbeat, I fea
Isabel’s POVI was frozen. Emerson knew. Somehow, he had pieced it together, connecting dots I didn’t even know existed. Sebastian’s secret, Margot’s safety, my very presence—it was all in jeopardy. My first instinct was to burst through the door, offer myself up in exchange for their freedom. But then, through the one-way glass, I caught a subtle gesture from Sebastian. His fingers shifted. It was a barely noticeable movement, but one I recognized immediately.Don't move.I clenched my fists and forced myself to stay still. Despite every nerve in my body screaming to act. The tension between Sebastian and Emerson was palpable, like the air had thickened with an invisible force. Neither man was backing down. The room seemed to hum with danger.Sebastian’s expression remained calm, his poker face impeccable. "I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about," he said, his voice laced with false innocence. "Woods is a common name. The General's family name, not mine. You must be mista
Isabel’s POVAfter Emerson left, the tension in the room hung heavy in the air. His presence still lingered like a storm cloud threatening to break. I waited a while to make sure he was truly gone. I watched quietly as Sebastian paced the room with clenched fists, muttering curse words under his breath. After a few minutes, I left the small room behind the mirror and joined Sebastian. His normally calm demeanor was shattered. His chest was still heaving with frustration and anger."Are you okay?" I asked softly, unsure of how to ease the storm brewing inside him.He just shook his head, his jaw tight, and said nothing. His silence spoke volumes, though. I could feel the weight of everything we had just endured pressing down on him. I couldn’t blame him—Emerson had come armed with far more knowledge than we had anticipated, and the danger was now more real than ever.I found myself studying Sebastian more closely, suddenly aware of the man behind the disguise. His square jawline was
Isabel’s POVI stood frozen, ready to scream for help. Michael raised his hands, trying to signal peace. His expression softened, and he spoke gently. As if I were a frightened animal about to flee.“Miss Isabel,” he began, his voice calm but insistent, “I’m not here to hurt you. Emerson sent me. He’s been worried sick about you, more than you know.”My eyes narrowed. I didn’t trust him. Michael stepped forward cautiously. “Emerson had me keep watch on the barracks, hoping we’d find you,” he admitted.I suddenly remembered the look I’d seen pass between him and Emerson in the room earlier. Michael wasn’t here by chance—this was planned. I should have known better than to wander off like this. I clenched my fists, internally cursing my recklessness.“I never expected to see you this soon, but now that I have… Please, come back with me,” Michael said softly.I took another step back, feeling the cold bite of the wind as my heart raced. “No. I won’t go anywhere with you,” I replied, my vo
Isabel’s POVSebastian and I walked side by side, heading back toward the military camp. The air between us was thick with unspoken tension. He hadn’t said a word since the fight with Michael and the bodyguards. His face was hard as stone, eyes distant. I figured he was preoccupied, calculating his next steps. Emerson wasn’t someone to give up easily, and I knew Sebastian was already thinking about how to stay ahead of him.I kept my distance for most of the walk, staying just a step behind him, unsure of what to say. But as we neared the camp, something felt… off. His usually brisk pace had slowed considerably, so much so that without realizing it, I’d caught up to him. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, and that’s when I noticed it: the slight tremble in his steps, the shallow rise and fall of his chest, and the sheen of cold sweat forming on his forehead.My stomach twisted as I looked closer. His normally composed face was pale, his lips tight and colorless. Then I saw
Isabel’s POVAs I wandered through the camp, desperately trying to figure out where Sebastian might be, my mind was spinning with possibilities. Margot’s room? No, he wouldn’t go there. He wouldn’t want his sisters to worry about him. His office? I didn’t know exactly where it was, but it seemed like the most logical place.Frustration bubbled inside me. Why did he have to be so stubborn, refusing to admit he was hurt? I couldn’t just leave him like that. I needed to find him.I caught sight of a familiar face—Sebastian’s deputy, the soldier who had saved me along with him. He was talking to another soldier, but I figured it was worth a try.“Excuse me, sir,” I said tentatively, approaching them.He glanced over his shoulder and gave me a quick smile. “Oh, hi. Wait just a minute,” he said, turning back to the soldier. “Just do what I told you.”“Yes, sir,” the soldier replied before walking away.Sebastian’s deputy turned back to me with an easy grin. “What a coincidence. We meet agai
Isabel’s POVThe restaurant descended into a chaotic frenzy as the journalists swarmed Emerson and Lilith’s table. Cameras flashed incessantly, their harsh light casting sharp shadows across the luxurious decor. Microphones jutted forward like accusing fingers. Each reporter was desperate to be the one who snagged the scoop of the night.“Mr. Emerson, are the rumors true? Are you and Miss Lilith officially together?”“Are you planning to announce your engagement tonight?”“Is this dinner the start of a new chapter for you both?”Emerson’s face darkened, his usual composure slipping under the relentless interrogation. He sat rigidly, his jaw clenched. His eyes flicked momentarily to Lilith, who was practically glowing with satisfaction. She leaned closer to him, her hand resting on his arm, and offered the crowd her most dazzling smile.“We’ve always shared a special bond,” Lilith said sweetly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to suggest intimacy. Then, with an almost imperceptib
Isabel’s POVCaleb and I sat in his car, the hum of the engine our only soundtrack as we trailed Emerson’s sleek vehicle through the busy streets. My palms were clammy against the leather seat, my nerves taut with anticipation. I knew this was a bad idea. But curiosity and a gnawing sense of unease had taken root in my chest.“Relax,” Caleb said, his voice light but his grip on the steering wheel firm. “You’re going to give us away before we even get there.”“I’m relaxed,” I shot back, though my jittering foot betrayed me.“You’re the definition of not relaxed, Isa.” He smirked, trying to lighten the mood.Despite myself, I let out a small laugh. “Just focus on the road.”We arrived at the Imperial Pearl, an upscale restaurant that exuded luxury from its gilded doors to the soft glow of chandeliers visible through its windows. Caleb parked a short distance away. We waited for a moment, watching as Emerson and Lilith stepped out of his car and entered the building.“They look cozy,” C
Isabel’s POVThe morning light streamed through the windows. Emerson wasn’t in sight when I got up. Which wasn’t unusual, but today it felt heavier. My mind wandered back to the phantom kiss from last night. Was it real? Or just another figment of my restless imagination?I shook off the thought and focused on the routine. After breakfast, I fed Liam pieces of soft fruit. He giggled as he grabbed for the bits, his little fingers sticky with juice. Watching him laugh eased the knots in my stomach, but not entirely. There were too many unanswered questions. Too many looming shadows.Work awaited, and I needed the distraction.Today’s assignment was exciting yet stressful—helping with the final touches on a high-profile fashion show. The backstage area buzzed with energy. It was a chaotic orchestra of models, makeup artists, and frantic stylists. I slipped into my role seamlessly, setting up cameras and checking the light angles.But something felt off. Sarah, usually the picture of ca
Emerson’s POVThe quiet of the night felt like both a balm and a curse. After hours of stewing in the study, I finally left to grab a drink.My thoughts were heavier than I cared to admit. The dimly lit hallway stretched before me, and my feet carried me toward Liam’s room almost on instinct.I hesitated at the door. Was this what my life had come to—seeking solace in stolen moments with my son while the rest of the world tried to unravel me?The door creaked softly as I pushed it open. But what I saw made me pause.Isabel sat in the rocking chair, Liam cradled against her chest. Both were asleep, their breathing synchronized in a way that filled the room with a rare peace. Liam’s small hand rested on Isabel’s collar. As if he was anchoring himself to her even in his dreams.A pang of longing hit me square in the chest. It was a feeling I couldn’t suppress, no matter how hard I tried. Seeing them like this reminded me of what I could’ve had. If I hadn’t been so blinded by Lilith’s su
Isabel’s POVI couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at me. Emerson’s parting words lingered like a shadow. Targeted by whom? And for what? The cryptic warning looped in my mind like a song I couldn’t forget, each repetition pulling me deeper into uncertainty.My mind raced with questions, but before I could ask them, Emerson walked away. His posture was tense, his footsteps deliberate as he retreated to his study. He had closed the door on the conversation as quickly as he’d opened it.“Good night,” he said quietly, though the words carried a note of finality that made it clear the topic was no longer up for discussion.I stood in the dimly lit hallway, staring at the closed study door, debating whether to knock and demand answers. But the image of his stern expression and tightly set jaw earlier stopped me. Emerson wasn’t the type to yield under pressure, especially when his mind was made up.With a heavy sigh, I turned and headed back to my room, my thoughts swirling like leaves caught
Isabel’s POVI blinked, stunned by Emerson’s question. His words hung in the air like an invisible weight pressing down on me. The intensity in his gaze made my stomach churn, but I forced myself to meet his eyes.“What are you really asking, Emerson?” I finally managed, my voice quieter than I intended.His posture remained rigid, his jaw clenched tight as if holding back something he wasn’t sure he wanted to say. The faintest crease in his brow betrayed an emotion I hadn’t expected—vulnerability. But there was something else, too, simmering just beneath the surface.Jealousy.The realization sent a shiver down my spine. Emerson, the cold and calculating man who rarely let emotions dictate his actions, was jealous. I hadn’t thought him capable of such a feeling, not when he had spent so much time keeping me at arm’s length, guarding his emotions like precious secrets.“Caleb is a nice young man,” I began cautiously, unsure where this conversation was heading. “He’s... a very qualifi
Isabel’s POVThe tension in the air was suffocating, and I found myself clenching my fists to keep my nerves at bay. Emerson’s sudden question hung heavily between the three of us. I could feel my heart pounding erratically.Caleb’s usual confidence faltered as Emerson’s piercing gaze bore into him. For a moment, Caleb looked genuinely stunned, his mouth opening and closing without sound. The silence stretched uncomfortably. My thoughts, relentless and intrusive, began to spiral. Caleb’s behavior over the past few days replayed in my mind like fragments of an unsolved puzzle.Did he have feelings for me?The question lingered, its weight growing with each passing second. Some of his recent actions hinted at something deeper.His attentiveness, the way his eyes seemed to linger just a moment too long, the subtle protectiveness in his tone when he spoke about me. Could there be more to it?Or was I just being narcissistic?I held my breath, silently praying.Please… let this be nothing.
Isabel’s POVCaleb barely waited for Emerson to approach before launching into his explanation. He was clearly worried about me. His voice carried the clipped confidence of someone both annoyed and defensive.“Look, before you get all moody and controlling,” Caleb began, stepping forward with his hands half-raised in mock surrender, “I took Isabel out because she needed some air. Nothing happened, alright? No harm, no foul.”Emerson didn’t acknowledge him. His sharp, unyielding gaze locked onto me instead, stripping away any sense of ease I had managed to salvage from the day. The intensity in his eyes made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Though I refused to flinch under the weight of his scrutiny.“Emerson,” Caleb pressed, clearly unwilling to let the tension fester, “you don’t have to interrogate her like this. She’s a grown woman. She doesn’t need a chaperone every time she steps out the door.”“Caleb.” Emerson’s voice was clipped and precise, as though he were severing the convers
Isabel’s POVMy hands clenched at my sides, my initial shock giving way to anger. “What are you doing here, Lilith?”“Oh, just taking a walk,” she said airily. “What a coincidence running into you two. You know how small the world is.”Her eyes glittered with malice, and I knew she wasn’t here by accident. Whatever game she was playing, it was only just beginning.Lilith turned to Caleb, her voice dripping with fake concern. “You should enjoy your time while you can. You wouldn’t want to end up like Sebastian.”Her words sent a chill through me, but before I could respond, Caleb stepped closer to her, his tone low and dangerous. “Leave. Now.”Lilith’s smug smile widened as she waved her smartphone in the air, its screen flashing faintly in the sunlight. “What do you think Emerson would say,” she purred, “if I told him about this little outing?”I clenched my fists, my annoyance bubbling just beneath the surface. “Lilith, enough with the games. This is Emerson’s cousin Caleb you’re try