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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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 room felt quieter after Robert and Sebastian left to visit my father, their purpose clear but their outcomes uncertain. Emerson had been called away as well, leaving Caleb behind to care for me. It was a kindness, but I could tell he wasn’t entirely comfortable. Caleb fidgeted with his shirt sleeve, his usual ease replaced by a hesitant awkwardness I hadn’t seen before."Caleb," I said softly, tilting my head to catch his eye. "Are you okay?"He gave a start, as though he’d forgotten I was in the room, and offered a shaky laugh. “Yeah, just… a lot on my mind.”His gaze wandered, distant and unfocused, and I didn’t need to guess what—or who—he was thinking about. "It’s Margot, isn’t it?"His blush confirmed my suspicion, his face reddening like a guilty teenager caught sneaking out. “Is it that obvious?”I couldn’t help but smile. "Only completely. You’re not usually this... distracted."He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know, Isabel. I mean, I like
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s face contorted with anger, his voice like a crack of thunder in the room. “Who do you think you are?” he growled, his fists clenched at his sides. His eyes blazed as he turned to Sebastian, bristling with barely restrained fury. “Even if I’m dead, she can’t be with you. What can you give her? A lifetime of hiding? A life lived in shadows?”Sebastian didn’t flinch. His expression remained calm, though a flicker of disdain danced in his eyes. “Hiding?” he said coolly. “Coming from someone whose entire life revolves around control, that’s rich.”“Enough, Emerson!” I shouted, stepping between him and Sebastian before the tension could boil over. My heart pounded as I faced his fury. “He’s my friend! You can’t treat him like that!”Emerson glared at me. But I held my ground, refusing to back down. “This isn’t about you, Emerson. It’s about my father. It’s about my life.” My words hung in the air, sharp and undeniable. Emerson froze, his jaw tight as if he were swall
Isabel’s POV“You—” Emerson’s face contorted with rage as he glared at Sebastian. The muscles in his jaw twitched. For a moment, I thought he might lunge at him again. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, but words seemed to fail him.“Enough!” Robert’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. He stepped between them, raising both hands in a calming gesture. “This isn’t helping Isabel, and you both know it. Put your egos aside for once.”Emerson’s chest heaved, his breath ragged as he struggled to rein in his temper. His glare remained locked on Sebastian, who stood there calmly, his expression almost bored. Finally, Emerson turned away, muttering under his breath as if conceding defeat for the moment.Sebastian smirked faintly. The glint of triumph in his eyes only fueled Emerson’s simmering anger. He addressed the room, his tone as composed as ever. “You’re right, Robert. Now that we’ve put the childish tantrums behind us, let’s focus on the real issue.
Isabel’s POV“You’ve got some nerve,” Emerson growled, his tone a mixture of fury and disbelief. His movements were sudden, like a predator closing in on its prey. In a flash, he lunged at Sebastian, grabbing him by the collar with a violence that made everyone in the room flinch. “How the hell did you get in here? This place is highly secured.”“Emerson!” I shouted, but my voice was drowned out by the tension crackling between them.Sebastian, in stark contrast to Emerson’s fury, remained eerily calm. He met Emerson’s rage with cold, disdainful eyes, as though the physical attack barely registered. With an almost casual motion, he broke Emerson’s grip. He brushed his collar as if erasing the evidence of the encounter. “Do you think your men can stop me?” he said, his voice as smooth and cutting as glass.He stepped back and gestured toward the hallway behind us. “Why don’t you look for yourself?”The change in Emerson’s expression was immediate. His usual confidence faltered as his
Isabel’s POVEmerson paced like a caged lion, his movements restless and agitated. The tension in the room thickened with each heavy footfall. “I don’t know who the buyer was,” he finally admitted, his voice low but sharp with frustration. He dragged a hand through his hair, his jaw clenched as if trying to hold himself together.“How is that even possible?” Robert asked, his tone laced with disbelief.“I didn’t oversee the transaction myself,” Emerson muttered, the words coming out like a reluctant confession. His shoulders sagged for a brief moment before his frustration reignited, his fists tightening at his sides. “I left it to my subordinates.”The room erupted into chaos.“You left it to your subordinates?” Caleb’s voice was incredulous, his expression one of disbelief and anger. “How could you be so careless with something so important?”Robert jumped in, his voice sharp. “You were so blinded by your hatred for Mr. White that you didn’t even care where his assets ended up? What
Isabel’s POVThe room was thick with tension, the kind that makes every breath feel heavier. All eyes were on Caleb as he clutched his phone tightly. His face shifted through a kaleidoscope of emotions—hope, worry, disappointment. Finally, he hung up.“What did she say?” Emerson’s voice was sharp, impatience lacing every word. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as if willing Caleb to spit out the answer.Caleb exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “A key ingredient,” he said flatly. “There’s a shortage.”Emerson frowned, his tone incredulous. “A shortage? There’s nothing in this world I can’t get if I set my mind to it.”But Caleb shook his head. “This isn’t about money or power, Emerson. The ingredient… it’s unique. And only one person knows how to find it.” He hesitated, his gaze flickering toward me. “It’s Isabel’s father.”The words hit me like a physical blow. My father? My stomach twisted as a hundred questions surged to the surface, but none of them found my lips. I was
Isabel’s POVCaleb's blush deepened, creeping up his neck and painting his ears crimson. He tried to wave off my question, his tone flippant. "What are you saying, sister? You know I’ve just said goodbye to my first love." He threw a pointed glance at Emerson as if that would somehow deflect attention from him. Emerson and I exchanged a knowing look. We both understood who Caleb meant… Me. The air in the room tightened, though only for a moment. Caleb’s confession for me was something neither of us had spoken of aloud since it had happened, and time had dulled the sting of it. Still, the weight of his words hung faintly between us, like a fading echo.Robert stood nearby, watching us with a detached curiosity. He was perceptive but hadn’t pieced together Caleb’s past feelings. Not that it mattered now. Caleb’s demeanor told me what he felt for Margot was different. There was a rawness to it. A vulnerability to him that hadn’t been there before. This wasn’t the same childlike infatu
Isabel’s POVCaleb’s exaggerated impression of Margot lingered in my mind, leaving me in a whirl of mixed emotions. Margot knew everything—far more than I had ever given her credit for. It wasn’t just coincidence driving her actions. No, she had known me long before she ever crossed paths with Caleb. And in her quiet, unassuming way, she had been protecting me all along. Weaving a web of support I hadn’t even realized I needed.The weight of that realization settled over me. A mix of gratitude and unease stirred within. Gratitude for her vigilance, for her silent strength. Unease because of how little I truly understood her motives—or the lengths she had gone to in order to shield me.Her brother, Sebastian—or Elias, as I had come to know him—must have kept her informed. Dr. Vargas, ever the enigmatic figure, must have shared updates about my condition. And Margot wasn’t just passively receiving information. She was actively piecing it all together, connecting dots I didn’t even kno
Isabel’s POV"You're right, Robert," Caleb said, his tone firm as he nodded in agreement with Robert’s stance. He turned to Emerson, his expression softening just a fraction. "Come on, cousin," he urged, his voice attempting to carry some calm into the increasingly tense atmosphere, "put your personal vendettas aside, just this once. Nothing is more important than saving Isabel's life."Emerson’s jaw clenched as if he were about to snap back with some retort, his temper flaring under the weight of his frustration. But then, after a brief moment, something seemed to shift in his expression. He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. He finally nodded in reluctant agreement."You're right," he muttered, his voice low but steady, "Thanks for sharing the information with us, Caleb."I could feel the tension in the room ease, just a little. Caleb let out a quiet sigh, as though some weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He turned to me, his gaze more vulnerable than I ha