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 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 POVThe tension in the restaurant was thick and palpable as the journalists lingered. They were whispering among themselves. Their dissatisfaction simmered beneath forced restraint. They exchanged glances, as if daring one another to defy Michael’s looming presence. But he stood tall, his posture commanding respect, counting down aloud with the precision of a metronome.“Three minutes,” Michael said, his voice steady but steely.The whispering grew louder, peppered with grumbles of indignation. A few reporters tried to plead their case.“Surely, Mr. Emerson wouldn’t mind answering just one—”“Two minutes.” Michael’s sharp tone cut through the noise like a blade, his piercing gaze silencing the room. I hid behind my wig and glasses, pretending to be an innocent bystander.The defiance faltered. Reluctantly, the journalists began packing up their equipment. They slowly shuffled out with thinly veiled frustration. Their murmurs faded into the background as the heavy doors swun
Isabel’s POVEmerson had caught us. My breath hitched as I met his eyes. They were stormy, a mixture of frustration, disappointment, and something deeper—something unreadable. My stomach churned. He had known I was there the entire time. Worse, he had let me listen. Why?Behind me, Caleb stiffened. I could almost feel the tension radiating off him. He stepped closer, his broad frame shielding me from Emerson’s piercing gaze. “This was all my idea,” Caleb said hurriedly. “If you’re angry, take it out on me. Not her.” His voice was steady, but I caught the faint quiver in his tone. He wasn’t just anxious—he was terrified.Emerson’s expression didn’t shift. He strode forward, his every movement controlled and deliberate. Caleb’s protective stance faltered slightly, but he held his ground.“Stay back,” Caleb warned, though his voice lacked the conviction he was trying to muster.Emerson didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he tilted his head toward Michael, who was already moving before E
Isabel’s POV“Ahhhh!”I bolted upright, my scream slicing through the silence. My chest heaved as the remnants of the nightmare clung to me, dark and suffocating. My hands trembled as I clutched the blanket, cold sweat dripping down my temples.Caleb rushed to my side, his voice laced with concern. “Isabel! It’s okay, it was just a nightmare.” He crouched beside me, his hand hovering uncertainly before resting lightly on my shoulder.I panted, my pulse racing, unable to focus on anything but the horrifying images etched into my mind. Sebastian’s face—bloodied and broken—flashed before me, his screams echoing in my ears. Margot was next, her cries begging for mercy as faceless executioners closed in. I had been powerless in the dream, screaming and pleading, but no one listened.“It’s not real,” Caleb said firmly, his hands now gripping mine, grounding me. “You’re safe. It’s over.”I took a deep, shuddering breath, squeezing my eyes shut to block out the haunting images. When I finall
Isabel’s POVThe moment my father’s frail smile faded behind the closed door, I felt the weight of years crash over me. My knees buckled, and I covered my mouth, struggling to suppress the sob threatening to escape.Emerson was by my side in an instant, his strong arms catching me before I could fall. “Isa,” he said softly, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of my emotions. “You can cry. It’s okay. There’s no shame in this.”His words broke the fragile dam holding back my tears. A raw, guttural sob escaped as I clung to him. The pain and relief of the moment washed over me in equal measure. For so long, I had resigned myself to the thought that I would never see my father awake again. That he would remain a distant memory frozen in time. But here he was—alive, speaking, and aware.Emerson held me tightly, his hand running soothingly over my back as he murmured soft reassurances. “You’ve been so strong, Isa. Let it out. I’m here.”For a moment, I let myself collapse into his suppor
Isabel’s POVEmerson’s words hung in the air, still heavy with the shock of their weight.“I just came from Robert’s facility,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I visited your father. Robert is still there, observing his condition. So I came here to tell you the good news.”My heart surged with emotion—hope, relief, fear. “Is he… is he really awake? Speaking? Moving?”After all these years in a vegetative state, I could barely imagine it.“Yes,” Emerson confirmed, his gaze softening as he saw the tears in my eyes. “He’s still weak, but he’s asking for you.”I didn’t need to hear anything else. “I need to see him,” I said, already pushing myself up from the bed despite the lingering ache in my limbs.Emerson’s expression tightened. “Isa, this is the safest place for you right now. You need rest.”“I don’t care,” I snapped, surprising even myself with the sharpness of my tone. “He’s my father. I’ve waited years for this moment. Don’t ask me to wait any longer.”He sighed, clearly torn
Isabel’s POVCaleb’s face was flushed a deep crimson, his eyes darting between Margot and the floor as though looking for an escape. His response came softly, but with a surprising conviction. “Yes,” he said, “but I’ll need time to adapt.”Margot’s expression lit up with pure joy. Before anyone could react, she flung herself into Caleb’s arms with reckless abandon. For a blind person, it was a precarious move. But Margot’s trust was complete and unwavering.“Whoa! Careful!” Caleb exclaimed, catching her instinctively. He stumbled slightly before steadying her. His arms held her as though she were the most fragile treasure in the world.Margot laughed, a carefree sound that filled the room with warmth. “I knew you wouldn’t let me fall.”“Well, you’re lucky I’ve been working out,” Caleb teased, attempting to regain some composure but failing miserably as his blush deepened.Their giggles intertwined, creating a melody of joy that brightened the sterile hospital room. Watching them, I fel
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