Isabel’s POVThe sight of Margot standing in the doorway stole my breath. Her hair, usually flawless, was a windswept mess, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Before I could find my voice, she rushed toward me, her arms wrapping around me tightly.“You’re awake!” she sobbed, her body trembling against mine. “I thought… I thought I’d never see you again.”Her vulnerability tugged at something deep within me. I held her close, my own emotions threatening to spill over. “Margot… What are you doing here?”As she pulled back, wiping her tears, a thought clawed its way into my mind. If Margot was here, did it mean Caleb might know where I was? My chest tightened. The fewer people who knew about me being alive, the safer everyone would be.Before I could ask, Margot seemed to read my mind. “No, Caleb doesn’t know,” she admitted, her tone quieter now. “He’ll never find out.”The weight of her words made me falter. “What do you mean? Aren’t you two… together?”She shook her head, forcing
Isabel’s POVMy hands trembled as I stared at the television screen, my breath catching in my throat. Alistair Montrose’s sharp, confident eyes bore into the camera as he vehemently denied the accusations. His words were laced with defiance, his arrogance unwavering. How dare he? How dare he act so righteous after tearing my family apart, after ruining lives without a shred of remorse?I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. “How can he stand there and say those things after all he’s done?” My voice wavered with anger.Elias leaned back in his chair. His expression was unreadable but his tone was calm and deliberate. “That’s who he is. Alistair doesn’t bow to pressure. But don’t let that calm exterior fool you, Isabel. He’s cornered, and Emerson made sure of it.”“Emerson?” I asked, startled.Elias nodded. “Over the past three months, he’s been relentless. Retaliating. Gathering evidence. It’s no coincidence Alistair’s empire is crumbling. If Alistair can’t navigate his way
Sebastian/Elias’ POV“He’s found me, hasn’t he?” Isabel’s voice was barely above a whisper, yet the panic in her tone was unmistakable. Her eyes darted around the room as if expecting Emerson to burst through the door at any moment. “I knew it would happen sooner or later. I knew I couldn’t stay hidden forever. He’s too smart, too determined. I should’ve insisted we move somewhere even more remote. Maybe changed my appearance... maybe—”She began pacing the room, her movements rapid and restless, her hands repeatedly tugging at the hem of her shirt as though trying to ground herself. Her bare feet made soft but hurried sounds against the wooden floor, each step amplifying the tension in the small space.Her eyes turned to me, searching for answers. “Do you think he’s angry? That’s why he’s here, isn’t it? To confront me? To tell me how much I’ve hurt him? Maybe to...” Her voice faltered, and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself. “Maybe to take me back—by force, if he has to.”
Isabel’s POVSince Elias left, restlessness had wrapped around me like a second skin. I couldn’t shake the gnawing unease that clawed at my chest. Each tick of the clock only amplified my fears. What did Emerson want? Why had he gone to such lengths to meet Elias? Was it a ploy to find me, or was it something else entirely?I paced the room, my thoughts spiraling. Images of Emerson flooded my mind—his intense gaze, the quiet storm that always brewed in his presence. Would he storm in here, demanding answers, or was he plotting something far more calculated?Hours dragged by, each one heavier than the last. Finally, the phone rang, shattering the silence. I lunged for it, my pulse quickening.“It’s me,” Elias’s voice came through, steady and composed as always. “He didn’t discover you.”Relief coursed through me, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Then why was he here?”“He proposed a partnership,” Elias said, his tone measured. “He wants us to work together to o
Isabel’s POVFrom the moment I stepped foot on the island, I knew I had made the right decision. The air was warm and heavy with the scent of salt and hibiscus. The sound of waves lapping gently against the shore soothed the raw edges of my nerves. It was a paradise unlike anything I had ever known. The ocean stretched endlessly before me—a shimmering expanse of turquoise that met the sky at an indistinct line. A local fisherman greeted me warmly as I stepped onto the pristine shore. His weathered face broke into a kind smile as he motioned toward a path leading up the beach. “This way, miss,” he said, his voice rough from years spent at sea.He led me to a charming beach house, nestled among a grove of palm trees swaying gently in the ocean breeze. The house was modest in size but modern in design.Its whitewashed walls glowed softly in the afternoon light. Large windows reflected the surrounding dunes and the endless stretch of turquoise sea just steps away.The porch was shaded b
Isabel’s POVReaching the girl, I carefully pulled her onto my back. Her delicate weight was almost nonexistent. Her pale skin and lips tinged with blue made my chest tighten with fear.“Don’t you dare give up,” I muttered, kicking hard toward the shore. The effort burned my muscles, each stroke a battle against the ocean. But adrenaline and sheer determination propelled me forward faster than I’d ever swam.When my feet finally touched the sandy shore, I stumbled onto the beach, cradling her in my arms. I laid her gently on the warm sand, brushing wet strands of her blonde hair from her face.“Come on, sweetheart,” I murmured, my voice trembling. “Stay with me.”I pressed my ear to her chest. The faint sound of her heartbeat brought a wave of relief. Still, her breaths were shallow. Panic clawed at my mind, but I forced myself to focus.I tilted her head back and began CPR. My hands moved with a steadiness that surprised me, even as fear gnawed at my resolve.Minutes felt like hours u
Isabel’s POVThe ride to the other side of the island was surreal. As the dense jungle opened to reveal the North Star Hotel, my breath caught. The place was a paradise within a paradise. Beach huts with thatched roofs stood in neat rows along the golden shoreline, their soft lights glowing against the approaching dusk. Palm trees swayed lazily in the breeze. The sound of distant waves mixed with warm laughter and the enticing aroma of barbecue.A maid in a crisp white uniform greeted me as I stepped onto the cobblestone path leading to the main resort area. “Miss Isabel?” she asked with a warm smile.“Yes,” I replied, suddenly feeling out of place in my simple sundress amidst the elegance of the setting.“Please follow me.” She gestured toward a winding path that led deeper into the property.The beach hut she led me to was perched perfectly on the edge of the sand, its wide veranda overlooking the sparkling ocean. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the edges of the roof, and lanterns sw
Isabel’s POVI sat at the long outdoor table with Eric, his family, and little Elena. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses wove a fragile sense of warmth I hadn’t felt in years. This was… my family.The golden hues of the setting sun painted the ocean in shimmering amber. The air was heavy with the scent of grilled seafood and the faint sweetness of tropical flowers. But my heart was heavy, weighed down by the revelations of the evening.Eric leaned forward, his expression softened by nostalgia. His deep voice was steady but tinged with emotion. “Your mother, Lily… she was the heart of our family,” he began, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. “She was young, beautiful—just like you—and perhaps a little too naive when she left us.”I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the edge of my chair. “She left? Why?”Eric sighed and shook his head. “She fell in love. Head over heels, the kind of love that blinds you to everything else. He was a man with a reputation—a famous playboy known
Isabel’s POVCarter first sent a team of soldiers to probe the enemy’s defenses. The plan was simple: test the waters, gauge their numbers, and avoid unnecessary bloodshed before reinforcements arrived. But what they found was far worse than expected.“These are not just Alistair’s usual lackeys,” Carter murmured, lowering his binoculars. “The numbers far exceed our expectations. And what’s worse: these men are seasoned fighters. Most of them have appeared on international wanted lists… multiple times.”Emerson, standing beside him, clenched his fists. “That bastard really went all in.”I narrowed my eyes, straining to make out the details from our vantage point on the rocky hillside. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain. The distant compound was a maze of dilapidated buildings, high fences, and scattered patrols. From here, it was impossible to tell how many men were stationed inside. But it was clear we were up against more than just a handful
Sebastian/Elias’s POVI stood there, rooted to the spot, watching the scene unfold before me. The sterile, cold walls of the laboratory pressed in around me.Alistair’s voice broke the silence, a hint of pride echoing through his words. “This is my proudest work! Thanks to your potions, Scarlet.” His tone was a mix of admiration and satisfaction, as if he had just achieved the culmination of a long and arduous project.Scarlet’s gaze flickered to me, her sharp eyes assessing the situation with cold precision. There was no mistaking it: she was shocked I hadn’t escaped yet. She must be wondering if her antidote had failed.Then, without warning, she lunged forward, grabbing Alistair by the collar with a force that was both unexpected and dangerous. Her voice was low, a warning laced with venom. “I’m telling you, don’t touch my nephew! Otherwise, I’ll make sure you never stand again!” Her words were like a promise, a threat wrapped in maternal protection. But there was something more
Emerson’s POVI sat in the car, fingers drumming absently against the steering wheel as my mind churned through everything that had happened. The weight of it all pressed down on my shoulders like an iron grip. Lilith’s confessions, Elias’s predicament, the looming confrontation with Alistair—it was a tangled mess of threats and uncertainties. Every second that passed only heightened the tension coiling in my chest.A sharp knock on the window pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Carter standing outside, his sharp gaze scanning the area. I rolled the window down, and he wasted no time.“I heard you caught a woman? How is she involved in this?” he asked, his voice even but laced with curiosity.I exhaled and nodded, stepping out of the vehicle. My eyes swept the surroundings instinctively, old habits keeping me cautious even in relatively safe zones. Carter caught on immediately.“Margot’s with Isabel back at the base,” he assured me. “We can talk there.”I gave him a curt nod,
Isabel’s POVWe delayed our mission. Lilith's intel might be significant and give us clues on how to proceed.In the interrogation room, Lilith sat handcuffed to the chair, her face twisted with a mixture of defiance and resignation. I stood behind the mirrored glass, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, trying to steady my breathing. Emerson and one of his men sat across from her, their expressions unreadable. The tension in the room was thick, palpable."Talk," Emerson commanded, his voice cold.Lilith smirked, leaning back as if the shackles meant nothing to her. "Where do I begin?" she mused, tilting her head. "Maybe with the fact that I was Lila all along?"My stomach dropped. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay rooted to the spot. I knew it. But I’d never expected to hear her say it aloud. My mind reeled as Lilith continued."Alistair took me after you thought I’d died," she said, her tone shifting into something bitter. "He changed me—physically, mentally. His damned
Isabel’s POVCarter and Emerson bent over the map, their voices low but intense as they laid out the plan. The dimly lit tent smelled of sweat, gun oil, and the anticipation of an impending fight. My fingers tightened into fists at my sides. I refused to be left behind.“We move in small teams,” Carter was saying. “Margot and I will take a group to circle around and cover you. The reinforcements are still a few hours out, so we’ll have to be careful.”Emerson nodded, his expression unreadable. “I’ll lead a team ahead to scout their positions.”“I’m going with you.” The words left my mouth before I could second-guess them.Emerson’s head snapped toward me, his brows furrowing. “No. It’s too dangerous.”I squared my shoulders. “I didn’t train for years on that island just to sit in the shadows while you go off to fight. I’m stronger than ever now, and you know it.”He exhaled through his nose, his fingers flexing at his sides as if fighting the urge to grab my arm and shake some sense i
Isabel’s POVI couldn’t shake the image of Eric’s disappointed eyes from my mind. The way he had looked at me—like I was making the worst mistake of my life—had been haunting me ever since I rejected his offer.Although returning home with him and bringing the twins sounded like a dream, I couldn’t risk any danger following us.“Isabel, do you even hear yourself?” Eric had asked, his voice thick with disbelief. He gestured at Emerson. “Haven’t you learned your lesson with him?”I had known this conversation would be difficult, but seeing the pain on his face still cut deeper than I had expected. To him, my decision wasn’t just reckless—it was a betrayal. He had spent so much time trying to protect me, trying to give me an escape, only for me to walk right back into the fire.“This isn’t about Emerson,” I had explained, forcing my voice to remain steady. “It’s about unfinished business, Eric. I can’t leave Rivermont. Not yet.”He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Isabel, I’m begging
Sebastian/Elias’s POVScarlet’s voice was razor-sharp, slicing through the tension-laden air. “I never meant for my nephew to be dragged into your web of danger, Alistair.” Her eyes burned with a fury I hadn’t seen before. Yet there was something else lurking beneath it—regret. Guilt.Alistair, as always, was unimpressed. He gave a dismissive wave, his mouth curling into an infuriating smirk. “Spare me the theatrics, Scarlet. He dragged himself into this when he started meddling with my operation. You want to play the remorseful aunt now? Too late.” His gaze turned to me, and his voice took on a condescending edge. “You should be thanking her, Elias. She’s the one who made those delightful little concoctions running through your veins.”Scarlet stiffened, but she didn’t deny it. “I never gave you permission to use them on my family members.“And since when do I ask for permission?” Alistair sighed, as if the conversation bored him. “Since you’re so concerned, why don’t you give him
Sebastian/Elias's POVThe basement was the same as ever—cold, damp, and stinking of rust and decay. Dust swirled in the dim light from the single flickering bulb, casting erratic shadows on the cracked stone walls. But this time, I wasn’t the one in chains.“Kill him.” Alistair’s voice was sharp and commanding, his outstretched hand pointing at a young man kneeling a few feet away. He couldn’t have been much older than nineteen, his face drawn and gaunt from fear. His chains rattled as he tried to inch backward, but there was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.I didn’t hesitate.I lunged forward, my foot connecting with his chest before he could react. He crumpled to the ground with a strangled gasp. Without missing a beat, I dropped to one knee, my hands locking around his throat. His pulse fluttered beneath my fingers, his breath hitching as I tightened my grip.He struggled—weakly at first, then more desperately, his fingers clawing at my wrists. But I was stronger. Faster. Bette
Lilith’s POV"What? You want to change back to your old face?"The woman in front of me didn't even look up as she spoke, her voice laced with contempt and utter boredom. She was in her fifties, yet not a single wrinkle marred her flawless skin. Her body, toned and striking, was a testament to her wealth and vanity. She sat elegantly on the edge of a metal counter, her fingers idly playing with a small vial of serum. The dim, sterile light of the underground lab reflected off the glass, casting eerie patterns across the walls.I clenched my fists. Of course, she wouldn’t take me seriously—not at first. But I was done playing games."I’ve completed the task my father gave me," I said, my voice steady, though my stomach twisted with unease. "I no longer want to bear this disgusting face."That got her attention. Scarlet finally turned to face me, a slow, amused smirk curling her lips. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying me for the first time."Completed?" she repeated mockingl