Isabel’s POVI knew signing the papers was a trap. But I needed the money, so I had no other choice. I avoided thinking about the uneasy encounter that awaited me with Emerson. The last thing I wanted was to face him, but I had to sign those papers to secure my future.The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache. My thoughts felt like they were tangled in a dense fog. I forced myself out of bed and made a simple breakfast—eggs on toast and tea. I needed to clear my head, so I decided to take a brisk walk and explore the area. The sun was shining. The fresh air felt good against my skin.The suburb was picturesque and tranquil. White picket fences lined the streets. The sound of children playing in the distance reminded me of a simpler time. I dialed Emma’s number while I strolled, hoping to catch up with her and escape the overwhelming stress for a few moments.“Hey, Isabel! It’s so good to hear from you!” Emma’s voice was warm, but there was an edge of concern.“Hey, Emma. H
Emerson’s POVSince Isabel vanished from the hospital, I hadn’t seen her. My calls went unanswered, which only fueled my frustration and anxiety. Isabel, where are you?!Every night was a torment of nightmares. I saw Isabel homeless and lost. She wandered alone in freezing streets, exposed to the biting cold. In other dreams, she lost her hair in bunches and lost more and more weight. Until all that was left was a hollow shell. Her once-lustrous hair and curves were gone, leaving behind only a skeleton. The images plagued me, leaving me restless and guilty.I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something. I picked up the phone and dialed the lawyer. “We need to talk about the divorce settlement,” I said, my voice lacking its usual firmness. “I want to make some changes.”He hesitated before responding. “What kind of changes?”“I’m willing to give Isabel the apartment,” I admitted. “She needs a place to stay. And—” I stopped, my thoughts clouded by the realization of what I was offer
Isabel’s POVI stared at my phone. Lilith’s taunting voice replayed over and over in my mind. “We had a wonderful night together.” The way she said it left no doubt. I couldn't believe her nerve.My ex-husband, who once promised me forever, was with his new family while I struggled to pick up the pieces. Why would he toy me around like this, making me feel like I meant something to him, only to dive in bed with his new girlfriend? The humiliation was unbearable.I tried to shake off the feelings. I had to. Emma and I had plans to go out tonight, and I needed this distraction.I dressed carefully,
Emerson’s POVSo Isabel had found a new home. She wasn’t starving in the streets like my nightmares. A sense of relief washed over me. But when I saw the photos, my heart shattered. She was with a man. And not just any man…I thanked my assistant for the information and sent him off. I had to prepare for work.I began the familiar routine of getting dressed. Sliding into a tailored suede suit, I felt the soft fabric mold to my frame. As I looked into the mirror, I couldn’t help but admire the sharp contrast of my wavy, dark hair against my striking blue eyes.I looked every bit the successful and accomplished CEO that I was known to be. Yet, despite the polished exterior, a hollow feelin
Isabel’s POVEmerson stood before me, scrolling through his phone. His eyes were unreadable. There was something off about the way he looked at me, as if he was doubting whether I spoke the truth. “I don’t see any record of your call,” he finally said.I wondered if Lilith had hidden it from him. It wouldn't surprise me. She was cunning like that. But that wasn’t what I wanted to discuss. I needed to focus on the real issue."When are we signing the agreement?" I asked directly, my voice colder than I intended. I didn't have the luxury to dance around the subject. I needed that money. My father's life depended on it, and so did my own. I watched as Emerson’s expression shifted slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Isabel’s POVAs Emerson turned to leave, his words cut through the air like a knife. “Move out of this house today,” he commanded in a voice as cold as ice. He tossed a set of keys onto the table between us. “If you don’t want Robert to pay a ‘big price’ because of you.”I stared at the keys, my heart pounding. Emerson’s threats always carried weight, and I had no doubt he meant every word. Robert stood beside me, his face contorted with anger. He opened his mouth to retort. But I quickly reached out and touched his arm, silencing him.“I was planning to move out anyway,” I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady. “I can’t keep burdening you, Robert. I’ll move to the apartment from the
Emerson’s POVThe past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions. Every time I thought of Isabel, my mind spiraled into confusion. Why did she have this effect on me? Why did her presence linger in my thoughts, irritating my nerves and gnawing at my sanity? I had always convinced myself that my feelings for her were nothing more than fleeting remnants of our marriage. But the jealousy and anger that surged within me whenever I saw her with Robert... It made no sense.I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I left Isabel behind in the suburbs, with Robert. Her fragile appearance was burned into my memory. The way she looked at me, as though I were the last person she wanted to see, only fueled my frustration. But beneath that frustration was something deeper—something I refused to acknowledge.The car ride back to the office was tense. My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was Lilith. I hesitated before answering, knowing what was coming."Emerson," she purred, her voice
Isabel’s POVI stared at the test results, my hands trembling as I held the paper. Nervous headache? How could this be? Just a headache? The diagnosis felt like a cruel joke, mocking the pain and fear that had plagued me for so long. My mind raced. Did someone tamper with the results? Who could have done it? Lilith? The thought of her involvement sent a chill down my spine. But before I could voice my suspicions, Emerson’s voice cut through my confusion. “Lilith wasn’t the only victim. Your father was a lot worse than you thought.”His words struck me like a slap in the face. I felt the air leave my lungs. What did he mean by that? I searched Emerson’s face for answers, but he only offered a cold, distant expression.“If you want to know the truth,” he said, his tone as icy as his gaze, “why don’t you investigate it yourself?”And with that, he turned and walked away. He left me standing there, clutching the test results in one hand and the divorce agreement in the other.A flood of
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