Isabel’s POVLilith's irritation was palpable. Her sharp eyes narrowed, her lips twitching as though she was fighting to hold back a retort. Her fingers gripped the edges of her chair. But before she could spit out whatever venomous words she had prepared, the auctioneer’s voice boomed through the hall.“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer announced with a theatrical pause, “Welcome to an evening of rare treasures and timeless pieces. Our collection of items this evening is truly exceptional...”The room grew silent as everyone turned their attention to the stage. Lilith still managed to shoot me one last glare, her gaze like daggers piercing into me. It was a silent accusation, simmering with unspoken threats.As she settled into her seat, I couldn’t shake the feeling of her watching me. Even while pretending to be engaged with the auction, her glances told me otherwise.She wore a stunning evening gown that clung to her curves, the fabric shimmering under the chandelier lights. Her
Isabel’s POVI barely registered the auctioneer’s words as the auction officially began. The room was filled with the hum of people bidding, their voices rising and falling with each item presented. But to me, it was all just noise, distant and meaningless. The expensive artifacts, the glittering jewels, the rare art pieces—they were nothing more than props in a show I had no interest in.I let my eyes wander across the room. The opulent displays of wealth were all blurring together. It was as if I were watching a movie, completely detached from the scene unfolding before me. I was just a spectator, a ghost among the living. My thoughts began to drift. I got carried away by the memories that still lingered like shadows in the back of my mind.I remembered the first year of my marriage to Emerson. He had taken me to events like this one—grand auctions where the rich and powerful gathered to flaunt their wealth."Isabel," he had said as we entered one of those glittering venues, his ha
Isabel’s POV“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer began, drawing out the suspense, “this exquisite ruby necklace dates back to the early 19th century. Crafted by a master jeweler, its deep red stones symbolize both passion and power.”His gaze swept over the crowd as he continued. “These rubies are some of the finest you’ll ever see—untouched, unblemished, and set in a custom-designed gold frame. A true collector’s piece.”The room hummed with quiet admiration as he went on. “This necklace is not only a symbol of elegance but a testament to history. A one-of-a-kind treasure, ladies and gentlemen.”But I didn’t need to hear the details. I knew them by heart. The ruby necklace had once belonged to my mother. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was her, in a way. A link to the love she’d given me, to the memories that now felt like they were slipping away. I could still picture it around her neck. The way those rubies sparkled against her skin. The way her deep blue eyes shimmered wi
Isabel’s POVThe tension in the room was suffocating. No one was bidding anymore. My heart raced. This was my last chance. I needed to stop Emerson. My eyes darted to his hand, his paddle ready. Intense panic surged through me. What could I do? He had taken everything. How could I stop him from taking this from me too?Frantically, I grabbed my phone and started typing, my fingers trembling."Emerson, please, don't do this. It’s the last thing my mother left me. You know how significant it is for me. Please, as long as you give it to me, I promise that I will never appear in your life again. Even if you want my life, I can give it to you."I hit send, praying he’d read it. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat loud in my ears. My gaze flickered to him as he glanced at his phone, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I feared he would ignore me. That he would raise his hand again and bid, snatching away the necklace that meant everything to me. But then, he hesitated. He paused.
Isabel’s POVI stood outside the auction hall, the evening air biting against my skin. The cold, harsh wind whipped around me. I didn't need to turn around to know who had come to taunt me. The voice was all too familiar.Emerson always seemed to show up at the worst moments. As if he had a radar for my most humiliating situations. It was as if he was waiting, lurking in the shadows. Ready to catch me at my weakest just to watch me break.The sound of his leather shoes clicking against the floor echoed closer. Each step felt like a hammer to my fragile composure. I could feel his presence closing in. And with it, a wave of panic was rising in my chest. I couldn't bear it any longer.I spun around, my voice trembling with a fury that had been simmering for months. “Why should I have regrets? Regrets about what? For not seeing your true face sooner? For not giving up the position of Mrs. Williams earlier so you could parade Lilith around?”Emerson’s eyes widened, caught off guard by my o
Isabel’s POVEmerson suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Take it back, Isabel,” he repeated through gritted teeth. His grip on my wrist tightened. His desperation was clear in the way his fingers dug into my skin. The pain shot up my arm, forcing a sharp gasp from my lips.“Emerson, let go,” I demanded, my voice strained. The ache in my wrist was unbearable, but there was something more—something deeper—unraveling within me. His hold wasn’t just physical; it was a reminder of the control he had always sought to wield over me. “You’re hurting me!” I added in a desperate tone.He hesitated, his eyes flickering with something almost like regret, before his grip loosened. “Sorry...” he muttered, his voice low, barely audible over the wind. But then he added, more firmly, “But don’t ever say things like that. You won’t die. I won’t allow it.”I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. His words, though seemingly filled with concern, only highlighted the cold, controlling nature of h
Isabel’s POVThe brooch was the only thing of value I had left. The delicate emerald piece had been passed down through Emerson's family. It was never meant to leave my possession, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Emerson’s grandmother had once owned the brooch. She was a proud and elegant lady, embodying a grace that few could match, even in her later years. When I met her, she was already advanced in age. Her silver hair was styled immaculately, and her blue eyes sharp with a lifetime of wisdom. The emerald brooch was pinned on her cashmere blouse. The piece had been a gift from her husband’s grandmother. The ancient brooch had been in the family for countless generations.“Hello, dear,” she had said, taking my hands in hers. “It’s good to finally meet a woman worthy of Emerson’s love.” I blushed at the compliment. Despite her frailty, she held herself with a dignity that made you forget her age.She passed away just a few weeks before our wedding. Her death left
Emerson’s POVI had told Isabel that Lilith wanted the necklace because I wanted to get a reaction out of her. It was a little game I played. A way to see if she still cared. But the truth was, I never told Lilith about the auction. Maybe it was out of some twisted selfishness; I didn’t want anyone, not even Lilith, to compete with Isabel for the necklace. It was the final reason she might still need me.I thought Isabel would reach out, ask for my help, make a move that would bring us back into each other's lives. But she didn’t.The day of the auction crept closer, and still, I hadn’t heard a word from her. It baffled me. Was she really going to let go of something so precious without a fight? Isabel, the woman who had once fought so fiercely for everything she held dear, was suddenly silent. I didn’t understand any of it.On the day of the auction, I made a last-minute decision to take Lilith with me. If Isabel wasn’t going to ask for my help, I might as well taunt her a little.
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