Isabella only wanted revenge. Her family had been devastated by the strong billionaire Xander Blackwood's father, and he was going to pay. Her strategy, however, takes an unexpected turn when she is caught up in a tornado of secrets, deceit, and a marriage contract she did not expect. Xander is cold, calculating, and motivated by ambition. He regards Isabella as nothing more than a pawn in a bargain that will strengthen his kingdom. He doesn't expect the fire in her eyes or the spark that sparks whenever they're together. Their marriage was supposed to be a facade, but behind closed doors, a new game is being played. As they engage in a battle of wills, their ice shell begins to melt. Anger becomes to attraction, and neither can deny the tremendous chemistry that binds them together. But, just as they start to doubt the line between love and vengeance, a web of terrible secrets begins to emerge. The past returns to haunt them, threatening to destroy everything they've built—both professionally and in their fragile relationship. In a world of power and deception, Isabella and Xander must decide whether their marriage is a game or if something more serious has taken root. Will revenge pull them apart, or will genuine love be enough to keep them together?
View MoreThe room was suffocatingly quiet. Isabella stood still, her eyes fixed on the screen as she grasped the magnitude of her discovery. The "Alliance" was not merely a conspiracy; it was a worldwide network that had penetrated some of the most powerful organizations in the world.Xander had not told her about this.The weight of treachery was weighing down on her, and her heart was pounding. Unaware of the actual threats they faced, how could he allow her to fight in the dark? There was dread in addition to rage. What else was Xander concealing from her if he could conceal this? Was she able to trust him any more?She heard footsteps just as she was about to leave the workplace by reaching for the door. Xander.The door creaked softly as he stepped into the room. Though his eyes were instantly drawn to the open laptop, he replied in a casual tone, "Couldn't sleep either?" A moment later, his face changed."What are you doing?" His physique was stiff, his voice fierce.Isabella stood up st
As the flames blazed in front of him, Xander sat by the fireplace, his thoughts racing. His body and soul were permanently scarred by the remains of their recent conflicts. Isabella had dozed out, her features softened by the firelight as she cuddled up on the couch across from him. His mind cleared for a minute as he observed her serene demeanour.However, the impending storm could not be avoided.The scenario had gotten increasingly hazardous the further they had penetrated Alexander's criminal organisation. More levels of treachery and dishonesty were revealed every day. Their next course of action was still uncertain, as if they were pursuing shadows on an unending battlefield.Xander was aware that the last encounter with Alexander was imminent. He was more uneasy about the mounting doubt that was invading his thoughts than he was about the face-off that was about to happen.Slowly emerging from her slumber, Isabella's eyes flitted open and locked with Xander's. She sat up and pu
Even if Alexander's empire was in shambles and the courtroom battle was still imminent, there was still work to be done. The collapse of one of the city's most influential men sparked an unrelenting media frenzy. Though rumours circulated about his secrets being revealed and his influence eroding, Xander, Isabella, and Natalie knew the narrative was far from ended.A chilly wind blew through the scene as Alexander was led to the waiting police waggon. Xander was relieved yet fatigued as he stood next to Isabella, his arm wrapped around her. From the corner of his eye, however, he saw Natalie leaving—quietly, as though vanishing into the darkness."Natalie!" As he jogged after her, Xander cried out.She didn't turn, but she stopped. With a flat, worn-out voice, she added, "You don't need to thank me." "I never wanted to save anyone but myself."Standing a few steps behind her, Xander scowled. "You saved us nonetheless."Her eyes were colder than he remembered when she finally turned to
The realisation made Xander's heart race. They had lost the game. He scanned the magnificent ballroom for any indication of treachery. Though there was no concrete proof, his gut told him something was off. Still.With his thoughts racing, Xander muttered to himself, "Natalie."He turned to look at Natalie, who was standing across the room staring at Alexander. Xander couldn't get rid of the impression that she knew more than she admitted, even though her face was inscrutable.He whispered, "Isabella, we have to move," and drew her nearer.Her eyes flashed with anxiety as she said, "What's going on?"Looking around the room for Marcus, he answered, "I believe we've been set up." "We must leave this place before things go wrong."However, a huge crash reverberated throughout the ballroom before they could take any action. The audience let out a terrified gasp when the elaborate chandeliers above them trembled.The room was suddenly filled with ominous shadows as the lights lowered. Ale
The Evidence Within ReachThe abandoned warehouse was eerily quiet after the gunfire ceased. Xander, Isabella, and the others took a moment to catch their breath, but there was no time to waste. Marcus, still shaken, motioned them to follow him.“I stashed the evidence in a safe place. It’s not far from here,” Marcus whispered, wiping the sweat from his brow.They moved cautiously through the dark alleys, the tension thick in the air. Every shadow seemed to hide danger. Xander stayed close to Isabella, their hands brushing as they moved quickly, neither daring to speak of the fear they felt.Unraveling the TruthMarcus led them to an old, run-down building on the outskirts of town, a place long forgotten by everyone but him. As they entered, the stench of decay filled the air, but Marcus didn’t falter. He went straight to a loose floorboard in the far corner, pulling it up to reveal a small, weathered lockbox.“This is it,” Marcus said, his voice tight with anticipation.Inside the bo
Xander had trouble falling asleep after the emotional meeting with his mother. His thoughts were racing with the new information and what they needed to do next. Sophia had brought up the old coworker, the one who had supported Alexander but later turned against him. The secret to everything might lie with this man.Xander sat at the window in the early morning hours, watching the first rays of dawn appear on the horizon. Isabella stirred next to him. "We'll find him," she muttered without opening her eyes.Xander nodded, but he was still unsure. This was about justice now, not just retaliation. For the future he wished to create with Isabella, for his mother, and for the innumerable lives Alexander had ruined.The Hunt StartsThey started looking for Alexander's former associate two days later. James had discovered some leads. In order to remain undetected, the man had gone underground and adopted a series of fictitious names. They would need to exercise caution since Alexander would
The Secret of the MotherAs James's revelation weighed heavily on Xander, he remained silent. His father had taken his mother away from him, and he believed she was long dead, although she was still alive. A mixture of emotions, including shock, rage, and an odd feeling of optimism, pounded in his heart.Isabella sat next to him and touched his arm tenderly. "If she's alive, Xander," she muttered, "this is a game-changer."Slowly, with his thoughts still processing, Xander nodded. He finally stated, "We need to find her," in a steady yet resolute tone. "If she's been hiding, waiting to strike against my father, then she could be the key to ending all of this."James reclined in his chair, doubt casting a shadow across his features. It isn't that easy. Your dad is always watching. We cannot take the chance of guiding him directly to her, even if we locate her. We must exercise caution.Xander got up and resumed his pacing. "Where is she? Are you aware?After hesitating, James responded
As the night went on, Xander and Isabella felt the pressure of their predicament mounting. The knowledge that Alexander Blackwood had a whole syndicate behind him made the safehouse feel everything but secure. One could feel the tension in the air.While Xander walked the room with a determined yet frustrated expression, James was stretched out on the couch, lost in concentration. Still trembling from the assault, Isabella sat in the corner with her knees drawn up to her chest.Finally, Xander broke the silence by saying, "We need to act fast." "They have an opportunity to reorganise every moment we waste."Isabella raised her head, concern shining in her eyes. However, how? Even the full scope of the problem we face is unknown to us.James nodded in agreement and sat up. She is correct. Before we take them on, we need further details. We're dead if we rush in.Xander's fists tensed as he stopped pacing. He struggled to balance the rational necessity for prudence with his need for qui
As he and James hurried through the restaurant's back door, Xander's heart was pounding. The chilly night air struck them like a slap, as gunshots reverberated behind them. Xander's veins flooded with adrenaline as they dashed down the tight alley. They had to live for the moment, even though he didn't trust James.James gasped and dragged Xander to a parking lot nearby, saying, "We have to get to the car." But Xander slammed him against the wall after grabbing him by the collar."What makes anything you say credible?" Xander snarled, his eyes flashing with rage. "I was led into this by you!"Fear flickered in James's eyes as he sought to escape. "I had no other option! I'm your father's property, Xander. But he's gone rogue—I didn't set you up for this.Then Xander shoved him free. "You're fortunate that I need you at this moment. However, you and I are done as soon as this is over.After recovering his breath, James nodded. "All right. However, you will require my assistance if you
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