Chapter 15

The silence was short-lived.

It began modestly. A odd gaze, a missed call, and a long quiet. However, these minor details were red flags to Xander, who had based his entire existence on accuracy and control. There was something wrong, and it tore at him like a whisper that he couldn't ignore.

Isabella sensed the change in him as well. He was less trustworthy and less forthcoming. Every look was burdened with mistrust, and every conversation seemed heavy. Brick by brick, the walls she had fought so hard to tear down were being gradually rebuilt.

And she was solely to blame.

Xander's expression was tense when he departed early for work the following morning. Isabella could feel the space between them widening, but he remained silent as he picked up his keys and made his way to the door. She wanted to tell him everything, including the conspiracy to ruin him and Marcus, but she was unable to do so. Not quite yet.

She instead concentrated on the current task: locating the proof required to apprehend those attempting to ruin Xander's life.

At their regular meeting place, the café, she ran into Marcus once more. With his hair dishevelled from too many sleepless nights and heavy circles under his eyes, he appeared just as exhausted as she did. However, there was a gleam of resolve in his eyes, indicating that they were drawing nearer.

As soon as she sat down, Marcus declared, "I've found a link." "It's something, but not much. A corporation that has been acting against Xander's business is linked to one of the offshore accounts. We'll have our smoking gun if we can demonstrate that it has something to do with Vivian.

Isabella felt her heart leap. "Is there enough for us to visit the journalist?"

Marcus said, "Almost," and took out a folder. "A few things are still lacking, but we're getting close. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a contact that could provide the missing details.

Isabella nodded as her thoughts raced. They were more intimate than ever before. However, time was running out and the threat was growing.

"Xander is becoming suspicious," she said in a low voice. "I sense it. He is aware that something is amiss.

Marcus scowled. "Do you believe he is suspicious of you?"

She bit her lip and whispered, "I don't know." "Perhaps. However, everything might be ruined if he discovers what we're doing before we have all the proof.

Marcus grimaced as he slumped back in his chair. "Then we must act quickly."

That evening, Isabella arrived home to find Xander in his study, with his laptop open. When she walked into the room, he was staring at the screen and didn't glance up.

She approached him and said, "Hey."

He murmured, "Hey," hardly looking at her.

You could feel the tension between them. Unsure of what to say, Isabella remained there for a moment before inhaling deeply.

"Is everything alright, Xander?" With hesitation in her voice, she enquired.

When he finally looked up at her, he shut down his laptop. Something sinister and indecipherable was in his gaze.

"I'm not sure, Isa," he muttered. "Is everything all right?"

The question was laden with insinuation and hovered in the air. Isabella felt her heart racing. He was aware. Or, he suspected, anyway.

She tried to maintain a steady tone as she asked, "What do you mean?"

Xander got up and paced the room while stroking his hair. "I mean... What's going on with you is unknown to me. You're far away. You're not telling me everything. And I'm not sure why.

Isabella's throat was dry as she swallowed hard. Even though she had anticipated this day, it wasn't any simpler.

She lied, the words stinging her tongue, "I'm not hiding anything."

Xander turned to her and ceased pacing. His face was a mix of hurt and frustration.

"Don't tell me lies, Isa," he whispered quietly. "I see it. I sense it. You're keeping me in the dark about something that's happening.

Isabella's chest grew constricted. She wanted to be honest with him and give him all the details. However, she was unable to. Not quite yet.

"I'm just... She said quietly, "I'm trying to figure things out." "It's difficult."

Xander tightened his jaw. "Difficult how?"

She paused, trying to find the appropriate words. There are things going on that I still don't really comprehend. However, I'm taking every precaution to keep you safe.

Anger flashed in his eyes. "Keep me safe? From where?

She trembled as she replied, "From people who want to hurt you." "Those who are attempting to rob you of everything."

For a long time, Xander's countenance was unreadable as he gazed at her. "And you didn't believe that I could be trusted with that?"

A tear ran down Isabella's cheek. "I wanted to let you know." I simply I had no idea how.

He turned away from her and shook his head. "I'm not sure, Isa. I'm not sure if I can still trust you.

The remarks were like a kick to the stomach. Even though she had always known this day would arrive, it felt very real when she heard it aloud.

"I apologise," she said in a barely discernible whisper. "I sincerely apologise."

Xander remained silent. He simply stood there, engrossed in his own thoughts, gazing out the window.

Isabella lay awake in bed that night, her thoughts racing. Since their quarrel, Xander had not spoken to her, and the void between them felt like a chasm she was unsure how to bridge.

She was aware that time was running out. Everything would collapse if the evidence wasn't discovered quickly. Furthermore, she couldn't stand the idea of losing Xander in this way.

But a sinking sensation took hold of her chest as the hours passed. Whether she was prepared or not, the truth was on the horizon. And there would be no going back once it happened.