Chapter 18

It was like a storm of news. Vivian's initiatives became the subject of headlines everywhere Isabella looked. The once-respected businesswoman had lost favour, and her empire was now in ruins, visible to everyone.

Incredulous, Isabella sat in her living room and gazed at the television. The scandal was on all the channels. The proof that she and Marcus had so diligently gathered was now visible to all. Rather of feeling triumphant, Isabella's heart was heavy. The grief persisted in her. Xander was the only individual she truly wished to speak with. He hadn't, however, made contact.

Xander, in his penthouse, was also not happy. The depth of Vivian's treachery astounded him, even though he had always known she was cruel. She had ruined transactions, disseminated false information, and incited opposition to him. His entire creation was now in jeopardy.

However, the pain he felt for Isabella and Marcus was far worse than any of that. Behind his back, they had made decisions and hidden secrets. He could repair the harm to his business, but his heart? But that was an other matter. It took him time to reflect.

The fallout was also affecting Marcus. The way things had gone with Xander made him feel bad, but he didn't regret exposing Vivian. They had spent so much time as best friends. Their friendship, however, was now in jeopardy.

Isabella and Marcus met at a tiny café later that afternoon. Even though he made an effort to make things light, there remained an unavoidable tension between them.

Marcus remarked softly as he took a sip of his coffee, "I believe it was the right thing to do." At last, Vivian will be held accountable for her actions. Eventually, Xander will comprehend.

Without touching her cup, Isabella simply gazed at it. "I'm not sure," she responded quietly. "I didn't tell him enough secrets. He probably won't ever forgive me.

Marcus put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and reached over. "You took the action you believed to be correct. He'll notice that.

Isabella was unsure, though. She was the one who knows Xander the best. He shut himself out of the world when he was hurt.

With mountains of paperwork all around him, Xander was by himself in his office that evening. Vivian was just removed by a vote of the company's board. She posed no threat now. Xander, however, was not relieved. He only experienced emptiness.

He heard his phone buzz. It was a confirmation message from his attorney that everything had gone according to plan. However, the ensuing quiet just made Xander feel more alone.

A picture on his desk caught his attention. It was from Isabella and his honeymoon. Their happiness and love were so evident. But now everything was different.

His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing doorbell. He briefly considered ignoring it, but something compelled him to stand up. Isabella stood when he opened the door. Despite her nervousness, she appeared resolute.

"I am aware that you requested time," she added quietly. "But after all that has transpired, I couldn't stay away."

Xander moved aside to let her in without saying anything. He watched as she entered the living room, looking about the room she knew, searching for the appropriate words.

As she faced him, she said "I'm very sorry," she said, "I know I’ve said it before, but I really mean it. I never wanted to hurt you." I realised that I had just made matters worse, even though I had believed I was protecting you.

In an attempt to conceal his discomfort, Xander crossed his arms. "I should have heard the truth from you. from the beginning.

"I understand," Isabella said in a shaky voice. "I should have put my trust in you. I ought to have thought we could overcome it together. However, Xander, I was terrified. I'm afraid of losing you.

His eyes somewhat softened as he inhaled deeply. What about right now?

With tears in her eyes, Isabella muttered, "I'm more afraid of a life without you in it now." Without you, it doesn't matter what I do or how much power I have.

The hush was thick and prolonged. Xander struggled to control his emotions as he gazed down. Though he still felt deceived, he came to a crucial realisation as he gazed at Isabella: he still loved her. In-depth.

But could love alone mend the scars and restore the trust that had been shattered, he wondered?