Chapter 3

A world different from the chilly, lavish hallways of Blackwood Corporation was Isabella's flat. It was a sleek, uncomplicated room with a minimalist décor and a long, panoramic view of the city, hidden away on a quiet street. This was how she liked it. Less personal attachments are preferable. Like her, everything in this place was planned and useful.

She lowered herself onto the couch, letting go of her heels and feeling her body relax. It had gone better than she had anticipated for the meeting at Blackwood. She had established herself solidly in their world and laid the foundation. Still, she couldn't shake the unanticipated presence of Xander Blackwood.

He had been observing her all along, his eyes calculating and razor sharp, like a predator sizing up its prey. It was disconcerting. She had anticipated interacting with his lieutenants and avoiding him as much as possible. However, it appeared that the rules had altered. Things got more tricky because Xander was more involved than she had thought.

Her thoughts were interrupted as her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Anticipating a follow-up from Daniel Shaw or another Blackwood official, Isabella reached for it. Rather, the text displayed on the screen chilled her to the bone.

Unknown Phone Number: Miss Monroe, you left a lasting impression today. See if you can pull it off once again. See you at the gala, I hope.

Isabella's heartbeat accelerated as she gazed at the letter. Xander. That was necessary. However, how had he obtained her number? She never shared her personal contact details, certainly not with someone such as him. This was not intended to happen. She had to maintain her authority and dictate all terms.

Her fingers gripped the phone more tightly. Though she had imagined a duel of cunning, Xander was moving more quickly than she had anticipated. It was obvious that the gala was a power play—an invitation that wasn't an invitation. It was a task, an exam.

Sighing deeply, Isabella tried to soothe the uneasiness that was beginning to creep up her back. Events attended by high society were nothing new to her. She could easily manoeuvre through them. However, this was distinct. This has nothing to do with making commercial deals or mixing with the privileged. This was intimate. And she had a sneaking suspicion that Xander would be keeping an even closer eye on her.

Once more, her phone buzzed, but there was no message this time. She hadn't spoken to the old acquaintance in months when she received the call. After hesitating, she responded.

The person on the other end said, "Isabella," in a faint, nearly whispery voice. "I discovered something. Concerning Blackwood

A beat skipped in her heart. "What have you discovered?"

"I've sent you several files. Be cautious around this man—he poses a threat.

The queue died before she could ask any more questions. Isabella sat still, her thoughts whirling. Even though she had always known Xander Blackwood to be vicious, she was more uneasy than she cared to admit after hearing the warning in her contact's voice.

Shortly after, a folder appeared in her email. She hastily opened it and skimmed through the contents. The details were scant and included references to his political connections, commercial dealings, and rumours regarding his methods. But one thing was obvious: Xander had done a terrible job of hiding his tracks. Surprisingly little about this powerful individual was unknown to the general population. Whatever it was that he was concealing, it was buried deep.

Closing the laptop, her determination intensified. Xander was wrong to believe that he could scare her. She wasn't there to be put off by enigmatic remarks or murky gossip. She had come seeking retribution, and she wasn't going to go until she got it.

Xander Blackwood was in his office across the city, gazing out at the expansive skyline. His face was shadowed by the weak light from his computer screen, but his gaze was fixed on the distance.

Daniel Shaw positioned himself behind him, riffling through the documents he held. Daniel stated, "We've begun Isabella Monroe's background check." Nothing noteworthy thus far. She is tidy. Overly tidy.

With a sly smile, Xander's eyes were fixed on the metropolis below. Daniel, no one is that clean. Examine more deeply.

"Combined," Daniel said after a little pause. "Do you believe she poses a threat?"

At that moment, Xander turned, his expression unreadable. "Not just yet. But she has something to hide. I sense it.

He proceeded to his desk and retrieved a tiny file that Daniel had placed there. It included the preliminary research on Isabella—her prior commercial endeavours, her network, and her ascent within the sector. Although everything appeared genuine, Xander wasn't duped. In his world, people like Isabella did not just materialise. Always there was a backstory, an explanation.

Furthermore, Xander Blackwood was a man skilled at deciphering secrets.

"I have extended an invitation to her for the gala," Xander stated in a composed yet slightly excited tone. "Watch how she plays her next move," I said.