Chapter 41

As Isabella took in Michael's words, her heart raced. With the weight of prior betrayals and the urgency of the present, the room felt too small and too tense. She hadn't anticipated Michael confessing his love, but she didn't have time to worry over feelings at this point. Every choice felt like a step towards either salvation or doom as the clock ticked away.

She turned her back on him and gazed into the encroaching dusk outside the window. "What is your strategy, even if I do trust you? You stated that we require an alternative approach, but what do you propose? How can we defeat them without endangering ourselves? 

Michael's voice was steady but urgent as he approached but maintained his distance. "I've been operating internally. I've observed how they function and their areas of weakness. They can be exposed, but it can't be by a direct attack. They will launch a retaliation if you expose those files now, leaving you helpless. First, we must cut off important Alliance members' support and retaliatory capabilities. 

Still not convinced, Isabella scowled. "How can we accomplish that? They are wealthy, powerful, and well-connected. We are only two individuals. 

“Not exactly,” Michael said, his voice becoming softer. Like me, there are others inside the Alliance who are fed up with what it has devolved into. They are ready to assist, but coordination takes time. You must have faith in me. 

Have faith. Once more, that word. Isabella had discovered the hard way that trust was a fragile concept that was tough to completely restore. However, she noticed a dedication and sincerity in Michael's eyes that she had not previously noticed. 

Was it sufficient, though? 

With a gentle creak, the front door opened, and Selena entered, her eyes narrowing as soon as she noticed Michael was still there. "He's still here?" she enquired in a mistrustful tone. 

Isabella faced her, her choice weighing heavily on her. Selena, he has a plan. He believes we can approach this in a different way. 

Selena's face became stern. "This is nothing new to us, Isa. There isn't time for other plans. Tomorrow, the files will be distributed. The only way to stop them is to do this. 

Michael took a step forward and spoke firmly. They will bury you if you make those files public right away. I am aware of the Alliance's operations. Everything you've built will be destroyed, and they'll make sure you fall. 

With her jaw clenched, Selena crossed her arms. And I'm expected to believe what you say? after all of your actions?” 

With an unblinking gaze, Michael stated, "I'm not asking you to trust me." However, consider the risks you are taking. The Alliance will retaliate more forcefully than you can imagine if you reveal those files. They will use you as a scapegoat. 

Isabella's thoughts were racing as she observed the tension between them. She trusted Selena more than anybody else since she had been there for her through everything. However, Michael's warning seemed all too true for some reason. With their constant readiness to destroy any opposition, the Alliance had always been one step ahead. 

She kept thinking that they might lose everything if they hurried through this. 

Isabella turned to Selena and murmured quietly, "I believe he is correct." "We require further time. We must be more astute in this regard. 

Selena's eyes grew wide with shock. "No, Isa. We've put in too much effort for this. We cannot retreat at this time. 

Isabella's voice was forceful but compassionate as she shook her head. "I'm not proposing that we give up. We make sure we win, I'm saying. 

Selena reluctantly consented to give Michael's proposal a try, but every glance she exchanged with him revealed her suspicion of him. Sitting at the table, the three of them mapped out a plan that could destroy the Alliance one piece at a time. They would go after the important players—those whose power kept the group going but who also had weaknesses that could be used against them. 

Michael listed the names and described how they could separate each target without being seen. Isabella listened carefully as the ramifications of what they were trying to do raced through her head. This felt like their best chance of surviving, but it was also riskier than anything they had done before. 

Michael replied softly, "There's one more thing." "Xander. The key to all of this is him. We can destroy the Alliance if we can turn him. 

Selena laughed. "Turn him? Do you believe that Xander will turn on those who created him? 

Michael had a serious look on his face. "Xander is someone I know. Despite his allegiance to the Alliance, he has feelings for Isabella. We can use that against them if we can reach him. 

Isabella's chest constricted when Xander was brought up. He had been in her life all the time, watching and lurking in the background. Although she was aware that he wasn't a straightforward villain, she had never really comprehended his motivations. There was more to him, and Xander might be the secret to shutting down the whole thing if Michael was correct. 

But could she honestly ask him to ruin everything he had worked so hard to achieve? 

Isabella responded, hardly raising her voice above a whisper, "I'll speak with him." However, we must exercise caution. He will cut us off if we push too hard. 

Selena folded her arms and reclined in her chair. "This still bothers me. For a man who has been on both sides from the beginning, we are risking everything. 

Isabella's determination hardened as she met her eyes. "We have no other option. We need Xander if we want to win this. 

Isabella ended up waiting for Xander later that evening in the shadows of a deserted park. Her nerves jangled, she drew her coat tighter as the cool night air enveloped her. She had been thinking about what Michael had said all day: they could utilise Xander's concern for her. To what extent, however, was that true? What lengths would she go to in order to control him? 

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, and she turned to see Xander approaching her with his unreadable look as usual. 

"You wanted to meet," he added in a cool but circumspect tone. "What's happening, Isabella?" 

Isabella steadied herself by taking a big breath. "I need your assistance." 

Xander's demeanour stayed reserved, although his brow furrowed slightly. "This is the first time you've needed my assistance." 

She paused, carefully selecting her words. "Everything is happening quickly. I can't battle the Alliance by myself, and they are coming for me. 

Xander's eyes grew gloomy. "I told you. Isa, you're playing a risky game. 

"I understand," she replied quietly as she moved towards him. However, I have no other option. My parents were murdered, and they won't stop until I'm dead as well. 

Something flickered in Xander's eyes, possibly regret or even worry. "You ought to have paid attention to me right away. I made an effort to protect you. 

With a stronger voice now, Isabella declared, "I don't need you to keep me safe." "I need your assistance to stop them." 

Xander remained silent for a while as he looked into her eyes. Then he sighed and started talking. "What are you looking for from me?" 

Isabella's heart was racing. This was the time that could make all the difference. "Turn against them, please. Assist me in defeating the Alliance.