Chapter 45

Isabella and Xander exited a heated board meeting as the sun was setting over the Blackwood estate, casting golden light over the gardens. They were silent for a long time, and Xander could see Isabella was upset. His phone buzzed before he could ask the question.

"Who is it?" Isabella muttered.

Xander looked at his computer screen. They had hired an investigator weeks prior to investigate Alexander Blackwood, his estranged father, and it was an encrypted message from him. "Urgent," the note stated. Evidence was gathered. You must view this right away.

Xander escorted Isabella inside his study and shut the massive oak door behind them without a word. The fragrance of mahogany and old leather filled the dimly lighted room. His phone displayed a single image and a mysterious audio file as he swiftly linked it to the big screen. Isabella gasped as the image loaded.

It was a grainy picture of two people standing outside a tiny, brightly illuminated house. Although the pair appeared elderly, it was clear that they were Isabella's parents, Miriam and Samuel Lawson, whom she had buried two decades prior. As she took in the startling sight, her heart pounded.

With a shudder, Isabella muttered, "No, this can't be real." "I went to their funeral. I watched as their coffins were lowered into the earth.

"Bella, this isn't a joke," Xander said, perplexed and worried. There would be no proof fabrication by our investigator.

Desperate to erase the image, Isabella's hands trembled as she reached for the screen. She had the impression that the walls were closing in on her.

"This isn't possible," she said. "Why would they pretend to be dead and give me the impression that they were no longer there?"

As he held her, Xander sensed her turmoil—years of betrayal and pain coming to the surface. He assured Bella, "We'll get answers." "But first, let's make sure this is real."

A distorted voice emerged as he played the audio file. "Your parents are in the picture, Isabella. They have been living under false pretences in Africa. Dangerous individuals are searching for them, therefore they are not safe. It's not safe, but they want to see you.

Isabella's thoughts was racing as her knees gave way and she sagged into a chair. Her life had been moulded by the years she spent feeling alone and thinking her parents had passed very tragically. This realisation put everything in jeopardy.

Still in shock at Alexander Blackwood's mayhem, Xander understood they needed to move fast. "We must locate them," he declared, setting up their private jet already. "We need to act quickly if they are in danger."

Isabella's eyes were watering as she looked up. What if it's a trap, though? What if Alexander is using this to control us?

Xander stopped to think about what she had said. They were looking for proof against Alexander, thus the timing was questionable. However, there was no denying the photograph's emotion.

"We'll be careful," he told her. "We'll sweep the jet for tracking devices and have security. However, we must ascertain the facts if there is even a possibility that your parents are still living.

Isabella nodded, her will to succeed sparking. "I need to know why they deserted me, if they have been alive all these time. If they're in danger, I can't leave them.

Their private jet was loaded and prepared for the flight to Lagos, Nigeria, the following morning. Isabella and Xander boarded, the atmosphere tense, accompanied by a security squad. Isabella's mind was racing with rage and hope as she stared out the window.

Her thoughts was filled with recollections of her early years as they flew, including her father's laughing and her mother's lullabies. How could they have left her behind? Why would someone make such a decision?

Xander gave her hand a squeeze. "Bella, we'll get through this," he murmured quietly.

She nodded, appreciating his help even if she had unanswered questions. What actions by her parents had justified their disappearance? How did the Blackwoods fit in?

They landed in Lagos after a ten-hour flight and were immediately struck by the heat and humidity while making their way through the busy airport. As they entered the hectic environment, Xander's security team surrounded them to ensure their safety.

"Xander & Isabella" was written on a sign held by a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair. He moved forward with a kind grin. "Greetings from Nigeria. Your defender and guide is me, Abiola.

Xander evaluated him. "You've received a briefing?"

Abiola lowered his voice and said, "Yes." Your parents have been hiding for almost twenty years. Even though they are in a far-off village, we have to exercise caution. Some folks are observing and don't want you to discover them.

At his words, Isabella's heart pounded with anticipation and fear.