Chapter 9

Isabella entered Xander's office, her heels clicking on the smooth marble floor as the early sun streamed through the towering windows. She had been used to the power emanating from every nook and cranny of his world—the luxury, the whispered transactions, the quiet but obvious tension in every place they shared. Today, however, felt different.

Xander stood beside his desk, gazing out at the city skyline with his back to her. He appeared to be in a deep state of meditation or even preparing for an impending conflict because of his stiff posture and clinched hands behind him.

"You desired for me to be here?" Isabella questioned, her voice firm despite the buzz of nervousness beneath it.

"I have a meeting today," Xander replied in a stern, low voice without turning around. I want you to be there.

Isabella had long since ceased anticipating those, so it wasn't a request. She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Another business transaction?"

Xander turned to her at last and replied, "Yes." His fierce, inscrutable dark eyes stared into hers. However, this one is unique. You have to meet someone about it.

The door opened and a tall, attractive woman entered before she could ask him any more questions. Her long, dark hair in a slick ponytail, her keen features, and her eyes, which gleamed with intelligence and something more sinister, commanded attention. With a familiarity that made Isabella's stomach turn, her eyes darted to her and then back to Xander.

The woman held out a hand to Isabella and murmured, "Vivian Royce," in a silky voice. "You must be Mrs. Blackwood's replacement. A joy.

Seeing the challenge in Vivian's tone, Isabella shook her hand. "The same goes for

With a smile on her lips, Vivian returned her focus to Xander. "Should we start?"

As the meeting got underway, Isabella felt as though she was being drawn into a world that was even more complicated and sinister than she had anticipated. The three of them proceeded to the enormous conference table. It was evident that Vivian had been in this business for a long time because of her confident and shrewd speech, which covered mergers, investments, and strategic alliances with ease.

Isabella soon discovered, as the talk went on, that Vivian wasn't just any business associate; rather, she was someone from Xander's past who knew him too well. Unquestionably, there was tension between them, evident in the way she spoke to him and in their covert glances.

Isabella, however, wasn't here to be overlooked. She was not going to allow Vivian or anybody else to view her as merely another pawn in Xander's scheme of things since she had a part to play.

Isabella's keen intellect allowed her to catch up on the subtleties of the discourse and contribute at strategic points as the meeting went on. She was more than simply a gorgeous face; she was aware of the dangers, rewards, and stakes. She also saw Xander observing her intently as she talked, a glimmer of something—possibly respect—crossing his features.

Vivian gave Xander a knowing look as the meeting came to a conclusion. "Xander, I'll be in contact. We have a lot to talk about.

There was a lingering tension in the room as she gave Isabella one more look before leaving.

Isabella sat there with her thoughts racing. "Isn't she more than just a business partner?"

Xander's mouth clenched. "I have a past with Vivian. However, you shouldn't be concerned about it.

"Isn't it?" Isabella stood up and turned to face him, challenging him. "Remember that I'm now involved in this? I must be aware of my responsibilities if I am to fulfil them.

Xander's countenance hardened as his eyes darkened. "Vivian is helpful, but she's also dangerous. You only need to know that.

Frustrated, Isabella's chest constricted. She detested the half-truths and secrets that Xander concealed. More than that, though, she detested the way her feelings were beginning to interfere with her judgement. This was intended to be a commercial agreement, a way to achieve a goal. However, at some point, the web of their falsehoods had entangled her emotions.

In an attempt to regain her composure, she inhaled deeply. "Xander, what are you concealing? What made you actually wed me?

Xander took a step forward, his eyes meeting hers. "You believe you are an expert, but you are not. Yes, it was a business choice to get married. However, there are aspects of my universe and myself that you simply cannot comprehend.

Isabella's voice rose as she said, "Then help me understand." "I don't know what I'm getting into, so you can't expect me to just go along with everything."

They stood there for a minute, the tension between them evident and dense. Then, suddenly, the distance between them vanished as Xander seized her by the waist and drew her in.

His breath was hot against her ear as he said, "I told you." "This has no effect."

Isabella knew that wasn't the case, though, as his lips smashed into hers and their bodies pushed together in a passionate kiss. Already, everything was different. Additionally, Xander grew more scary and alluring the further she ventured into his world.