Chapter 3: Sparks of War

The viral photo spread like wildfire. By the time Isabella returned to the Laurent estate, her phone was flooded with notifications, news outlets, gossip blogs, and even old acquaintances she hadn’t heard from in years were suddenly interested in her life.

“Heiress Isabella Laurent and billionaire Alexander Blackwood spotted together, rumored alliance brewing?”

“From heartbreak to power play: Isabella Laurent’s shocking comeback!”

Isabella tossed her phone onto her bed, the screen still lighting up with endless messages. She should have anticipated this. Alexander Blackwood wasn’t the kind of man who could step out with someone and go unnoticed.

There was a knock at her door.

“Come in,” she called, brushing her hair back.

Her mother, Eleanor Laurent, stepped inside, her elegant figure clad in a tailored cream suit. Despite her age, Eleanor’s beauty was timeless, her sharp features and piercing blue eyes always commanding attention.

“Care to explain this?” Eleanor asked, holding up her tablet with the now-infamous photo displayed.

Isabella sighed. “It’s nothing. Just business.”

“Business?” Eleanor arched an eyebrow. “Since when does business require you to be seen with a man like Alexander Blackwood? You know the rumors about him, don’t you?”

“Rumors don’t bother me,” Isabella replied, her voice firm. “And I’m not exactly in a position to be picky about my allies.”

Eleanor crossed her arms, her expression softening slightly. “I know you’ve been hurt, Isabella. But aligning yourself with Alexander… it’s risky. Men like him don’t help others without expecting something in return.”

“I know that,” Isabella said, standing to face her mother. “But I also know that I can’t take down Ryan alone. Alexander has the resources and the influence to make this happen.”

Eleanor studied her daughter for a moment before nodding. “Just… be careful. Your father and I may have our disagreements, but we still want what’s best for you.”

Isabella smiled faintly. “Thank you, Mother.”

Later that evening, Isabella sat in her home office, a steaming cup of tea by her side as she scrolled through documents Alexander had sent her. They detailed Ryan’s recent business ventures, his shady dealings, and his weaknesses. It was all meticulously organized, a testament to Alexander’s thoroughness.

Her phone buzzed. It was Alexander.

“Blackwood,” she answered, leaning back in her chair.

“You’ve seen the files?” his deep voice rumbled through the line.

“Yes,” she replied. “You’ve done your homework.”

“Of course. I don’t get involved in battles I can’t win,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact. “We need to move quickly. Ryan’s latest acquisition is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. If we strike now, we can destabilize his entire operation.”

Isabella frowned. “You sound like you’ve been planning this for a while.”

“I have,” Alexander admitted. “But you’re the missing piece, Isabella. You know his weaknesses better than anyone.”

She couldn’t deny the truth in his words. Ryan had always been overconfident, trusting her to handle the intricate details of their business. He had underestimated her value, and now she would use that to her advantage.

“What do you need me to do?” she asked.

“Attend an event with me tomorrow night,” Alexander said. “It’s a charity gala. Ryan and his fiancée will be there.”

“Why would I want to see them?” Isabella asked, her stomach twisting at the thought.

“Because we need to send a message,” Alexander replied. “They think they’ve won. It’s time to remind them who you are.”

The following night, Isabella stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the straps of her midnight-blue gown. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, the shimmering fabric catching the light with every movement. She looked regal, powerful—a far cry from the broken woman Ryan had discarded.

“Miss Isabella, your car is ready,” the butler informed her from the door.

“Thank you,” she said, grabbing her clutch.

When she arrived at the gala, Alexander was waiting for her at the entrance. He was dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him.

“You’re late,” he said, offering her his arm.

“I like to make an entrance,” she replied, taking his arm with a smirk.

As they walked into the grand ballroom, all eyes turned to them. The whispers began almost immediately.

“Is that Isabella Laurent?”

“She looks stunning!”

“Alexander Blackwood and Isabella Laurent? I didn’t see that coming.”

But Isabella didn’t care about the stares or the whispers. Her focus was on one person: Ryan.

She spotted him near the bar, his arm draped around Sophia, his new fiancée. The sight of them together stirred a mix of anger and determination within her. Ryan’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, he looked genuinely shocked.

“Isabella,” he said, stepping away from Sophia. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Clearly,” Isabella replied coolly, her chin held high. “But then again, you’ve never been good at anticipating things, have you?”

Ryan’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Alexander stepped forward, his hand resting possessively on Isabella’s lower back.

“Mr. Everett,” Alexander said, his tone dripping with false politeness. “I believe you’ve met my associate, Isabella Laurent.”

The color drained from Ryan’s face. “Associate?”

“Yes,” Alexander said, his smirk predatory. “We’re working on a very lucrative project together. But I’m sure you’ll hear all about it soon enough.”

Sophia, who had been watching the exchange with a forced smile, finally spoke up. “It’s nice to see you again, Isabella. I hope there are no hard feelings.”

Isabella turned to her, her smile icy. “Hard feelings? Of course not. After all, you’re exactly where you belong, right by his side.”

The tension between them was palpable, and Isabella relished every second of it. This was just the beginning.

As the night progressed, Alexander pulled Isabella aside. “I have something for you,” he said, handing her a small flash drive.

“What’s this?” she asked, frowning.

“Proof,” he said, his voice low. “Ryan’s been embezzling funds from his company. And this? This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Isabella stared at the flash drive, her mind racing. With this, she could destroy Ryan completely.

But was she ready to take that step?