The Man behind the Myth.

Isabella didn't sleep. How could she, with Alexander's words echoing in her mind?

“Break both our hearts.”

The man who claimed to be incapable of feelings had all but admitted they existed for her.

Dawn found her curled in an armchair by the window, watching Manhattan awaken. The city sprawled before her, bathed in golden light that belied the storm brewing in her heart. Two days until the wedding. Two days until she became Mrs. Alexander Kane in more than just name.

Two days until there was no turning back.

She heard the bedroom door open but didn't turn around. Alexander's reflection appeared in the window glass, his tall frame silhouetted against the morning light. He was already dressed in a charcoal suit that hugged his broad shoulders, his hair still damp from the shower.

"You didn't sleep," he said, voice rough with concern he couldn't quite disguise.

"Neither did you." She finally turned to look at him directly. The shadows under his eyes confirmed her suspicion.

He approached cautiously, as if afraid sudden movements might shatter whatever fragile peace remained between them. "I have meetings downtown. The Nakamura deal."

"Right." Isabella nodded, remembering the Japanese technology conglomerate he'd mentioned briefly. "The acquisition."

"Merger," he corrected, then paused. "You should come with me."

She blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because after Saturday, you'll be my wife in every legal sense. The business world will expect to see us together occasionally." He adjusted his cufflinks, not meeting her eyes. "Consider it practice."

There was something he wasn't saying. Isabella studied him, trying to read between the lines. "Is that the only reason?"

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "You said you wanted to know who I really am. This is your chance."

Understanding dawned. He was offering her a glimpse behind the curtain—showing her Alexander Kane, the businessman whose reputation struck fear into boardrooms across the country. The man the financial press had nicknamed "The Executioner" for his ruthless corporate takedowns.

"I'll need twenty minutes to get ready," she decided.

The gleaming headquarters of Kane Industries dominated an entire block in Midtown. Twenty stories of steel and glass that pierced the sky like a statement of intent, Alexander Kane had clawed his way to the top and built a monument to ensure no one forgot it.

Isabella felt eyes on them the moment they entered the lobby, whispers trailing in their wake. Alexander's hand rested lightly on the small of her back, guiding her through security and into a private elevator that required his fingerprint to access.

"Your employees seem surprised," she observed as the elevator began its ascent.

"They are." His face gave nothing away. "I don't typically bring personal relationships into the office."

"Is that what I am? A personal relationship?"

His eyes met hers in the mirrored wall. "You're something I don't have a category for."

The elevator doors opened before she could respond, revealing an expansive reception area where a striking woman in her fifties with a silver bob and impeccable posture waited. Her expression remained neutral, but Isabella caught the flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

"Mr. Kane. The Nakamura team is waiting in the Chrysler conference room." Her gaze shifted to Isabella. "I wasn't aware we'd have another attendee."

"Diana, this is Isabella Martinez," Alexander said. "My fiancée."

To her credit, Diana's only reaction was a slight widening of her eyes before she extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Martinez. I'm Diana Reeves, Mr. Kane's chief of staff for the past fifteen years."

"The pleasure is mine," Isabella replied, taking her hand. "And please, call me Isabella."

Diana's professional smile softened marginally. "The Japanese delegation arrived early. Mr. Nakamura brought his son, Kenji, who wasn't on the original attendee list."

Alexander's expression hardened slightly. "Interesting timing."

"I also have the latest projections from R&D on your desk, and Mr. Sullivan has called three times this morning."

"Tell Sullivan he can wait." Alexander checked his watch. "Let's not keep our guests waiting."

Diana fell into step beside them as they moved down a corridor lined with abstract art. "Ms. Martinez," she said quietly, "are you familiar with Japanese business etiquette?"

"Somewhat," Isabella replied. "I studied international business relations."

Diana nodded approvingly. "Good. The Nakamuras are traditional. Mr. Kane has been courting this deal for months."

Isabella caught Alexander's warning glance at Diana, who smoothly changed the subject. "The press release about your engagement has generated considerable interest. The Times called for a statement."

"No comment beyond what we've already provided," Alexander said. "Isabella's privacy is non-negotiable."

They approached a set of glass doors that revealed a conference room where five Japanese businessmen stood in conversation. All eyes turned toward them as they entered.

"Nakamura-san," Alexander said, bowing slightly. "Thank you for making the journey."

The oldest man, distinguished with salt-and-pepper hair, returned the bow. "Kane-san. The pleasure is mine." His English was perfect, his smile diplomatic but reserved. "And who is this lovely lady?"

"My fiancée, Isabella Martinez."

Isabella bowed respectfully. "Hajimemashite, Nakamura-san. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

Surprise and approval flickered across Mr. Nakamura's face. "You speak Japanese?"

"Only a little," she admitted. "But I hope to improve."

His smile warmed considerably. "Kane-san, you did not mention your engagement. Congratulations are in order."

A younger man stepped forward—Kenji Nakamura, Isabella presumed. Handsome and sharp-eyed, he looked to be in his early thirties. "Indeed. Quite a surprise." His smile didn't reach his eyes as he studied Alexander. "The papers call you Manhattan's most committed bachelor."

"The papers say many things," Alexander replied smoothly. "Most of them inaccurate."

"And yet your reputation precedes you," Kenji continued, turning to Isabella. "Both in business and... personal matters."

Isabella felt Alexander tense beside her but maintained her composure. "I find reputations are often simplified versions of complex truths, Nakamura-san. Don't you agree?"

The elder Nakamura chuckled. "Your fiancée is as diplomatic as she is beautiful, Kane-san."

"And considerably more patient," Alexander added with a subtle warning glance at Kenji. "Shall we begin?"

Isabella took a seat beside Alexander as the meeting commenced. For the next hour, she observed him in his element—commanding, incisive, and utterly focused. The Alexander Kane in this room was different from the man she'd come to know in private. Here, he radiated controlled power, his intelligence evident in how he navigated complex negotiations with ease.

The elder Nakamura clearly respected him, but Kenji remained skeptical, challenging Alexander at every turn.

"Your proposal suggests maintaining our current management structure," Kenji said, "but Kane Industries has a reputation for... how shall I put it? Aggressive restructuring."

"When necessary," Alexander acknowledged. "But Nakamura Technologies has exceptional leadership. My interest is in partnership, not dissolution."

"Yet three of your last four acquisitions resulted in complete management overhauls," Kenji pressed. "Westbrook Media's entire executive team was replaced within a month."

Alexander's expression remained impassive. "Westbrook was hemorrhaging money due to incompetent leadership and corruption. Would you have recommended preserving that arrangement?"

The tension in the room thickened. Isabella sensed they'd reached a critical juncture.

"Perhaps," she interjected softly, "it would be helpful to discuss specific retention strategies that could be included in the agreement? Contractual assurances of management stability during the transition period?"

All eyes turned to her. Alexander's expression was unreadable, but she caught a flicker of surprise.

"A reasonable suggestion," the elder Nakamura said thoughtfully. "What terms would you propose, Kane-san?"

For the next half hour, the discussion evolved into concrete proposals that seemed to satisfy both parties. Isabella contributed occasionally, her suggestions bridging gaps between Alexander's firm positions and the Nakamuras' concerns.

When they finally took a break, the elder Nakamura approached her while Alexander was engaged with one of their legal team.

"You have a good head for business, Martinez-san."

"Thank you. I learned from my father."

"Ah, yes. Antonio Martinez." His expression revealed nothing. "I know of him."

Isabella tensed slightly. "You've worked with Martinez Holdings?"

"No," he said carefully. "But in business, one keeps track of significant... events. Your father's company faced challenges some years ago, did it not?"

"It did," she acknowledged, wondering how much he knew. "But it survived."

"Indeed. Much like you seem to have done." He glanced toward Alexander, who was watching them with poorly concealed interest. "Kane-san is a formidable man. Some would say ruthless."

"Some would," she agreed.

"And yet he looks at you as if you hold something precious of his."

Isabella's breath caught. "I... we understand each other."

"Hmm." Nakamura smiled enigmatically. "Perhaps that is why you can see what others miss."

"What do you mean?"

"Kane-san has a reputation for destroying companies. But those who look closer might notice he only destroys those built on corruption and deceit." The older man's eyes were knowing. "He values integrity above all else. It makes him dangerous to some, but perhaps essential to others."

Before she could respond, Alexander rejoined them. "I see you've been getting acquainted."

"Your fiancée is quite perceptive," Nakamura said. "You are fortunate, Kane-san."

"I'm aware," Alexander replied, his hand finding the small of Isabella's back. The gesture felt both possessive and protective.

After the Nakamuras departed, promising to continue discussions the following day, Alexander led Isabella back to his office—a minimalist space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

"You were impressive in there," he said, closing the door behind them.

"So were you."

"I mean it, Isabella." He moved to a sideboard and poured two glasses of water. "The retention clause was smart. It addressed their concerns without compromising our position."

"Is that why you brought me? To play good cop to your bad cop?"

His lips quirked. "I brought you because I thought you might enjoy seeing me in my natural habitat."

"The predator in his territory?" She accepted the water, their fingers brushing. "Or did you want me to see the ruthless businessman everyone fears?"

Alexander leaned against his desk, studying her. "Did you?"

"I saw a man who knows exactly what he wants and doesn't apologize for it." She moved to the window, looking out over the city. "But I also saw someone who values honesty and competence. Who doesn't tolerate corruption."

"Nakamura told you that."

She turned to face him. "He said you only destroy companies built on corruption and deceit. Is that true?"

Alexander was silent for a long moment. "Every company I've dismantled deserved it."

"Including Martinez Holdings?"

His eyes darkened. "Your father's company wasn't built on corruption. But he allowed it in when it served him."

"With Victoria and Marcus."

"Yes."

Isabella set down her glass and approached him slowly. "Your reputation for ruthlessness—you cultivate it deliberately.