Chapter 052

Secrets and Lies

Through the hotel window, the Shanghai skyline sparkled, offering a sparkling display of lights that seemed to match the thrum of excitement buzzing in Isabelle's veins. She and Carlos had been in China a week now, fighting their way through endless meetings and tours of facilities, tightrope walking on a high wire that was international business. It was exhilarating, challenging, and utterly exhausting.

As she leaned back into the soft couch, her laptop balanced on her thighs, the first signs of a grin began to grow across Isabelle's face. She was good at it—better than she'd thought. All those years running their household and maneuvering through so many social circles had polished her skills as a diplomat, negotiator. Even Carlos had been impressed, deferring to her for counsel at some of the most critical moments of the negotiations.

A notification flashed across her screen – a video call from home. She smiled as she hit accept, and her children's faces lighted up