Despite the quiet evening they had shared, the tension in the days that followed seemed to creep back in, like a storm gathering on the horizon. While Alex was trying to focus on stabilizing their lives, Isabella could sense that something was still weighing on him. She noticed the way his phone would buzz late at night, how he would step out of the room for hushed conversations, and the look in his eyes when he thought she wasn't watching.
It wasn't just Ethan's arrest. Something else was brewing.
One evening, Isabella decided she couldn't ignore it anymore. She waited until after dinner, when they were both sitting in the living room, enjoying the warmth of the fire. She turned to Alex, her voice soft but firm.
"Alex, what's going on?"
Alex looked at her, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"You've been distracted. I know Ethan's gone, but you're still acting like something's about to happen. I need you to be honest with me. What aren't you telling me?"
Alex's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he considered brushing off her concerns. But he knew Isabella deserved the truth. She had stood by him through everything—he couldn't keep her in the dark anymore.
With a heavy sigh, Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he spoke. "There's something I didn't tell you about the night Ethan was arrested."
Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
Alex ran a hand through his hair, the tension clear on his face. "Ethan wasn't acting alone. He had help—someone on the inside. Someone with connections that made it easier for him to move in the shadows. And I still don't know who that person is."
Isabella felt a chill run down her spine. "Someone helped him?"
Alex nodded. "I don't know who it is yet, but I've been looking into it. That's why I've been so distracted. I can't rest until I know who else was pulling the strings."
Isabella reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to worry you," Alex admitted, his voice full of regret. "You've been through so much already with the pregnancy, the twins, and everything with Sophie. I didn't want to add to your stress."
Isabella's expression softened, and she moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "We're a team, Alex. I want to be there for you, just like you've been there for me. You don't have to carry all of this by yourself."
Alex wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I know. I'm sorry. I just wanted to protect you."
"I know you did," Isabella whispered. "But we're stronger together. Whatever happens next, we'll face it together."
For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of Alex's revelation settling over them. Isabella's mind was racing—if someone else was involved, they couldn't truly be at peace. But she trusted Alex. They would get to the bottom of this.
The following morning, Alex left early for the office. He had a meeting with his legal team to discuss Ethan's case, but his mind was focused on uncovering the identity of the accomplice. Victor had been working around the clock, digging into every lead they could find, but so far, they hadn't uncovered anything solid.
As Alex walked into his office, Victor was already waiting for him.
"I've got something," Victor said, handing Alex a file. "It's not much, but it's a start."
Alex opened the file, his eyes scanning the contents. Inside were documents tracing phone calls and financial transactions linked to Ethan. One name stood out—a name Alex hadn't expected.
It was someone close. Someone he had trusted.
Alex's blood ran cold as he realized who it was. He stood up abruptly, the file still in his hand.
"I need you to follow this lead," Alex said, his voice tight. "Discreetly. I don't want them to know we're onto them."
Victor nodded. "Understood."
As Victor left the office, Alex leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. His mind was racing. He had been so focused on Ethan, so certain that with his arrest, the threat was gone. But now it seemed the real danger had been lurking much closer to home.
Meanwhile, back at the estate, Isabella was preparing for her lunch with Veronica. The tension between her and Alex had eased slightly after their conversation the night before, but she couldn't shake the feeling that things were far from over.
As she arrived at the elegant restaurant where they had planned to meet, she found Veronica already seated at a table near the window. Veronica smiled warmly when she saw Isabella, standing to greet her.
"How are you feeling, dear?" Veronica asked, her tone full of concern as they sat down.
"I'm doing better," Isabella replied with a soft smile. "But I can tell Alex is still worried."
Veronica sighed, her expression turning serious. "He's always been like that—carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. It's how he's wired."
"I just wish he would let me help more," Isabella admitted. "I don't want him to feel like he has to do everything alone."
Veronica reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on Isabella's. "You're exactly what he needs, you know. You've been a calming presence in his life. And once the twins are here, everything will change. He'll have even more reason to focus on the future, instead of being so caught up in the past."
Isabella nodded, appreciating Veronica's wisdom. She had always admired how strong and composed Veronica was, even in the face of the family's challenges.
As they continued their lunch, Isabella felt a bit of the tension lift. Talking to Veronica had always helped her gain perspective, and today was no different.
But just as they were finishing their meal, Isabella's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Alex.
"We need to talk when I get home. It's important."
Her heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She could sense the urgency behind Alex's words, and a knot of anxiety began to form in her stomach.
Something was coming. Something big.
And she had a feeling it was going to change everything.