Isabella's phone rang once again just as the evening was getting started. Although she had hoped for some alone time to reflect, the incessant barrage of business calls was unrelenting. Being at the top came with a curse, and she had long since learned to live with the chaos. She hung up the phone with a rehearsed gesture and looked at the time. Even though it was almost late, she could barely afford to sleep.
She was still thinking about what she had said to Dominic. She wasn't used to having a gnawing sensation in her stomach after he departed. "Everyone has a weakness," he said, his words resonating like a warning in the back of her mind. Everybody has a cost. Was there something more she was missing, or was she really untouchable?
She looked at the pile of contracts on her desk, forcing her attention back to the here and now. Doubt had no place here. She had used only her intelligence and willpower to build her kingdom, and she had no intention of letting anything or anyone stop her from holding onto her position.
She was startled out of her reverie by a gentle knock on the door.
Isabella called, barely raising her eyes from her papers, "Come in."
She was shocked to see Claire again as the creaking door opened. Her expression seemed tense as if something significant—and possibly hazardous—was going to be disclosed.
Claire's voice was a touch hesitant as she added, "Isabella, someone is here to see you." "That's Lucas Hart."
Isabella stopped, her pen motionless. Lucas Hart wasn't one of the persons she anticipated entering that room. Earlier that night, she had hoped their chat would be the last one. Lucas, however, seems to have other ideas.
"Send him in," she ordered in a firm voice. She would play along with Lucas if he wanted to.
Lucas entered the room a few moments later, his presence as dominant as ever. His dark eyes scanned the room with a quiet intensity, and his suit fit him wonderfully. There was no doubting his beauty, but Isabella wasn't interested in pointless flirting. The luxury of being preoccupied by anything or anyone was not available to her.
Isabella calmly remarked, "I wasn't expecting you," without getting up from her desk. The power dynamic was evident as she stayed sitting. Here, she, not him, was in charge.
Her cold manner didn't appear to bother Lucas. He approached her with a sneer on his lips, but his eyes had a calculating expression. With a silky voice, he said, "I thought I'd drop by to continue our conversation." "We are both aware that the game we are playing is more complicated than we make it out to be."
Isabella's eyes narrowed a bit. "Lucas, you don't know anything about me. My life's effort has been this game. I've participated in it and won.
Lucas's eyebrow went up. "Is that correct?" He remained motionless, remaining visible but maintaining his distance. "Then tell me why Dominic West continues to worry you."
The mention of Dominic's name made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly collected herself. She got up from the desk and curtly said, "I'm not worried." "I'm not concerned about anyone."
Lucas gave a quiet laugh as if he had anticipated her answer. "You know in your heart that he poses a threat, even if you choose to deny it. He is more than just an adversary in business. Isabella, he's playing a different game. Additionally, he has the means to make it extremely risky.
Isabella's interest overcame her uncertainty about whether she wanted to hear more. "What do you propose?"
She couldn't quite pinpoint the sparkle in Lucas' eyes as he leaned on the desk. What if I told you that I could assist you in avoiding Dominic? As someone who has the ability to destroy your entire enterprise, not just as a businessman?
Skeptically, she crossed her arms. "What makes you want to assist me?"
"Because I don't like Dominic," Lucas stated, taking a step closer while maintaining an unblinking gaze. Although he is a footballer, he lacks intelligence. He uses his pride to ponder. He is unable to see the wider picture. He stepped back and observed her. However, I do. Additionally, I believe that we may really benefit from one another.
Isabella had a racing mind. Did he truly propose an alliance? It was an exciting and perilous proposition. She was passionately protective of her independence and had established her empire by herself, but this was no longer simply about her business. She couldn't afford to ignore Dominic's threat if Lucas was providing a means of neutralizing it.
With a calm yet forceful tone, she stated, "I don't trust people easily." "And anyone who believes they can coerce me into forming an alliance is definitely not someone I trust."
Although Lucas's grin dimmed a bit, he didn't appear to be discouraged. Isabella, that's your problem. You have no faith in anyone. Not even you. You fear that you will lose control if you allow someone inside.
Her eyes hardened as she gazed at him. "Lucas, don't try to read my mind. You're not familiar with me.
He acknowledged, his tone somewhat softening, "Maybe I don't." However, I am aware of how this game operates. I am also aware of the stakes. You'll need more than just your intelligence and resolve to maintain your empire. Someone who can see the wider picture is what you'll need. Someone who has the ability to see the maneuvers before they are executed.
Isabella was silent for a while, considering what he had said. One thing he was correct about was that she couldn't accomplish this on her own. If Dominic was going to be dishonest, then no. Furthermore, she wasn't prepared to allow anyone to take away the authority she had worked so hard to get.
At last, she responded in a steely voice, "All right."" I'll think about it. But don't consider my openness to listening as a sign of trust. We'll see what your true abilities are.
Lucas's eyes glowed with a mixture of appreciation and amusement. Isabella, I believe we'll get along just great. Just fine, in fact.
He started to walk away but stopped before he got to the door and gave her another look.
"Remember, Isabella," he added in a somber, quiet voice, "I'm not here to save you. My goal is to assist you in winning. However, you will also need to play my game.
As he left the room, his words lingering in the air, Isabella stood motionless. Was this just another risky play in the game, or was this really an alliance she could trust? Her gut told her to break off contact with him and send him away before things got out of hand. However, she had a feeling that this was not the end. It was just the start.