For Isabella, the days that followed went by quickly. Thoughts of Lucas and his proposal cluttered her normally clear-headed and concentrated mind. Even though they had only met a few days prior, his comments continued to haunt her. Lucas Hart was a different kind of businessman who wasn't just out to beat her. No one had unsettled her as much as he had, with his attractiveness, his knowledge, and the serene confidence that emanated from him.
She had been trying for hours to get rid of the apprehension that had taken hold of her, but each time she did, a new notion kept coming to her. His remarks about Dominic West and his suggestion that she might not be as untouchable as she thought were difficult to forget.
She tried to keep her distance, but she secretly knew Lucas was right. Dominic was no ordinary entrepreneur. He was ambitious, brutal, and motivated by a desire to succeed at all costs. She was more afraid than she wanted to acknowledge the possibility that he would destroy everything she had created.
But putting your faith in Lucas Hart? But that was a whole other story.
She was standing in front of her penthouse's full-length mirror in the late afternoon. Even though she didn't usually waste time on vanity, today seemed different. She had decided that she would see Lucas one more time. She needed to know more, not because she trusted him. She needed to know what his real intentions were and why he was so sure he could help her.
She was distracted from her thoughts as her phone chimed. Claire was the one.
Claire's voice crackled over the phone, "Miss Montgomery, Lucas Hart is here." "Should I send him upstairs?"
Isabella steadied herself even though her heart skipped a beat. There's no going back now. "Send him up, please."
After a few minutes, her apartment door opened, and Lucas entered with his usual commanding presence. His brown hair was brushed precisely, and he wore a fitted navy suit. He was all business today, with not the slightest trace of the easy assurance he had shown at their last meeting.
Lucas said, "Good evening, Isabella," with ease, his eyes resting on her for an excessive amount of time. "I hope I'm not disturbing anyone."
Isabella remained calm as usual and didn't get up from her chair. "Not at all. I have been anticipating your arrival.
Lucas's lips curled into a half-smile as he lifted an eyebrow. "I understand. I don't get welcomed to a woman's private home so fast very frequently.
Isabella calmly stated, "I'm not like other women," her eyes piercing his with a resolute, piercing stare. Lucas, you're not here to engage in idle chatter. What is it that you truly desire?
Lucas moved farther into the space, his strides slow and methodical. His tone became solemn as he stated, "I'm here to offer you a deal." "I think we can support one another."
Isabella examined him, leaning back in her chair with her fingers steepled in front of her. "Continue."
Lucas paced slowly as he added, "You've made it clear that Dominic West is your biggest threat." You and I both know that he won't stop until he witnesses your fall. Behind the scenes, he has been scheming and taking actions that you might not even be aware of.
When Isabella's name was spoken, her heart constricted. Although she had suspected it, it felt even more genuine after Lucas confirmed it. "What gives you the impression that you can stop him?"
Lucas paused in front of her and remarked, "I understand his thought process." Dominic is someone I've met previously. He is not as intelligent as he thinks he is. However, you are correct—you require an insider who can outsmart him.
Isabella's eyes remained fixed. "And you believe that person to be you?"
Lucas answered in a quiet, assured tone, "I know it is." Isabella, you cannot accomplish this on your own. No more. You require a companion.
It was a challenge that hung in the air. Isabella had never been in need of anyone, let alone a man. Lucas, however, was presenting an alternative. He was giving her what she had not yet had: someone who knew the game better than she ever would.
"Why should I have faith in you?" Her voice was cold as she inquired. "What do you stand to gain?"
Lucas moved in closer, his gaze meeting hers. He retorted in a meaningful tone, "What's in it for you?" "You wish to preserve your dominion. I'd like to see Dominic defeated. It's an easy equation.
Isabella had a racing mind. Every second seemed to drag on forever as she felt the weight of the choice bearing down on her. Lucas was offering to help her in a manner that no one else could, even though she had built everything herself. But at what price?
Her voice had become lower, almost resigned, as she stated, "I don't trust anyone easily." "But I guess I'll take your offer into consideration for the benefit of my business."
Lucas grinned, but it was a grin that was tinted with both victory and something else, a feeling of satisfaction as if he had been expecting her response.
With ease, he said, "That's all I ask." "I'll fulfill my end of the agreement, Isabella. But keep in mind that we both have goals. You might not trust me right now, but you will eventually.
She looked into his eyes, her mind racing. Although she wasn't prepared to trust him, she couldn't afford to try to defeat Dominic by herself. If she wanted to win this game, she would have to trust Lucas Hart's plan, for better or worse.
She finally answered, "I'll hold you to that," in a steady voice, although her heart was everything but.
Lucas paused just before leaving, turning toward the door. He said, "I'll be in touch," in a quiet but determined voice. Don't forget, Isabella. It's about ensuring that the right people lose, not just about winning.
Isabella was left alone with her thoughts as the door shut behind him, the decision's weight bearing down on her. She had just joined a risky game that could either give her even more authority or ruin everything she had put so much effort into creating.
She was no longer fighting this battle alone, though, and that much was clear.