Isabella sat alone in her large office, with a stunning view of London from the tall glass walls. Her mind was far from the glittering skyline, even as the city's lights glistened against the pitch-black night sky. The risky game she had just decided to play with Lucas Hart was all she could think about.
Why had she even considered collaborating with him? She had voluntarily allowed another possible danger into her inner circle after spending years defending her empire against predators like Dominic West. She felt uneasy at the concept, but there was nothing she could do.
She couldn't afford to take the calculated risk of trusting Lucas poorly.
She was startled out of her reverie by the ringing of her workplace phone. After a moment of hesitation, she responded. "M Montgomery Isabella."
Claire said, "Miss Montgomery," in her usual composed and businesslike tone. "The assistant to Dominic West called. He has asked to meet with you this afternoon.
Isabella gripped the phone more tightly. Dominic didn't make contact unless he had a secret. That was a lesson she had to learn the hard way. "Did they explain why they were meeting?"
"No, ma'am," answered Claire. "But it seemed urgent."
Isabella mumbled, more to herself than to Claire, "Of course it did." "Schedule it," she said after a pause. Let's find out what Dominic desires.
"Yes, ma'am."
Isabella felt a twinge of anxiety as the call came to an end. Although Dominic was vicious, cunning, and conceited, he was not reckless. He must have thought he had the advantage if he was reaching out.
A text message appeared on her phone when it buzzed once again. Her annoyance flared as she looked at the screen.
Lucas Hart, I'm hoping you're prepared to initiate contact. We must speak. At the Thames pier at midnight. Avoid being late.
She tightened her jaw. Lucas would naturally choose a remote location for their late-night rendezvous. She detested giving him the gratification of knowing she would comply because he thrived on theatrics. She knew she couldn't ignore him, though.
With her heels tapping sharply on the marble floor, Isabella picked up her coat and left. Lucas was prepared to have a strategy session on her terms if that was what he wanted.
As Isabella reached the pier, the chill of the Thames River pierced the air. The distant bustle of the city blended with the soft sound of the ocean crashing on the dock. Lucas was already standing there, idly resting against one of the lampposts. His sharp features were lit by the dim glimmer of the lamplight, while his dark cloak melted into the darkness.
Lucas remarked in a playful tone, "You're late."
Crossing her arms, Isabella said, "I didn't know this was a military operation." How come it couldn't wait until morning?
With a smile, Lucas motioned for her to follow him. "Come stroll with me."
After hesitating, Isabella stepped into step next to him, maintaining a cautious distance. Their footsteps reverberated as they went along the still dock. She studied his calm look as she cast a sidelong peek at him.
She broke the stillness by saying, "I assume you have a reason for dragging me out here."
Lucas answered, his eyes serious but his tone light, "I always have a reason." "You have to be prepared for Dominic's impending move."
She arched an eyebrow. "You seem really confident in yourself. What are you aware of that I am not?
Lucas halted his pace and looked directly at her, his eyes sharp. "Dominic has been purchasing Montgomery Industries stock in secret. In an effort to remain anonymous, he is doing it through shell corporations. However, I have been monitoring the transactions. He'll evict you if he gets enough power.
Isabella's breath caught, but she covered it up right away. "How are you aware of this?"
"I've got my sources," Lucas stated plainly. "What are you going to do about it?" is the inquiry.
Her thoughts were racing as she scowled. Dominic was already far closer to his objective than she had thought if what Lucas was saying was accurate. She could not afford to give him any more advantage.
Isabella stated forcefully, "I'll need proof." "I'm not just following your word."
Lucas produced a USB disk from his coat pocket and extended it toward her. "This has everything you need. Bank transactions, business documents, etc.
Her fingertips momentarily touched his as she took the drive. She narrowed her eyes and said, "Why are you helping me?" "What are you getting out of this?"
For the first time, Lucas's demeanor softened and his smirk vanished. To put it mildly, Dominic and I have some unresolved business. For me, taking him down is personal.
She was surprised by the earnestness in his voice. She just caught a glimpse of Lucas's fragility, a break in his self-assured façade. However, it vanished in an instant, to be replaced by his typical charm.
"In addition," he continued, his grin reappearing, "I like a good challenge. Additionally, you rank among the most difficult individuals I have ever encountered, Isabella Montgomery.
She rolled her eyes, but the slight smile tugging at her lips persisted. "Lucas, Flotty won't get you anywhere."
"We'll see about that," he said in a lighthearted manner.
As the weight of the conversation settled between them, they stood silently for a while. Plans and backup plans were already circling Isabella's head. If Dominic was attempting to harm her, she had to respond quickly.
At last, she replied in a hushed voice, "Thank you." "For the information."
Lucas gave her a startled look. "Did I just hear a thank-you?"
Turning on her heel, she shot back, "Don't get used to it." "I don't trust you because of this."
With a tone of amusement, Lucas called after her, saying, "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Isabella couldn't get rid of the sensation that she had just stepped into a risky game as she left, the USB drive gripped firmly in her fingers. For the time being, Lucas could have been her buddy, but she was wise enough to avoid blind faith.
The conflict with Dominic was just getting started, and she was resolved to win at all costs.