In West Enterprises' opulent lobby, where marble flooring shone under crystal chandeliers, the sharp clink of heels reverberated. With perfect posture and an impenetrable expression, Isabella marched toward the registration counter. She had purposefully prepared for this occasion, wearing a sharp-edged, white-tailored suit that exuded confidence and strength. The sort of attire that was striking even before she spoke.
A slender man with wire-rimmed glasses, Dominic West's assistant, got up from his desk. "Miss Montgomery, you are expected by Mr. West. Follow me, please.
With a brusque nod, Isabella followed him to the elevator, her heels slamming solidly against the marble. She resisted showing signs of discomfort. The fact that Dominic had asked for this meeting made her suspicious. Rarely did he behave aimlessly.
Isabella looked at her reflection in the mirror walls as the elevator rose. Steeling herself, she adjusted her jacket. She refused to let Dominic frighten her, no matter what his game was.
Dominic was waiting in his own office, behind a desk as massive as the man himself, when the doors swung open. His smile was as keen as a sword, and his dark suit was perfectly made.
He stretched his arms as if greeting an old friend and said, "Isabella." "A pleasure every time."
Isabella entered the room without hesitation and said, "I wish I could say the same, Dominic." She stayed upright, ignoring the seat he indicated.
His grin got bigger. "I see you're still as charming as ever."
"Shall we forego the small talk?" "Cold," she said. "What are you looking for?"
Dominic's eyes were bright with laughter as he leaned on his desk and laughed. "Direct and to the point. That's something I admire about you. All right, then. I wanted to give you some time to think about your stance.
Isabella's eyebrows went up. "My role?"
"Isabella, your empire is collapsing," Dominic said coolly. "Your adversaries are circling, your board is restless, and your profits are dropping. It will not be long before Montgomery Industries collapses.
She glared steadily into his eyes. "And I take it that you're here to provide a solution?"
He answered, "Exactly," as if they were talking about something as unimportant as the weather. "Sell your shares to me. You can go with your riches intact once I merge Montgomery Industries into West Enterprises. No controversy, no harm. Just a tidy departure.
Isabella laughed, sharp and low, without humor. "You honestly believe I would give you everything I've created?"
Dominic shrugged. Consider it a lifeline. Isabella, you're in over your head. You will accept the deal if you are intelligent.
A stern, icy look took the place of her grin. "Rather than sell Montgomery Industries to you, I'd rather watch it burn."
For a brief moment, Dominic's expression clouded before his composed exterior reappeared. "As stubborn as ever. But soon enough, you'll see reason.
Isabella responded, "Don't count on it," and turned to go.
Isabella's phone buzzed in her pocket as she left the building. When she took it out, she discovered a text message from Lucas.
How was the meeting, Lucas Hart? I'll venture to say that Dominic was the good guy.
Isabella grinned at how accurate his guess had been. Quickly, she typed back.
You are not incorrect, Isabella Montgomery said. I'm desperate enough to sell, he believes.
Almost quickly, a response was received.
Lucas Hart will fail because of his conceit. I have something that will be useful. Tonight, come see me in Covent Garden.
Isabella scowled at the mysterious message but remained silent. Lucas had a way of anticipating things, and she wasn't going to ignore him if he had information that could help her win.
The rush of tourists and street entertainers filled Covent Garden that evening, as music and laughter filled the air. Isabella discovered Lucas holding a paper cup of coffee while leaning against the door of a peaceful café.
With a second cup in his hand, he joked, "You're late."
She took the coffee in response, saying, "I had to get over Dominic's haughtiness." "Now, why did you drag me out here? What's so important?"
Lucas motioned for her to follow him, and she followed him into the secluded back room of the café. After shutting the door, he took a folder out of his backpack and set it on the table between them.
Lucas stated softly, "These are internal communications from Dominic's office." Memos, emails, and meeting minutes. For months, he has been planning this takeover, and he is not acting alone.
Isabella squinted as she looked through the folder, scanning the papers. Several names caught her attention—names of people she had thought of as allies.
Her voice was piercing with rage as she remarked, "Some of these are my own board members."
"They've been purchased," Lucas stated somberly. "Once he gains control, Dominic has been bribing them with promises of profit and power."
Isabella's mouth clenched. A wave of anger washed over her but so did a grim resolve. She closed the folder and remarked, "This is exactly what I needed." "I'm grateful."
Lucas studied her, leaning back in his chair. "Are you sure you won't let him get away with this?"
Her eyes were blazing with resolve as she met his gaze. "No chance. Dominic believes he has won, but he is unsure of his opponent.
A slight smile curved Lucas's lips. "I know Isabella Montgomery like that."
With plans already racing through her head, she disregarded the remark. It was Dominic's fault that he had underestimated her. She would make sure he paid for each betrayal by using his arrogance against him.