The world had shifted in an instant.
Ariella, now known as Isabelle Devereux to the public—had transformed from a hidden secret into a global sensation.
The unexpected heir had returned. The woman who had been taken and concealed.
Everyone wanted her attention—the media, the business moguls, the Order.
And most crucially?
Silas Vaughn.
The man who once tried to erase her was now compelled to recognize her.
And Ariella was prepared for battle.
She sat in Leo's office, a tempest of emotions swirling within her as she gazed at the black envelope resting on the desk.
Leo stood next to her, his face grim. "It came in an hour ago."
Ariella took a deep breath, picking it up. The Devereux family crest was embossed in silver wax, sealing the letter.
She already knew the sender.
She broke the seal and unfolded the thick, luxurious paper.
Ms. Devereux,
You are invited to the Vaughn Estate this evening. Important matters await discussion.
—Silas Vaughn
No threats. No explanations. Just an invitation.
Leo leaned against the desk, arms crossed. "It's a trap."
Ariella smirked. "Of course."
Carter chimed in from the corner. "You can't go by yourself."
Vincent, who had been quiet, laughed. "She won't be alone."
Ariella placed the letter down, meeting Leo's gaze. "This is what we wanted. He took the bait."
Leo gritted his teeth. "And now we have to walk into his den."
Ariella tilted her head. "Isn't that exactly where we need to be?"
Leo sighed. "I hate how much I love you when you say reckless things."
Ariella beamed. "Good. Because we're going for it."
Leo muttered a curse. "Then we need a plan." Because if Silas thought she would walk in unprepared…
He was in for a surprise.
The Vaughn estate was a fortress of wealth and secrecy, standing atop a private hill, surrounded by gates, armed guards, and decades of untouchable power.
Ariella stepped out of the car, wearing a sleek black dress that radiated power.
She refused to enter the lion's den looking vulnerable.
Tonight, she was the hunter.
Leo stood next to her, clad in a fitted black suit, his gun concealed beneath his coat.
Carter and Vincent hung back, keeping an eye on every movement.
A butler welcomed them at the entrance. "This way, please."
Ariella's hands clenched at her sides as they walked through marble corridors, passing priceless paintings and rooms where fortunes had been made and destroyed.
Then—the grand dining hall doors swung open.
And there he was.
Silas Vaughn.
Seated at the head of the long table, a glass of wine in hand, a slow, knowing smile on his face. A king in his domain.
Ariella felt a fire in her veins.
He rose as they entered, his silver-streaked hair neatly styled, his sharp blue eyes evaluating her like a masterpiece.
"Well, well," he said. "The lost Devereux has returned."
Ariella raised her chin. "Are you surprised?"
Silas laughed softly. "Not in the least." He motioned to the chairs across from him. "Please, have a seat."
Leo's presence was a silent threat beside her as they settled in.
Ariella locked eyes with Silas. "I assume you have something to discuss."
Silas swirled his wine. "I have much to say. But first, let me ask you this."
He leaned in closer.
"Why now?"
Ariella's fingers drummed on the table. "Because I've had enough."
Silas raised an eyebrow. "Enough of what?"
Ariella's voice was as sharp as a blade. "Enough of your attempts to erase me."
Silas chuckled. "You really think this was all about you?"
Ariella felt rage boiling inside her. "I believe my mother was imprisoned for thirty years. I believe my father had to go into hiding. And I believe the Order tried to erase me."
Silas let out a sigh, looking almost uninterested. "Your mother was too headstrong. She didn't know how to navigate the situation."
Ariella clenched her fists. "She knew how to stand up to you."
Silas reclined, watching her closely. "And what about you, Isabelle?"
Ariella smirked. "I'm right here, aren't I?"
Silas grinned. "Indeed, you are."
There was a moment of silence.
Then his grin vanished. His expression turned serious, his voice dropping to a more threatening tone.
"I allowed you to return to this world out of curiosity," he said smoothly. "Curiosity about the woman you've become. But don't confuse my curiosity with weakness."
Ariella stood her ground. "You don't scare me."
Silas chuckled. "You should be scared."
Leo's hand curled into a fist on the table. "Try something, and see what happens."
Silas shook his head, placing his wine glass down. "You're misunderstanding me. I have no intention harming Isabelle."
Ariella raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you want?"
Silas took a breath. "I have a proposal for you."
Ariella paused. "What kind of proposal?"
Silas leaned closer, his eyes shining.
"Join me."
The room fell silent.
Leo's body went rigid. "That's not going to happen."
Ariella tilted her head. "Why would I agree to that?"
Silas smiled. "Because you belong with us."
Ariella felt a knot in her stomach.
Silas continued, "You think the Devereux name means power? It doesn't. Power isn't inherited, Isabelle. It is taken."
His voice darkened. "And the moment you stepped back into this world, you became a player in the game."
Ariella took a deep breath. "So what? You want me to sit at your table and act like the last thirty years didn't exist?"
Silas smirked. "No. I want you to take what is rightfully yours."
Ariella narrowed her gaze. "And what if I say no?"
Silas's expression turned cold. "Then I will bury you."
Leo's gun was in his hand before anyone could blink. "Try it."
Guards stepped forward, but Silas lifted a hand, stopping them.
Then—he smiled.
"Careful, Carter," he mused. "She's a Devereux now. And Devereuxs don't play by the rules."
Ariella held his gaze. "That's the only thing we agree on."
Silas exhaled, standing. "You have one week to decide, Isabelle."
Leo stood beside her. "She doesn't need a week."
Silas chuckled. "Oh, but she does."
His smile turned cruel.
"Because if she refuses… then, I'll finish what I started."
Ariella's stomach twisted. A warning. A declaration of war.
Silas smirked. "See you soon."
Ariella turned, her pulse hammering.
Leo's hand was warm against hers as they walked out.
The moment they stepped outside, she exhaled sharply.
Leo turned to her. "What's the plan?"
Ariella lifted her chin.
"We burn him to the ground."