Chereads / From Nemises To Lovers / Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: A Dangerous Game

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: A Dangerous Game

The tension in the air was palpable as Isabella stood in the sleek conference room of Carter Consulting. Her eyes scanned the room, the large glass windows offering a panoramic view of the city, but her mind was elsewhere. She could feel Alexander's presence lurking in the background of every move she made, every decision she took.

She hadn't expected the European expansion to come into play so soon, but Alexander had forced her hand. He knew about her interest in Evergreen Logistics, and now, she was running out of time. If she didn't act quickly, he would have his hands on yet another industry giant, and she would be left picking up the pieces.

Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her thoughts. She grabbed it, her heart pounding when she saw the name on the screen.

Jacob Lawson

"Isabella," Jacob's voice crackled through the line, "I've got news. Blackwood's planning a massive offensive against Evergreen Logistics. They're closing in fast. The deal is almost sealed."

Isabella's mind raced. She had known the risk—knew the stakes. If Alexander secured Evergreen before her, it would be a crushing blow. But she wouldn't back down. Not now, not when she was so close.

"How much time do we have?" she asked, her voice steady despite the urgency building inside her.

"A day. Maybe two at the most," Jacob replied. "But there's something else. Blackwood's team—he's got someone inside Evergreen, working the angles."

Isabella felt the blood drain from her face. A spy. This was worse than she had feared.

"Thank you, Jacob. Stay safe. I'll take it from here."

She hung up, already thinking ahead. She would have to move faster, hit harder. And if she had to play a little dirty herself, then so be it.

Blackwood Enterprises – Alexander's Office

Alexander was in his element, standing before a large whiteboard covered in confidential notes and figures. His team had been relentless in gathering intel on Evergreen Logistics, and it was paying off. The deal was almost within reach—one last push, and it would be his.

He turned as his assistant, Lily, entered with a folder in hand.

"Everything's in place for the final negotiations," she said, her tone confident. "Evergreen is ready to sign the agreement. You've got this, Mr. Blackwood."

He didn't smile, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "We're not finished until the ink's dry, Lily. Get me the latest projections on Carter Consulting's next moves. I want to know if Isabella has something up her sleeve."

Lily nodded and left the room, leaving Alexander alone with his thoughts.

He had taken risks—had pushed boundaries—but everything had led him here, to the brink of victory. And when it came to Isabella, he wasn't about to lose focus. She would learn, eventually, that this wasn't just about business. This was personal.

The ringing of his phone broke his reverie. It was Ethan Reed.

"Tell me you've got something," Alexander said, his voice low.

Ethan's voice was filled with urgency. "It's Carter. She's making a move, and it's dangerous. We've got intel that she's attempting to undermine Evergreen from the inside. She's got someone there—an insider working for her."

Alexander's grip tightened on the phone. "I knew she wouldn't give up without a fight. Get me the name of this insider."

"I'm working on it now. We'll have confirmation soon."

"Good," Alexander said coldly. "Get rid of them before they can do any damage. And make sure Carter doesn't find out. I want her distracted, off-balance."

There was a pause on the other end. "Understood."

Alexander hung up, his mind already calculating his next move. Isabella Carter wasn't going to win this. She might have a few tricks up her sleeve, but he was prepared for anything.

But deep down, a small, unsettling feeling gnawed at him.

Was he playing the game just for the thrill of the chase? Or was it something else entirely?

He shoved the thought aside. This wasn't about him. It was about dominance.

And right now, he was in control.

---

Carter Consulting – Isabella's Office

Isabella paced back and forth, waiting for Claire to return with the information she needed. The minutes felt like hours, and with each passing second, her anxiety only deepened. She knew the stakes of the game they were playing, but she wasn't ready to let it slip through her fingers. Not when everything she'd worked for was at risk.

Finally, Claire entered, her face pale.

"We've got a problem," she said quietly.

"What is it?" Isabella asked, her heart pounding.

"The insider at Evergreen… It's Lily Davidson, Blackwood's assistant."

Isabella's world seemed to tilt. Lily Davidson was more than just Alexander's assistant—she was his right hand, the one person who knew everything about his business operations. If she was involved with Evergreen, it was a game-changer.

She took a steadying breath. "How do we take her out of the equation?"

Claire hesitated, then spoke with conviction. "We turn the tables. We use Lily's loyalty against her. If we can get her to make a mistake, Blackwood will be left with nothing."

Isabella smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "I like it. Let's make sure Lily makes the biggest mistake of her career."

With that, Isabella's plan took shape. She would use Lily Davidson as a pawn, feed her false information, and watch as the pieces fell into place. Alexander Blackwood had underestimated her—and now, it was time to make him pay.

The battle was on, and Isabella wasn't going down without a fight.