For the first time, Isabella and Alexander weren't just playing against each other.
Now, they were up against an invisible enemy—one with more power, more influence, and absolutely no hesitation in destroying them both.
A Target on Their Backs
Alexander clenched his jaw, rereading the headline flashing across his phone screen. Corporate espionage. They were framing him for something he didn't do, and worse—it looked believable.
His lawyers would handle the legal fallout, but the damage to his reputation? That was the real problem.
Isabella's voice cut through the silence. "If they're coming after you, it's only a matter of time before they come for me."
She was right.
Whoever was orchestrating this wasn't playing for small wins. They wanted them both out of the picture.
And if Isabella Carter was in danger?
Alexander wasn't about to sit back and let that happen.
A Desperate Lead
Claire's voice crackled in Isabella's earpiece. "I ran another search. The smear campaign against Alexander was launched through a PR firm—one that has deep financial ties to Westport Global."
Isabella felt her stomach drop. "So Vaughn is involved."
"No," Claire corrected. "Vaughn was just a pawn." A pause. "The money trail leads further up."
Alexander and Isabella exchanged a look.
Someone bigger was pulling the strings.
And whoever they were, they were playing a long game—one that neither Isabella nor Alexander had seen coming.
The First Realization
Alexander exhaled sharply. "We need to go to the source."
Isabella frowned. "And how do you suggest we do that?"
His lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "By making them come to us."
She crossed her arms. "You're suggesting baiting someone powerful enough to orchestrate all this?"
Alexander leaned in, his voice low and confident. "I'm suggesting we become a problem they can't ignore."
Isabella held his gaze.
She had spent months trying to destroy Alexander Blackwood.
Now, he was the only person she could trust.
And that was more terrifying than anything else.