The text message was brief, but its meaning was crystal clear.
You're making a mistake.
Isabella and Alexander exchanged a look, the weight of their plan settling between them. Their enemy had taken the bait.
Now, it was time to spring the trap.
A Risky Meeting
Alexander stood, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Whoever sent that message, they're watching us."
Isabella nodded, her mind already working through possibilities. If their enemy thought they had real evidence, they would either try to silence them… or negotiate.
She exhaled. "We need to force their hand."
Alexander smirked. "That's why I set up a meeting."
She blinked. "You what?"
"I sent a response," he said, showing her his phone. The message read:
Meet us. Tonight. The Beacon Hotel. Rooftop.
Isabella's heart pounded. "You're insane."
Alexander simply smiled. "And yet, you'll be there."
A Dangerous Encounter
The Beacon Hotel rooftop was quiet when they arrived. Too quiet.
Isabella and Alexander stood side by side, their gazes scanning the dimly lit terrace. The air was thick with tension.
Then—a figure emerged from the shadows.
A man in a tailored gray suit, his expression unreadable.
"Mr. Blackwood. Ms. Carter." His voice was smooth, controlled. "You should have left this alone."
Isabella's pulse quickened. Whoever he was, he wasn't just a lackey. He was powerful.
Alexander's stance remained relaxed, but she could feel the tension in his body. "And yet, here you are," he said smoothly. "That tells me we hit a nerve."
The man's eyes darkened. "You don't understand who you're dealing with."
Isabella crossed her arms. "Then enlighten us."
A pause. Then, a slow, amused smile. "You won't live long enough to regret it."
The Turning Point
Before Isabella could react, her phone vibrated. A message from Claire.
GET OUT. NOW. IT'S A SETUP.
Her blood ran cold.
She turned to Alexander, whispering, "We need to move."
But it was too late.
The rooftop doors slammed shut behind them.
And the real game had just begun.