The rooftop was still heavy with the scent of gunpowder, the tension so thick it was nearly suffocating.
Alexander's gaze locked onto the unknown man—their so-called savior.
"Talk," he demanded.
The man smirked but didn't hesitate. "Name's Damian Holt. And if you want to stay alive, you'll listen carefully."
A Bigger Threat
Isabella crossed her arms. "We're listening."
Damian's expression turned serious. "You two just walked into a war you don't understand." He gestured toward the unconscious gunman on the ground. "Westport Global? Vaughn? They're nothing but middlemen."
Isabella's breath hitched. "Middlemen for who?"
Damian exhaled sharply. "Ever heard of Titan Holdings?"
Alexander stiffened. "They're one of the largest private equity firms in the world."
Damian nodded. "And they don't just invest in companies. They buy control. Of businesses. Of people. Of governments."
A chill ran down Isabella's spine. "Are you saying they're behind the attacks on us?"
Damian's eyes darkened. "I'm saying you just made enemies with the kind of people who make CEOs disappear."
Why Them?
Alexander's mind worked fast. Titan Holdings wasn't just powerful—they were untouchable.
"But why target us?" he pressed.
Damian hesitated, then said, "Because Vaughn wasn't the real goal. You were."**
Isabella's pulse raced. "What do you mean?"
Damian looked between them. "Think about it. You two were supposed to tear each other apart. That's why Titan backed both of your biggest competitors. They wanted you to destroy each other, so they could swoop in and take everything."
Alexander swore under his breath. It had never been about the contracts. It had been about erasing them.
Isabella clenched her fists. They had played right into their hands.
A Dangerous Offer
Damian stepped closer. "Now you have two choices."
Isabella and Alexander exchanged a look.
"Option one?" Damian continued. "You run. Disappear. Let Titan Holdings win."
A long pause.
Alexander's jaw tightened. "And option two?"
Damian's smirk returned, but this time, it was dangerous. "You fight back. But if you do, you'd better be ready to play dirty."
Isabella inhaled sharply. She had spent her entire career fighting. But this?
This wasn't business. This was war.
She turned to Alexander. Their rivalry had led them here—to this impossible moment.
His eyes met hers, filled with the same fire she felt burning in her chest.
Then he nodded.
And just like that—they made their choice.
They weren't running.
They were fighting.