Isabella POV
The Tech Summit in New York was everything I hated. It was a sea of smug billionaires, entrepreneurs with hollow smiles, and people who acted like their every word was worth millions. Yet here I was, in the midst of them, smiling like I belonged. As the heir to Sterling Tech, I had to.
But I couldn't help it. I felt like a ghost among the living. The only thing that kept me grounded was the purpose I had here: to make sure Sterling Tech's name wasn't dragged through the mud by a deal gone wrong. Or worse, an enemy takeover.
But my plan instantly fell apart when I saw him.
Gabriel Knight.
He stood across the room, giving a different vibe of a peaceful devil. He had that powerful aura about him that gave off power. A quiet pride that only rich people had. He tilted his head a little like he knew everyone was looking at him. It made me angry, yet I couldn't stop staring.
He was the self-made tech boss, Gabriel Knight and founder of the Knight Industries. His company was trying to compete with mine, Sterling Tech, and I was sure he wasn't just aiming at it for nothing. There was something making him hungry.
I hadn't planned on talking to him tonight, but giving him a piece of my mind didn't feel bad. I made my way to the bar for a drink, moving through the crowd, and he appeared.
The devil in uniform stood in my path and looked me in the eyes.
"What a lucky day," he said. "To meet the beautiful heir of the Sterling Tech."
His deep voice was filled with confidence and it irritated me.
I raised my eyebrow, not wanting to say anything to him. I maintained my composite, thinking of the best ways to throw him out of my way.
But I settle for a calmer approach. "What brings you here, Mr. Knight? Did you come to steal a few more ideas from smaller companies, or is it just to collect more praise for your pretense of charity?" I mocked.
"Pretence?" He asked, chuckling. The sound of his controlled laughter felt rich but predatory.
"I like to think of it as making more valuable connections. I didn't get to this point by smiling and solving equations, darling," he said. The word 'darling' made me want to barf.
"And you, Ms. Sterling, seem like someone worth getting to know better. May I?" He asked.
I controlled my temper, trying my best not to roll my eyes to the back of my head. Did he do this to every woman he met?
His type was always manipulative, and he thought everyone could be bought. All he had to do was call a price.
Despite his handsome looks and perfectly tailored suit. I wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"No," I answered. "Besides, there are better ways to waste your time than talking to me,"
I answered and attempted to leave. He moved again, blocking my way.
He smiled, sipping his champagne. He didn't seem to be moved by my coldness and leaned in a little closer.
His scent hit my nose, a perfect mix of cedar and musk. They were intoxicating in a good way.
"You're interesting," he said.
Did he think that would flatter me? He was a nigger fool if he thought I would fall for his cheap praises.
"You're very different from almost all the women in this room, Isabella," he said.
I flinched. The way he said my name made me shiver.
"Is that so? Or is that the pickup line you use on every new lady?" I asked, trying to get under his skin.
"Feisty. I think I like you already," he said, taking another sip of his champagne.
He was starting to piss me off. I had planned on proving to my father that I could take over Sterling Tech today, but this man in front of me kept frustrating me.
"Sadly, the feeling's not mutual," I answered. "If you don't mind. I have to leave."
"Of course. I guess I'll have to cancel on your father then," he said.
I froze, watching him with widened eyes. Had he made a deal with my father? How? When? My father hated his guts.
"What did you say?" I asked.
He turned to leave and I followed him. "You should get going, Ms. Isabella," he said.
I wanted to argue when a sharp familiar voice called my name. "Isabella."
I turned quickly to see my father, Victor Sterling, standing with a grim expression on his face.
I felt a weight settle in my chest. This wasn't a good sign.
My father walked over to me, his eyes finally resting on Gabriel. "Mr. Knight. It's a pleasure to see you."
"Same here," Gabriel answered and Dad turned his gaze to me.
"Isabella, we need to talk. Now," Dad said and smiled politely at Gabriel.
What the hell was going on? Why was my father all gentle before Gabriel?
I didn't argue and followed my father out of the room.
Sad led me to a quieter hallway, and his tone softened. "We have a problem, Isabella. It's big."
My heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong, Dad?"
He hesitated and exhaled. I watched him run a hand through his graying hair and he started talking. "It's the company. It's failing."
"What?" I asked, surprised.
"There's been some financial issues for a while. I didn't notice it on time, and now the company might be going bankrupt, and worse, I think there's an attack growing from the inside," Dad explained. "Someone's trying to destabilize Sterling Tech."
The blood suddenly drained from my face, and I turned pale. "Dad, what do you mean from the inside? Is there a mole?"
"I don't have all the answers yet. But I need you to be ready. I'm afraid there might be more at stake here than we thought. Sooner or later, you're going to have to make some tough decisions," Dad added.
I found myself trying to breathe. My father was usually calm, but now he barely had control of himself. I noticed the panic in his voice, which I couldn't ignore.
"What kind of decisions?" I whispered, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked over my shoulder toward the crowd in the main hall. I followed his gaze and felt my stomach turn.
Gabriel was still standing there, watching us.
"I'll explain more later," my father said, grabbing my arm and pulling me away. "But for now, you need to stay close. I don't trust anyone."
I returned my gaze back to my Dad and nodded. We made our way back to the hall and then my phone buzzed. I checked the screen, startled to see a message from an unknown number.
Without hesitating, I clicked on it and the message opened. It was short, and chilling.
Someone had sent me a picture of me entering the car before getting to the event.
Was someone watching me? Who?