My contacts say she’s gathering information on Isabella. It looks like she’s planning to expose something against her. William gritted his teeth.
What exactly did she find out? I don’t know yet, but I do know she’s already reached out to lawyers and journalists. If she’s going that far, it means she has something big. He threw the pen on his desk and stood up, running a hand through his hair.
Find out what it is before she makes a move. I’m on it, but I suggest you warn Isabella. He took a deep breath.
I’m on my way to see her now. When he arrived at the hotel where Isabella was staying, William knocked hard on the door. She opened quickly, surprised to see him so tense.
What is it? He walked in without waiting for an invitation and shut the door behind him. Olivia is making a move against you. Her eyes narrowed.
What do you mean? She’s gathering information and planning something big. My investigator believes she might try to expose you publicly. Isabella didn’t seem surprised.
She just sighed and crossed her arms. I knew this would happen. And you’re this calm about it? She laughed without humor.
After everything I’ve been through, William, do you really think a scandal is going to scare me? He watched her for a moment, admiring her strength. But that didn’t lessen the danger. I can protect you, he said.
She raised an eyebrow. I told you, I don’t need a savior. This isn’t about saving you.
It’s about stopping Olivia. Isabella stepped closer, looking deep into his eyes. And what are you going to do, William? He held her face gently, his thumbs brushing her skin softly.
Whatever it takes. For a moment, she just stood there, looking at him. There was something in her eyes, something William wanted to understand, but that she quickly hid.
I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. He gave a faint smile. Too late for that.
Before she could respond, Isabella’s phone vibrated. She looked at the screen, her face tensing. What is it? William asked.
She showed him the screen. It was an anonymous message. Be careful who you trust.
The past always comes back to haunt you. He took the phone from her and studied the message. That was Olivia.
Isabella took the phone back and deleted the message. She’s trying to intimidate me. William shook his head.
That means we’re getting close to something, she nodded slowly. Then we need to act before she does. The next morning, a scandal broke.
Every major newspaper ran headlines about Isabella’s past. Isabella Deveraux, from luxury to the streets. The heiress who lost everything.
Former fiancé of William Lancaster involved in corruption scandals. The media was ruthless, reporting every detail about the Deveraux family’s downfall, painting Isabella as a woman who tried to deceive the powerful. Olivia had made the first move.
At the office, William read every article, fury burning inside him. When Isabella walked in, he stood up. Did you see it? She nodded and tossed a magazine onto the table.
Olivia’s trying to destroy me again. He clenched his fists. That’s not going to happen, she gave a soft laugh.
You always have that absurd confidence. He gently held her chin, making her look at him. Because I never lose.
Her eyes flickered with something close to hope. But determination quickly took over. Then let’s make sure she loses this time.
William nodded. It’s time to bring Olivia Harrington down. They stared at each other for a long moment.
They didn’t know how this would end. The scandal involving Isabella dominated the headlines for days. Olivia played dirty, distorting her past to make it seem like she was an opportunist trying to re-enter high society.
But Isabella remained unfazed. She had waited years for this moment. She wouldn’t fall now.
William knew that too. But he also knew Olivia wasn’t done. She would try one final blow.
And they had to be ready. That evening, Isabella received an unexpected invitation. Private dinner at the Harrington Club.
Select members only. Your presence is requested. She gripped the invitation tightly.
William, sitting on the couch in her room, read the note and scoffed. This is obviously a trap. I know.
He stood up. Then you’re not going. Isabella looked at him defiantly.
Of course I’m going. William pressed his lips together. Isabella.
This is my moment, William. I’m not running. He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair.
Then let’s make sure Olivia is the only one who loses tonight. The Harrington Mansion was lit up, filled with select guests for the event. Isabella walked in alone, wearing an elegant black dress that exuded power and mystery.
William was already there, blending in with the crowd, watching every detail. Then Olivia appeared. Isabella, she said, a venomous smile on her lips.
Glad you accepted my invitation. You didn’t give me much choice, Isabella replied, taking a glass of champagne from a waiter. Olivia tilted her head.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the attention you’ve been getting lately. The media loved your story. I’ve gotten used to being the center of attention.
Something you’ve always wanted, haven’t you? Olivia’s eyes flashed with anger for a second, but she quickly regained her composure. Isabella, dear, you’ve lost. Again.
No matter what you try, you’ll never be someone again. Isabella smiled. You’re wrong.
Olivia narrowed her eyes. What do you mean? William appeared at Isabella’s side, his imposing presence making Olivia stiffen. Dear Olivia, it looks like you didn’t read the papers today, he said, handing her an envelope.
Olivia opened it and turned pale as she read. It was a complete dossier proving her involvement in the scheme that had ruined the Devereaux family. Documents, recordings, signatures, undeniable evidence.
This is fake, Olivia whispered, her hands trembling. No, it’s not, Isabella said triumphantly. And tomorrow morning, it’ll be on every front page.
Olivia completely lost her composure. You can’t do this to me. William smiled coldly.
Just like you did to Isabella? Olivia looked around, realizing that all eyes were on her. The scandal had already begun. Her reputation was ruined.
She was finished. This can’t be happening, she murmured in shock. Isabella leaned in and whispered in her ear.
Now you know what it feels like to lose everything. Olivia glanced around, realizing that everyone was witnessing her humiliation. Her empire of power was crumbling right before her eyes.
Then, before she could react, the ballroom door swung open. Two police officers walked in, followed by a prosecutor. Miss Olivia Harrington, one of the officers announced.
She froze. Yes, you are under arrest for financial fraud, embezzlement, and market manipulation. The entire ballroom fell silent.
Olivia let out a nervous laugh. This is ridiculous. I am Olivia Harrington.
And now you’re also a criminal, Isabella replied coldly. The officers stepped forward and handcuffed Olivia. William, she screamed.
Desperate. Say something. He simply looked at her with indifference.
Your only mistake was thinking you’d never get caught. As she was dragged away, Olivia shot one last look at Isabella, her eyes burning with hatred. This isn’t over.
For you it is. And just like that, in front of the elite who once admired her, Olivia was taken away. Isabella let out a long breath.
For the first time in years, she felt truly free. The next day, Olivia’s arrest dominated the news. Her financial empire collapsed within hours as investors and allies abandoned her.
Later that evening, Isabella and William were in his penthouse, looking out over the city through the window. She held a glass of wine but didn’t drink. She was deep in thought.
You did it, William said. We did it. He smiled.
And now, Isabella sighed, I start over. William felt an unfamiliar tightness in his chest when he heard that. I want to help you.
She looked at him, skeptical. How? He walked over to her, took an envelope and handed it to her. This is a proposal for a new business, a company in your name.
She blinked, surprised. What? I want to start something for you. A business of your own, with your name, your independence.
She set her wine glass down and crossed her arms. William, I don’t need your charity. He chuckled, shaking his head.
This isn’t charity. It’s a partnership. You have talent.
You have vision. I want you to have something that belongs to you. She hesitated.
I don’t know. He took her hands in his. Isabella, you’ve spent years fighting.
It’s time to start building something real. She remained silent for a long time. Then she sighed.
All right, but on one condition. What condition? She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his. I do this my way.
William smiled. You always do. The air between them changed.
Something warm, intense lingered there. She looked away, but he gently cupped her face. Isabella, she didn’t resist when he pulled her into a kiss.
This time, there were no barriers between them. The tension, the unspoken feelings, everything erupted in that moment. William held her tightly, as if afraid she might slip away.
After the kiss, Isabella pulled back, met his gaze, and softly said, Good night, William. Then she turned and walked away. William stood still, but he knew she felt something too.
Days later, Devereux Consulting was born. A strategic investment and analysis firm, Isabella threw herself into it, building her team, reconnecting with old contacts. Slowly, she began to reclaim her place in the business world.
William stayed by her side the entire time, never imposing, but always present. Until one night, he realized he had to tell her how he felt. I’m in love with you, he said without hesitation.
She blinked, caught off guard. William? I know it’s soon, but I can’t pretend anymore. She looked away, her heart pounding.
I can’t. What do you mean? She took a deep breath. I’m not ready for a relationship.
I just got my life back, and I need to focus on that. William nodded, though it hurt more than he wanted to admit. All right.
She gave him a soft smile. You always understand. But I’m not a man who gives up easily.
In the weeks that followed, William made sure she knew he wasn’t giving up. Every morning, he left a fresh cup of coffee on her desk. To keep you going, he’d say with a smile.
Then came the dinners. Is this a date? She asked one evening. Just dinner between business partners, he replied casually.
And then the small surprises. One night after a long day, Isabella returned to her office to find a bouquet of white lilies on her desk, with a note. I know you like coffee more than flowers, but I hope you’ll enjoy these anyway.
She chuckled, feeling something stir inside her. But William wasn’t just trying to win her over. He was supporting her.
When an investor tried to deceive her, William was the first to warn her. When the media attempted to twist her story, he used his influence to ensure the truth was told. And when Isabella had a rough day, he showed up with a bottle of wine and a concerned look.
Want to talk about it? She hesitated, but for the first time, allowed herself to open up. Months passed, and Devereux Consulting grew stronger by the day. Isabella finally felt she had control over her life.
But there was something she couldn’t deny. William was always there. She tried to ignore the feelings that surfaced every time he smiled at her.
One evening, Isabella attended a business event that gathered the biggest names in the market. She moved gracefully through the room, greeting investors and CEOs with the confidence of someone who had faced the worst and survived. Her navy blue dress was sophisticated yet understated, still drawing attention.
She focused on making meaningful connections, but it didn’t take long for her to sense someone watching her. Liam Bissett, a renowned French investor, approached with a charming smile. He was a charismatic man with dark hair and intense eyes.
Miss Devereux, I finally have the pleasure of meeting you in person. Isabella returned a polite smile. Mr. Bissett, the pleasure is mine.
He extended his hand, but instead of a formal handshake, he leaned in slightly and kissed the back of her hand, a traditional but captivating gesture. I would say the pleasure is all mine, he said, his gaze holding hers. Isabella was used to such advances, but maintained her composure.
I assume you’re here for business, she said. Business can wait for a moment, don’t you think? He tilted his head and extended a hand to her. May I have this dance? She hesitated briefly but decided to accept.