Dancing meant nothing. Liam guided her to the dance floor, holding her waist firmly but respectfully. They moved in sync, and Isabella realized he was a skilled dancer.
You dance well, Miss Devereux. I’ve learned that a strong presence is essential in business, she replied. And outside of business? He smiled, leaning slightly closer.
Aren’t there moments when you just let yourself enjoy life? Isabella let out a soft laugh. Are you always this persistent? Only when I find something that genuinely interests me. The music ended, but Liam didn’t immediately let go of her hand.
He led her back to the bar, grabbing two glasses of champagne and handing one to Isabella. So tell me, does a powerful woman like you ever make time for fun? Before Isabella could answer, she felt a penetrating gaze on her. She turned and saw William Lancaster on the other side of the room.
His face was serious. His eyes darkened with something she recognized instantly. Jealousy.
William crossed the room with determined strides, ignoring the greetings he received along the way. When he reached Isabella and Liam, he stopped beside her, his irritation barely concealed. Isabella, may I speak with you for a moment? His voice was firm but laced with tension.
Liam raised an eyebrow and offered a polite smile. Mr. Lancaster, correct? I’ve heard a lot about you. And I’ve heard about you, William replied coldly.
The atmosphere around them seemed to drop a few degrees. William, we’re in the middle of a conversation, Isabella said, trying to maintain composure. Yes, I noticed, William said, shooting a glance at Liam.
And as much as I’d love to keep watching this unfold, I have more important matters to discuss with Isabella. Liam maintained a polite demeanor, but Isabella sensed he had picked up on the tension. It seems your friend doesn’t like sharing attention, Liam murmured to her, amused.
Before Isabella could respond, William took a step forward, making it clear he didn’t appreciate the comment. You’ve had your dance, Bissette. Now, if you don’t mind, Isabella huffed, grabbing William’s arm firmly.
Excuse me, Mr. Bissette, I’ll be back in a moment. She pulled William toward a more secluded area, her steps firm. When they reached a hallway away from the dance floor, she turned to him, furious.
What was that, William? He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his anger. I couldn’t stand seeing that guy hitting on you. And that gives you the right to act like a complete idiot? Did you really not notice the way he was looking at you? He wasn’t interested in business, Isabella.
And if he was, that’s my business, not yours. William was silent for a moment, his eyes glinting with frustration. You’re right, he finally admitted.
But I hate the idea of seeing you with another man. Isabella took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. I’m not yours, William.
You have no right to be jealous. She turned to leave, but William followed her to the parking lot. Isabella, wait.
She spun around abruptly. What more do you want? I want you to listen to me. I’ve heard enough.
You need to understand that you can’t control me. The tension between them was explosive. William stared at her fiercely, and Isabella felt her body buzzing with adrenaline.
Then, suddenly, he pulled her toward him and kissed her. It was a desperate kiss, filled with anger and suppressed desire. Isabella froze for a second, but then, unable to resist, she kissed him back.
But then, reality hit her, and she pushed him away. You can’t do that. William was breathing heavily, his eyes darkened with desire.
I know you felt it. That doesn’t justify anything. She turned and got into her car.
Before he could say another word, she sped out of the parking lot, toward it, leaving William behind. The next day, Isabella was in her office, but her mind was still on what had happened. She tried to focus on her reports, but the memory of the kiss haunted her.
Then, the door opened, and William walked in. You can’t just show up unannounced, she said without looking up. I came to apologize.
She finally looked at him. For the jealousy, or for the kiss you stole? He sighed, both. Good, now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.
William chose not to insist, and walked away. She turned back to her documents. Let’s play a little game with those who only read the comments.
Type Coca-Cola in the comments. Only those who made it this far will understand. Now, let’s continue with the story.
That night, Isabella left the office late. As she approached her car, she noticed something was wrong. The window had been scratched, a word crudely etched onto the glass.
Beware. Her blood ran cold. Someone was trying to scare her.
Her first instinct was to call William, but she hesitated. She didn’t want to give him another reason to act like her protector. But before she could decide, a message appeared on her phone.
Alone you won’t get anywhere. Know when to quit. This time, she didn’t hesitate.
She picked up the phone and dialed. William, he answered on the second ring. What happened? Someone scratched my car, and I just got a threat.
His silence lasted only a second before his voice came out firm. I’m on my way. Fifteen minutes later, William pulled up next to her car.
He studied the scratches on the window, his expression hard. Are you okay? Yes, she said, crossing her arms. You know you can’t ignore this, right? I know.
William pulled out his phone and called one of his private security contacts. I need footage from the cameras in this area. Find out who did this, now.
Isabella watched as he took control of the situation, handling the problem with the ease of someone who had dealt with threats before. As much as she didn’t want to rely on anyone, in that moment, she felt an odd sense of relief that he was there. When William hung up, he turned to her.
Until we find out who’s behind this, I want you to have extra security. William? Never. The following days were filled with tension.
William managed to find out that the attacks on Isabella’s company were being orchestrated by one of Olivia’s former associates, who was trying to block her rise. When Isabella found out, she didn’t hesitate. She scheduled a meeting with the man, and alongside William, made it clear that she wouldn’t be intimidated.
Did you think you’d scare me? She said, keeping her voice calm. Let me be clear. I’ve lost everything before.
But now, there’s nothing that will make me back down. The man swallowed hard. He knew he had lost.
After that confrontation, the attacks stopped. Isabella proved she was not an easy opponent. But her victory had an unexpected side effect.
She realized that throughout this entire time, William had been by her side. Not to protect her from something she couldn’t handle, but to support her. And that made her question why she was still trying to keep her distance.
One evening, Isabella was in her office, lost in thought, when William walked in. It’s been three months since you opened the company, he said tossing a small box onto the desk. She picked it up and opened it.
Inside was a silver keychain with the letter I engraved on it. To celebrate, he said. She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.
Thank you. He watched her for a moment before speaking. Will you ever stop running from me? She held her breath.
William, I’m not asking for anything. I just want to know if there’s a chance. Her heart pounded in her chest.
She knew the answer but couldn’t say it yet. He noticed. It’s okay, he said, stepping back.
Like I said, I’m patient. When he left the room, Isabella let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She knew she was close to giving in.
But when she finally made that decision, it would be for good. And that scared her more than any threat she’d ever faced. The next day started like any other.
Isabella arrived early at the office, immersed in reports and meetings. Since the attacks on her company had ceased, she was finally able to focus on growing the business. But throughout the morning, something began to bother her.
William didn’t show up. That was unusual. William always found a way to drop by, even if just for a few minutes, with some work excuse or simply to tease her.
But that morning, he didn’t call, didn’t send any messages, and didn’t show up. At first, Isabella tried to ignore it. But as the hours passed, the unease grew inside her.
By eight o’clock in the evening, she couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed her coat and left the office, driving to William’s penthouse. When she arrived, she rang the doorbell several times.
No answer. Her heart raced. She took out the spare key William had given her for emergencies and unlocked the door.
The lights in the apartment were dim. The place was silent except for the low hum of the television. That’s when she saw him.
William was lying on the couch, covered with a thin blanket, his face pale and his breathing heavy. William. Isabella ran to him, placing her hand on his forehead.
He was burning up. He opened his eyes slowly, surprised to see her there. Isabella.
Oh my God, you have a fever. She held his face, worried. It’s just the flu, he murmured, his voice hoarse.
I’m taking you to the hospital, Isabella said, already grabbing her phone. But William held her wrist, stopping her. No, I just need to rest.
William, you’re burning up. He tried to smile. If I go to the hospital, they’ll take my blood.
I hate needles, Isabella sighed in frustration. You’re impossible. William closed his eyes, exhausted.
Isabella got up and went to the kitchen, preparing hot tea and grabbing a damp cloth. She returned to the living room, kneeling by the sofa and placing the cloth on his forehead. This will help bring down your fever.
He opened his eyes, looking at her softly. You didn’t have to come. Yes, I did.
The silence between them was heavy with meaning. Isabella didn’t want to admit it, but seeing him like that tightened her chest. She spent the entire night taking care of him.
She made tea, changed the cold cloth on his forehead and stayed by his side. At some point during the night, exhaustion took over. She fell asleep there, sitting on the floor with her head resting near his chest.
The next morning, Isabella woke up to the gentle touch of William’s fingers in her hair. Did you stay here all night? He asked, his voice stronger. She blinked a few times before lifting her head.
You were in bad shape. Someone had to take care of you. He smiled, running a hand over his face.
I feel much better. I think I had the best nurse in the world. She chuckled softly and stood up.
I’ll make breakfast. Isabella went to the kitchen and carefully prepared everything. Fresh bread, neatly sliced fruit, orange juice, and strong coffee.
When she returned with the tray, she found William sitting on the couch, watching her with a different expression. What is it? She asked. He took a deep breath before speaking.
I love you, Isabella. She froze for a second. William, I know you feel the same.
I saw it last night, and the way you were worried about me. She bit her lip, her heart pounding. This time, there was no reason to deny it.
I love you too, William. His eyes lit up with happiness. Finally, he murmured, pulling her into a tight embrace.
She laughed against his chest, feeling ridiculously happy. You’re so persistent. And it was worth it.
They pulled apart, and Isabella served breakfast. William watched her every move, as if memorizing everything. I want you to take the day off, he said suddenly.
She raised an eyebrow. What? I want to take you somewhere special. She hesitated, but after the night before, she didn’t want to be away from him.
All right, where are we going? It’s a surprise. William took her to a secluded cabin on a private beach. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Isabella was speechless.
William, this is beautiful. He smiled. I knew you’d love it.
They spent the afternoon walking along the shore, feeling the ocean breeze, and talking about everything. Then William sat on a rock and looked at her thoughtfully. What is it? She asked, sitting beside him.
He took a deep breath before speaking. Before I met you, I was arrogant, ambitious. I only cared about power and myself.
Isabella stayed quiet, listening intently. But then you came along and started challenging me. At first I found it irritating, but then I became intrigued.