Go on. Her real name is Isabella Devereaux, daughter of Richard Devereaux. William’s blood ran cold.
He knew that name. The construction tycoon? That’s the one. But here’s the interesting part.
Vic Richard Devereaux went bankrupt a few years ago after a scandal involving embezzlement. And guess who was involved in that scandal? William felt his breath quicken. Olivia Harrington.
Exactly. William fell silent for a moment. So Isabella didn’t show up by chance.
Seems like she didn’t. He hung up and stared out the window of his office at the city below. Isabella had a direct connection to Olivia.
That changed everything. Later that evening, he was in his office reviewing some documents. But he couldn’t focus on a single word.
Isabella’s image kept flashing in his mind, the sparks of anger and vulnerability in her eyes, the way she never backed down. Before he realized it, he grabbed his car keys and drove to the hotel where she was staying. He needed to see her.
He needed to hear the truth from her own mouth. The door opened after a few seconds, revealing Isabella with a tired expression. Her hair was slightly messy.
William, her voice carried surprise. We need to talk. She sighed and opened the door wider, letting him in.
I didn’t know you made late night visits. Neither did I. He crossed his arms staring at her. Can you stop testing me for a minute and tell me the truth? About what? He frowned.
About why you accepted my proposal without hesitation. She looked away for a moment before finally speaking, because Olivia Harrington destroyed my family. Those words made William’s stomach churn.
He already knew, but he wanted confirmation. Olivia was responsible for my father’s downfall, for the destruction of my life. He observed her closely.
Tell me everything. Isabella walked to the window, hugging herself. My father, Richard Devereaux, owned one of the largest construction companies in the country.
He was an honorable, respected man, until he trusted the Harringtons. Olivia came into the business as a strategic partner, someone he believed he could rely on. But in reality, she was manipulating him the whole time.
Manipulating how? Creating fraudulent deals, embezzling money, putting his name on illegal transactions without his knowledge. When everything exploded, my father was accused of corruption. He lost everything, our home, our dignity.
Her voice wavered. He passed away before he could defend himself. William felt a pang in his chest as he heard that.
My God, Isabella continued, her eyes fixed on the city outside. After that, everything fell apart. My mother got sick shortly after and couldn’t hold on.
I tried to fight to prove his innocence, but Olivia had already closed all the doors on me. In no time, I had nothing left. William stood and walked over to her.
You survived on the streets. Yes, and that’s how I learned never to trust anyone again. He reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.
You don’t have to do this alone. She pulled her face away. I don’t need a savior, William.
He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to insist. I know, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry everything by yourself. Isabella let out a soft laugh, but there was no humor in it.
You think you can protect me? I think I want to protect you. She blinked, surprised. And why? He let out a sigh, because I don’t know what I’m feeling anymore when I’m around you.
There was a long silence. Isabella finally turned fully to face him. What does that mean? He ran a hand through his hair.
It means you make me uneasy. I’ve never felt this way before. I can’t explain it.
She watched him for a long moment. And does that bother you? A lot. Then maybe it’s best if we keep our distance.
He shook his head. I can’t do that. She looked away, clearly disturbed by the direction of the conversation.
This doesn’t change anything. I know. She clenched her fists.
And what about Olivia? The mere mention of his ex-fiancee’s name was enough to bring him back to reality. If everything you said is true, I don’t know who she really is. Isabella nodded slowly.
But I do, and I won’t stop until I settle the score. William remained silent. He knew he wouldn’t be able to convince her to back down.
Then, I’ll be by your side. She gave a small, bittersweet smile. Even knowing this could end very badly, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
Even then. Later that night, William was awakened by the sound of his phone ringing. William, we have a problem, said the investigator on the other end.
What is it? Olivia already knows Isabella is around, and she’s not happy about it. William’s heart raced. What is she gonna do? We don’t know yet, but someone is digging for information on Isabella.
He clenched his jaw. Keep me posted on any updates. When he hung up, a weight settled on his chest.
Olivia wouldn’t leave Isabella alone. He needed to act before it was too late. The next morning, William found Isabella on the hotel balcony.
She was sitting on the ground, arms wrapped around her knees, staring at the horizon. He approached slowly and crouched down beside her. You know she’s found out, right? I know, he sighed.
She’s not going to stop. Neither will I. William watched her for a moment. The way her hair was slightly disheveled, how tired her eyes looked, something inside him tightened.
Isabella, she blinked a few times as if trying to hold back tears, but one slipped down the corner of her eye. It was instinctive. William pulled her into an embrace, holding her close against his chest.
It’s gonna be okay, he murmured. She didn’t resist. She simply closed her eyes and rested her face against him.
Neither of them said anything. There was no need. In that moment, without having to admit it aloud, they knew they were in this together and that Olivia had no idea what was coming.
William felt that something was about to happen. Since his conversation with Isabella the previous night, his mind hadn’t found any rest. Knowing that Olivia was involved in ruining Isabella’s family changed everything.
He wanted revenge, not just for Isabella, but for himself. After all, he had almost married a woman capable of destroying lives without hesitation. Now he needed to find out how far Olivia would go to protect her secrets.
That morning, while reviewing some reports in his office, he received a call from his private investigator. William, we have a problem. Go on.
Olivia is up to something. 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.