Chapter 34

Bella's POV

I sat in my study, the room bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun. The weight of betrayal hung heavy in the air, suffocating me, as I tried to make sense of what had just unfolded. How could someone so close to me, someone I trusted implicitly, turn against me?

The sound of my trembling breath filled the room as I clutched the letter in my hand, the words etched into the paper like daggers to my heart. It was a letter from my most trusted advisor, Olivia, who had been with me since the inception of my empire. Her words revealed a web of deceit, manipulation, and secret alliances that had been woven right under my nose.

I had built my inner circle with meticulous care, handpicking individuals I believed shared my vision and values. Olivia had always been the one I confided in, the one I turned to for guidance and support. We had faced countless challenges together, weathered storms, and celebrated victories. How could she betray me?

The silence of the room was deafenin