Chapter 1 - The mask of Isabella

I entered through the doors of the most prestigious architectural firm in the country, Ashford Global Architecture. Not anyone can walk through here, not anyone can get close to the family who stands behind it... But no one had as powerful reasons to do whatever it took to be here as I did.

I wasn't here because they were the best, or because I had any interest in making them or myself any richer. I was here for one reason, and one reason only.

Revenge.

Three years ago, my brother walked these hallways, as a brilliant young architect he presented valuable projects. His name was popping in all the right places and just when he thought he had made all of his dreams come true they took it all away from him framing him for a crime he didn't commit. The building they were constructing collapsed leaving many casualties and they signed it all to be his fault. The evidence was planted, the case rushed, and the entire city turned against him. My brother was innocent but unable to prove it, his smug lawyers did nothing to even try to win the case, the biased judge just itching to close the case... and my father...It had been too much for him. A heart attack. He died the same night Jackson was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison.

I tried to get to my brother but a trusting friend told me it was too dangerous, that Jackson wanted me far away from him for my own safety sending me away to Italy. If they knew of my existence they would most probably come for me... as he said they would come for him because soon enough he got injured in prison and died. Now I've sworn on their grave I would do what it takes to avenge them.

And as if that wasn't enough reason to hate any Ashford that crosses my way I had reason to hate Derek Ashford even more. Three years ago I came face to face with him at the rooftop party while I was searching for my brother, exactly the night before they took him. Derek never met me before that night, and I didn't know better than to fall for his charms and end up in his bed.

In the morning he was nowhere to be found, and even worse he left money on the nightstand like I was nothing. It wasn't until I was in Italy that I found out I was pregnant. I have a son with the monster. A son tucked away in safety with a trusting friend while I bring justice in the name of our family.

I left my identity behind and created a new one. A mask they won't be able to look through until it's too late. Now your destiny will be written by the heartbeat of my cold vengeful heart.

That is why I trained so hard over the past three years. Every moment of my life was dedicated to leaving behind the innocent, trusting, kind heart that would only stay in the way of what I needed to do. I became the best architect alongside my Landscape Architecture degree, it was the only way for this to work. The only way to get inside their world, the only way to uncover the true evidence of what happened and clear my brother's name.

"Hello, my name is Isabella Sterling. I'm here for the meeting." I say to the receptionist.

"Yes, Miss Sterling. They are waiting for you. Let me just give you the pass card." She says as she documents me in before sliding the pass card on the counter. "Just walk through the security scanner and take the elevator to the seventh floor, an assistant will be there to greet you."

"Thank you very much," I say as I take the card. Keeping my posture perfect as I make my way toward the security scanner. The weight of the situation is pressing against my chest, but I don't let it show. Years of preparation, years of pretending to be someone I wasn't, had led to this moment.

The scanner beeps as I pass through it, and the soft click of my heels echoes in the marble foyer as I approach the elevator. The sleek glass doors slide open silently, and I step inside, my reflection staring back at me. There was no trace of who I used to be. The blond hair my father so adored, that reminded us of the mother was gone, replaced by the dark brunette. His golden eyes now hid behind brown contact lenses, any trace that might connect me to them erased.

The seventh floor arrives with a soft ding, and the doors open to reveal a lavishly designed space. The lobby is modern, minimalist, yet clearly screams wealth and power just the way Ashford Global likes it.

An assistant in a crisp black suit greets me with a polite smile.

“Miss Sterling, welcome. I’ll escort you to the meeting room.”

I nod, offering a smile that matches the cold professionalism I’ve cultivated.

“Thank you.”

She leads me down a narrow hallway lined with glass doors, each one opening into an office belonging to one of Ashford Global’s top-tier architects. It’s all shiny, sleek, and sterile. A reflection of their immaculate, but ultimately soulless, empire. They think they’re untouchable here. They think no one could ever break into their circle. But they don’t know me.

As we approach the meeting room, my pulse quickens slightly, but I hold it together. The doors open, and I step inside to meet the people I’ve been preparing to destroy for three years.

"Miss Sterling, so wonderful to have you here." Lucas Ashford, the charming patriarch, his silver hair neatly combed back. To society, he was a well-respected man, known for his love for life and giving back to those who needed it the most, but I knew the trash he really was.

I took his hand and shook it, a calm, relaxed smile on my face.

"Happy to be here," I say as he turns around to his son. Derek Ashford.

The playboy, charming, persuasive, and connected. The kind of man who can get anything done with the right words and the right people. I’ve studied all of them for months, learning their weaknesses, their insecurities, their habits. For that I knew the perfect way to get to him... when the time comes.

"My son, Derek." Lucas gestures toward Derek, his voice warm with pride as if he were introducing a prized possession. Derek stands with an easy, almost too relaxed smile, his sharp eyes assessing me as if I were just another opportunity to exploit. Which means he dosnt see in me that young woman he treated like nothing, hell he probably dosnt even remember her name.

I extend my hand, a smile never leaving my face. "Mr. Ashford," I greet him smoothly, my tone measured, calculated. "It’s a pleasure."

He smiles, a little too confidently.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Sterling. I’ve heard quite a bit about you. Impressive portfolio, I must say."

I keep my expression neutral, pretending to be flattered.

"Thank you, Mr. Ashford. I’m excited about the opportunity. To be collaborating with you."

He motions for me to sit, and I take the chair opposite him at the head of the sleek, glass conference table.

Derek sits beside his father, both of them exuding an air of superiority that I know all too well. But I’ve spent years pretending to be just another ambitious architect, and today, I’m about to play the part to perfection.

"Let's begin," Derek says, his eyes not leaving mine and I dont back down.

You have no idea what awaits you, my dear future husband."