Chapter 6

**Lucian's POV**

 I stared at Isabella, expecting her to open the black box, because I figured she's very inquisitive. Instead, she turned around, her face almost touching mine, and said, "Before I open that box, I've got a lot of questions."

 I opened my arms as if I expected her to search me. "You're free to ask, but your questions have boundaries. I may not answer all of them."

 She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

 I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together. "Because a few days ago, you were the fiancée of my enemy, and there's a high possibility that you still love him and can turn around to help him anytime, any day."

 Her expression turned chilly, and she took a step back. "So, you don't trust me?"

 I shook my head. "That's not the issue. The issue is that I don't know you well enough to trust you with sensitive information. You're still a stranger to me, Isabella."

 She bristled at that. "A stranger? I've moved in with you, agreed to help you destroy your rival, and you still don't trust me?"

 I shrugged. "I've made my share of enemies, Isabella. I have to be careful about who I trust."

 She snorted. "Well, I suppose that's fair. Considering you're a billionaire with a reputation for being ruthless in business."

 I chuckled. "That's what they say."

 She walked over to the window, looking out at the city below. "You know, I think I'm starting to understand why you're so guarded. You've been hurt before, haven't you?"

 I raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

 She turned around, a hint of a smile on her face. "Just a hunch."

 I studied her for a moment, then said, "Let's just focus on the task at hand, shall we? The black box is still unopened."

 She shrugged and walked over to the desk, picking up the black box. "Fine. But I'm not opening it until you answer all my questions."

 I smiled wryly. "I'm not making any promises, Isabella."

 She pouted, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes. "Fine. Ask me anything, then."

 We stood there for a moment, locked in a silent challenge. Then she seemed to think better of it and turned to walk away.

 "Hey, where are you going?" I called after her.

 "I'll think about it," she called back over her shoulder. "And don't think for a second that I won't find out what's in that box."

 I watched her go, a small smile on my face. This was going to be an interesting ride.

 At the office (Voss Enterprise)

 I was tied up with work, fully invested in completing a project, when my secretary rang me. "Miss Ellie is here to see you, Sir."

 I raised my head up, for the first time in three hours, and asked them to let her in.

 "Lucian, how could you do this to me?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger. "We were together for two years, and you just break up with me like that? Without even a decent explanation?"

 I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Ellie, we've been over for weeks. I told you it was over."

 She cut me off, her voice rising. "That's the more reason you're an asshole. You break up with me, and the following week, you're dating a fiancée of your rival company? What's wrong with you, Lucian?"

 I leaned back in my chair, trying to stay calm. "Ellie, I'm not going to have this conversation with you again. We broke up, and I'm moving on. That's it."

 But she wouldn't let it go. "You're just like all men, Lucian. You use women for your own pleasure and then discard them like they're trash. Did you ever even love me?"

 A twinge of remorse hit me, but I pushed it aside. I had made it clear to her from the start that I wasn't looking for anything serious.

 "Ellie, I..."

 But she cut me off again, her voice dripping with venom. "No, don't even bother trying to explain. I don't want to hear it. I just want to know one thing: did you ever cheat on me while we were together?"

 I sighed, trying to stay patient. "Ellie, I told you, we broke up. We weren't together anymore."

 But she just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're a liar, Lucian. I know it. And I'm going to make sure everyone else knows it too."

 She started to unbutton her shirt, her eyes locked on mine, and I knew she was going to try to seduce me.

 "Ellie, stop," I said, holding up my hands. "Just stop."

 But she didn't listen. She moved closer, her face inches from mine, and I could feel her warm breath on my skin.

 I pushed her away gently but firmly. "Ellie, I'm not interested. We broke up, and I'm moving on. You need to respect that."

 She looked hurt and angry, but I didn't care. I wasn't going to get drawn into another argument with her.

 Just then, Isabella walked in without knocking. "Lucian, I have some files for you."

 I nodded, taking the files from her. But before I could even look at them, Isabella walked into my office.

 "Hey, Lucian," she said, her voice cheerful. "I brought those files you asked for."

 I stared at her, my mind racing. What was she doing here? She's to only come in whenever I request her presence. And what was Ellie doing, half-undressed in my office?

 The scene was about to get a lot more complicated.

 Isabella's eyes scanned the room, taking in Ellie's half-undressed state and her angry expression. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Um, sorry to interrupt. I didn't realize you were busy."

 I stood up, trying to compose myself. "No, no, it's fine. Ellie was just leaving."

 But Ellie wasn't having it. "No, I'm not leaving. I'm going to make sure Lucian here regrets the day he ever crossed me."

 Isabella's eyes narrowed. "I think you should leave, Ellie. This doesn't concern you."

 But Ellie just laughed. "Oh, it concerns me, all right. And who the fuck are you?? Ohhhh! his new girlfriend right. You're the whore who left her husband on the altar and came for my man shamelessly"

 I sighed, rubbing my temples. This was getting out of hand.

 "Ellie, stop," I said firmly. "Just leave."

 But she didn't listen. She kept ranting and raving, her voice getting louder and louder. I could feel my head throbbing with a headache.

 Isabella walked over to Ellie, her eyes flashing with anger. "You know, I think it's time for you to leave. Now."

 Ellie turned on her, her face twisted in anger. "And who are you to tell me what to do?"

 Isabella smiled sweetly. "I'm the one who's going to make sure you don't cause any more trouble for Lucian. Now, leave."

 Ellie huffed and stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her. The room was silent for a moment.

 I let out a deep breath. "Well, that was fun."

 Isabella turned to me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I take it that's not the first time she's caused a scene?"

 I shook my head. "No, it's not. But thanks for stepping in. I owe you one."

 She smiled and walked over to me, her eyes locked on mine. "You don't owe me anything, Lucian."

 As we stood there, locked in a silent challenge, I couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction towards Isabella. She was feisty, determined, and beautiful. And I had a feeling that she was going to be a lot of trouble.

 But I was ready for it. Bring it on, Isabella. Bring it on.

 The tensio

n between us was palpable, and I could feel the air thickening with anticipation. I knew that this was just the beginning of a complicated and intense relationship.

 And I was ready for it.