The flashing lights of the club blurred as Chloe’s pulse thundered in her ears. One moment, Isabella had been right beside her, laughing, albeit a bit unsteady on her feet. The next—she was gone. Panic clawed at her chest as she scanned the packed dance floor, her breath quickening. She spun around, pushing through the crowd, calling Isabella’s name. No answer. “Shit,” she muttered under her breath, her fingers trembling as she reached for her phone. Who should she call? The police? No, that would take too long. Someone with power—someone who could find Isabella immediately. Then it hit her. Alexander. Her fingers flew across the screen as she dialed his number, her heart hammering in anticipation. The moment the call connected, she barely gave him a chance to speak. “Alex! Isabella is missing! We were at the club, and I think someone took her. I don’t know how—I turned for just a second, and now she’s gone!” Her voice was frantic, her words tumbling out in a rush. There was a m
Isabella groaned as she stirred awake, her head throbbing. The scent of fresh linen and something warm—tea?—floated through the air. She blinked her eyes open, taking in the unfamiliar yet luxurious bedroom. Soft golden light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the elegantly decorated room. Where am I? As soon as she tried to sit up, a deep, commanding voice stopped her. "Don't move." Her heart skipped at the familiar tone. Turning her head slightly, she found Alexander standing by the window, his back straight, arms crossed. He looked like a predator watching its prey—his gaze dark, unreadable, and filled with something she couldn’t quite place. He looks so breathtakingly handsome. is sharp jawline, his gorgeous face. Isabella didn't know how to describe it. Her throat was dry as she croaked out, "What happened?" Alexander’s jaw clenched. "Ryan drugged you. He was planning to do something unforgivable. But I was there on time. If not, I can't imagine what tha
The hot water cascaded over Isabella’s skin, washing away the remnants of the night. But no amount of warmth could erase the chill that Ryan’s actions had left behind. She clenched her fists, inhaling deeply. She wouldn’t be a victim. Not now. Not ever. After finishing her shower, she wrapped herself in a plush robe and stepped into the bedroom, only to find Alexander leaning against the wall, arms crossed, waiting for her. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice steady, controlled. Isabella met his gaze, searching for any trace of pity. But there was none—only that same unshakable intensity. "I'm fine." Alexander arched a brow. "Liar." She rolled her eyes. "I don’t need you hovering over me like some overprotective bodyguard." "Too bad. I’m not leaving your side until I know you're safe." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I can handle myself, Alexander." His jaw tightened. "Last night says otherwise." Her temper flared. "You think I wanted that to happen?" A muscle
Isabella lay sprawled on the luxurious couch in her penthouse, a glass of wine in hand as Chloe animatedly recounted the events of the previous night. The tension from Ryan’s attempt had settled, but Alexander’s unwavering presence still lingered in her mind. "And girl, let me tell you," Chloe gushed, flipping her silky hair over her shoulder, "the way Alexander stormed into that club, looking like he was about to set the entire place on fire? Whew! It was like something out of a drama. If I weren’t your best friend, I would have thrown myself at him." Isabella rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her wine. "Oh, please. As if he'd even notice you." Chloe gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me? I’ll have you know that men always notice me." "Not the Blackwood Devil," Isabella shot back with a smirk. Chloe crossed her arms. "Well, he noticed you. And not just noticed—girl, he lost his damn mind over you. The way he was barking orders at his men, demanding the entire club’s CCTV footage li
The soft hum of the city outside Isabella’s penthouse was drowned by the steady tick of the clock on the wall. The large windows gave her a clear view of the skyline, but tonight, her mind was miles away from the glittering lights. She hadn’t heard from Alexander since that chaotic night at the club, and as much as she wanted to shake the memory of him rescuing her from Ryan, she couldn’t. It was like the image of him—hard, ruthless, yet somehow protective—kept replaying in her mind. The sudden buzz of her phone snapped her from her thoughts. Her stomach did a small flip when she saw the name on the screen. Alexander Blackwood. Taking a deep breath, Isabella swiped to answer, her heart rate picking up in the silence of her apartment. "Isabella," his deep voice rumbled through the line, his tone calm, but there was a sense of authority behind it. "I need to see you." She sat back in her chair, her mind racing. The last time they had been together was far from ordinary, and the way
Isabella stood in the elevator, her fingers nervously tapping on the polished steel railing as the hum of the machinery surrounded her. The last few days had been a blur of tension, business meetings, and complicated emotions. Alexander's words kept echoing in her mind, and no matter how hard she tried to push them away, they lingered like a shadow, casting doubt over the cold walls she’d spent years building around herself. She had come to terms with using Ryan, with playing the game and securing her revenge. But Alexander... his gaze, his presence—it made her question everything. Not just her plans but herself. What am I doing? The elevator doors opened, and Isabella was jolted out of her thoughts. She stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of Blackwood Tower, where the security personnel greeted her with a respectful nod. As she made her way across the polished marble floors, she couldn't ignore the uneasy flutter in her chest. She hadn't spoken to Alexander since their encounter i
Isabella’s heart pounded in her chest as she walked out of the elevator, the stark silence of Blackwood Tower only amplifying her thoughts. The conversation with Alexander had left her reeling—his words had struck a nerve deeper than she cared to admit. She had always prided herself on her self-sufficiency, on the calculated distance she kept from everyone, even the people closest to her. But with Alexander, everything was different. It unsettled her. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking her out of her thoughts. She pulled it out quickly, expecting a message from Chloe, but instead, it was an unknown number. Isabella hesitated for a moment, then pressed it to her ear. "Isabella." The voice on the other end made her blood run cold. "It’s Ryan." Her stomach dropped. She had hoped she was done with him, that their paths wouldn’t cross again after the disastrous night at the club. But apparently, fate had other plans. "What do you want, Ryan?" she asked, her voice icy, betraying n
The silence stretched between them, thick with the weight of unspoken words. Isabella's lips still tingled from Alexander's kiss, her mind a tangled mess of emotions. She had never let herself get this close to someone—never allowed herself to feel anything beyond control. And yet, here she was, staring at the man who could ruin everything she had built with a single move. Alexander stood before her, his expression unreadable, his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. He was dangerous. Not just because of his power but because of the way he made her feel. “I should go,” she finally said, her voice steadier than she felt. He raised a brow. “Go where?” “Anywhere that isn’t here.” She exhaled, breaking eye contact as she took a step back. “You don’t control me, Alexander. And I don’t need your car, your protection, or your help.” His smirk was infuriatingly calm. “You’re stubborn.” “And you’re used to getting what you want,” she shot back. “
The sun had just begun to set, casting a soft, golden hue over the gathered crowd. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, and the atmosphere was one of pure magic. Isabella’s heart pounded as she walked down the aisle, her steps slow and steady, each one taking her closer to the man she loved, the man she was about to marry. Alexander stood at the altar, his eyes fixed on her, his expression unreadable, but the warmth in his gaze made her heart swell.The garden, which had been transformed into a stunning venue for their wedding, was filled with their closest friends and family, all of them watching this momentous occasion unfold. The guests were silent, their eyes glued to Isabella as she made her way to Alexander. The world felt like it had come to a standstill, and it was as though time itself was holding its breath in anticipation.Isabella felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. Her hand gripped the bouquet tightly, but it wasn’t out of fear; it was a reminder of the
The day had finally arrived.Isabella stood in front of the large windows of her bridal suite, gazing out at the beautiful garden below. The sun was shining brightly, casting a soft golden glow over the manicured lawns and blooming flowers. Everything looked like a dream, but it didn’t quite feel real. The gentle breeze played with the strands of her hair, sending a shiver of excitement down her spine. It felt like just yesterday when she had been unsure of her future, and now, here she was—on the cusp of marrying the man she loved, of starting a family together, and embarking on a new chapter of her life.The room was filled with soft chatter and the gentle sounds of wedding preparations. Her friends, Lily and Elena, were helping her get ready, adjusting the delicate lace of her gown and making sure her makeup was flawless. The air was charged with nervous energy, but it was the kind of excitement that made her heart race with anticipation. This was it. She was about to become a wife
The excitement in the air was palpable as Isabella stood in front of the large mirror in the bridal boutique, the soft rustle of fabric around her as she admired the elegant gown that clung to her body. The dress was everything she had imagined—a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern flair. Lace, satin, and delicate embroidery made it an extraordinary piece, one that made her feel both delicate and strong at the same time. She ran her fingers along the intricate beadwork at the waist, the shimmer of it catching the light and reflecting the love and care that had gone into making it.“This is perfect,” she whispered to herself, a soft smile playing on her lips.Behind her, Isabella could hear the excited chatter of her best friend, Lily, who had come along to help with the wedding preparations. Lily had been a constant source of support for Isabella ever since the day they had met. Through every high and low, she had remained by her side, offering her unwavering loyalty and lov
The following days were a blur for Isabella. What had once seemed like a simple and almost idyllic life with Alexander had now become a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and a future she had never imagined. The discovery that she was five months pregnant hit her like a storm, changing everything in an instant.Each morning, she woke up with the same overwhelming thought: I’m going to be a mother. Her stomach would churn with both excitement and fear. There were so many things she had never considered—how her life would change, how Alexander would feel, how they would raise a child together. But through it all, one thing remained clear: she couldn’t face this alone.Alexander had been by her side through every step of the way, offering support, comfort, and even a surprising amount of tenderness. He’d taken charge of making all the necessary appointments, from checking in with doctors to arranging her maternity care. And yet, there were moments when Isabella couldn’t help but feel lost
Isabella had always believed that life had a strange way of throwing curveballs when you least expected them. The past few months had been full of twists and turns, each one more unpredictable than the last. But nothing could have prepared her for the news that was about to change everything.It was a quiet Sunday morning, and Alexander had just finished preparing breakfast for the two of them. Isabella was sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping her coffee, her thoughts wandering as they often did. She felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. Life with Alexander had been a whirlwind of emotion, but it was also a comfort she hadn’t realized she needed.As she took another sip of her coffee, she felt the faintest flutter in her stomach. It wasn’t the usual butterflies she’d come to associate with the excitement of being around Alexander. No, this was something else—something a little deeper, a little more profound.She placed her coffee mug down on the counter, a frown tug
The battlefield was silent.Ryan exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling as he surveyed the wreckage. The bodies of Black Sun operatives lay scattered across the tarmac, their reign of terror finally over. The jet they had planned to use for their escape was now a smoldering heap of metal, rendered useless by Lena’s sabotage.Sophia stepped up beside him, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She was covered in dust and sweat, her breathing still ragged, but her eyes held the same fierce determination he had always admired.“It’s over,” she whispered.Ryan nodded. “Yeah. It is.”But deep inside, he knew that nothing truly ended.There would always be another enemy lurking in the shadows, another mission calling his name. Yet, for the first time in years, he felt a sense of completion. A war had been fought—and won.Dante approached, wiping blood from his knife before sliding it back into its sheath. “I counted twelve bodies. I think that’s a record for me.”Sophia shot him a
The air was thick with tension as Ryan stood over Catherine, her wrists bound with zip ties. She glared at him, defiant even in defeat. The gunfire had stopped, and the only sounds in the dimly lit compound were the echoes of footsteps and the ragged breathing of his team.Sophia stood beside him, her expression unreadable. Lena and Dante secured the exits, ensuring no one else would escape. They had won this battle—but the war wasn’t over yet.Ryan knelt in front of Catherine, his voice dangerously calm. “Start talking.”Catherine scoffed, her lip curling in amusement. “You’re still as stubborn as ever, Ryan.”He grabbed her by the collar, pulling her closer. “You leaked our location. You set us up. Tell me who you’re working for.”Her smirk didn’t waver, but her eyes darkened. “You already know, don’t you?”Ryan’s jaw tightened. He had his suspicions, but he needed confirmation.Lena stepped forward, her laptop open in her arms. “I traced her communications. She’s been in direct con
The night had fallen with a heavy silence, but it wasn’t the kind of quiet that calms the mind—it was the kind that gnawed at the edges of reality, reminding Ryan that everything was still unraveling. Every corner, every shadow could be hiding something worse than what he had already faced.They had just left the warehouse, Viktor Petrov’s body now nothing more than a dark memory behind them. Still, Ryan’s heart raced with the knowledge that something bigger was brewing. He could feel it in his bones.Sophia, sitting in the passenger seat, was unusually quiet. He had expected her to ask more questions, but the calmness in her voice when she spoke broke the tension between them.“Do you think he was lying?” she asked, her voice soft yet steady.Ryan’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, ensuring they weren’t being followed. “No, I think Petrov knew exactly what he was saying. There are bigger players, and they won’t just vanish because we killed a few of their own.”She turned her hea
The mansion’s eerie silence was broken only by the distant wail of sirens. Ryan exhaled slowly, the weight of the past hour settling in his chest. Nikolai Volkov was dead. The man who had tormented them, orchestrated attacks, and played with lives like a puppeteer—gone.And yet, the fight wasn’t over.Sophia clung to Ryan’s arm, her breath uneven. “Is it… really over?”Ryan glanced down at her, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “For now.”Lena approached, scanning the scene. “Cops will be here in less than five minutes. We need to disappear.”Dante nodded. “No way we’re explaining this mess.” He gestured toward Nikolai’s lifeless body.Ryan agreed. There was no time to linger. “Let’s move.”Sophia hesitated. “But… what if they come after us?”Ryan’s grip on her tightened. “They won’t.”He would make sure of it.---The EscapeGetting out of the mansion was easy; avoiding the police wasn’t. Sirens grew louder, blue and red lights flashing through the trees.“Shortcut,” Dan