Chapter Three.

The Return

Bella's POV

“Are you completely sure about this, Isabella?” Elena’s voice came out very calm, but I could tell she was worried, or rather nervous. “Once you go ahead and step into that room, be rest assured there’s no turning back. They’ll all see you. They’ll be aware that you’ve returned.”

I smirked, brushing off a strand of hair from my face, and also adjusting the midnight gown that hug perfectly to me like a second skin. “Exactly the point. Let them see me, the new me.  Let them wallow in fear of what I might bring on. This isn't just a return, it's more of an opening shot, and a warning."

She sighed, and I understand her worried. Though we planned this together, there's still this soft part of her that wants me to be safe. “Then remember, Bella…with our plan, you don't just have to watch your back because of Damian. Always remember to include Selene in your plan, and also Victor Kane. They are not what you think they are."

I gave her a cold smile, assuring her of my safety. “Let them come as they wished. I’ve spent not just years away from them, but also in sharpening my mind. I have also succeeded in building my network, and while away, I prepared day and night for this moment. Why would I shy away from it now. This is my city now, and everything must abide to my rules. And not long from now, they would all be notified that the Isabella Adeniran they humiliated years ago, no longer exists. Completely replaced by a ruthless one.

The doors to The Plaza Hotel ballroom finally opened, and even before I made my entrance, the murmurs began.  Manhattan’s elite could not handle it as they all paused mid laugh, glasses frozen in the air for a toast, and all I could hear from every side is: She's back...

I continued moving forward with a calculated and deliberate poise, heels clicking softly with so much command. My gaze didn't miss its target, as it locked on Selene immediately. She stiffened, I expected the reaction. I watched as her perfectly manicured fingers could not handle the tension, tightening around her champagne flute so badly that it looked horrible. Her lips parted, a gasp escaping her lips, but being the pretentious human that she is, she quickly covered it up with a smirk that didn't reach her teeth.

And then…there was Damian. My chest clenched on sighting him after many years of being away. I could see different reactions being displayed on her face, from shock, to guilt, then something that seemed deep...but it doesn't matter. I didn't come for him tonight. I have other plans, and would handle him later.

I could sense how uncomfortable Selene was, as she leaned close to Victor Kane, and as usual, her voice low but venomous. “Everything has to move in the direction we planned them. Isabella can't know any of our plans, or be allowed to suspect anything..."

Victor chuckled, always having a dark exterior and predatory. “She would suspect nothing, she's not here for us, therefore would not know of our plans. But if she finds out, we would make her play by our rules. She would have no choice but to dance to our tone."

My lips curved deliberately into a small smile. I didn't go in for some seconds, standing there invisible to the both of them. They thought they have the perfect plan, not knowing that I'm much ahead of them in their game of power. I know everything about their moves, and had all of them taken care of before my return.

Elena nudged me gently, when she saw me standing alone. “You want to finally make an entrance or just stand here all night?"

I glanced at her, smiled and continued. “Let them watch me.  Let Selene wallow in derp thoughts, having the wildest imaginations that she's the one in control. Let Victor come up with different plans, assuming that he's unstoppable. Let them make the mistakes before their fall."

I finally approached the bar, and graciously allowing my gaze roam around, feeding my senses with the dignities around. I got myself a glass of champagne, to relax with as I watch the GE drama unfold before ne.

“Isabella,” I heard a familiar voice from behind me. My heart skipped in a dangerous way, startling me out of my thoughts. But when I turned, it wasn't Damian. It was rather an associate of Victor. It was a man I recognized on a glance from prior intel. "You shouldn't have nursed the thought of returning."

I smiled coldly, already enjoying the drama before it even started. “And yet, here I am contrary to what you think. Tell me… why exactly do you think I shouldn’t be here?”

He hesitated, completely caught off guard. He never expected my question, and my poise scared the hell out of him. “You don’t have the slightest idea of what you’re walking into. Selene… Victor… they’re both ruthless and dangerous.”

I laughed softly, the sound even surprising at how good I was with my acting. “Did you just say dangerous? Darling, so am I if you haven't realized that. Don’t be too naive to mistaken absence for weakness. And don’t do the mistake of taking my smile for naivety. I have everything under control before finally making my way to this gala tonight."

He swallowed in a nervous way, and seeing he can't scare me he backed away. “Be careful…”

I didn’t answer him. I don't owe him any.. Instead, my gaze roamed the second time, until they spotted Selene again. She was still speaking with Victor, smiling at whatever thing he was telling her. The audacity of them. The arrogance of wanting to be on the spotlight all the time.

I whispered to Elena, to take over from ne. She was standing by my side. “Keep with them, and carefully listen to them. Ensure to note every word. Every plan they are making. Let them go ahead and underestimate me. They always do that.”

Elena nodded without cc complain. “You’ve got the advantage already. You’ve watched them carefully from the dark. Right now, it would be the perfect timing to strike."

I slowly took few steps towards Selene. "Selene, are you planning something juicy without me, your sister? That's really interesting."

She froze, she never expected me to be that bold and outspoken. “I… Isabella…”

I smiled, a satisfying smile. “Did you really assume I would be gone forever? That I would be erased forever? That you would conspire with Damian to humiliate me, and get away with it untouched?"

Victor eyes narrowed in shock. I bet he wasn't expecting such reaction from me.

“You’ve completely changed,” Damian murmured, his eyes wide in shock. But like I said before, I wasn't here for him yet. I didn't even as much as hold his gaze. I came prepared for Selene tonight, and would give it my best.

Tonight, I am the hunter, and they are the prey!