LOGINA few weeks later, Cassian sat behind his desk at Vega Corporation, reviewing financial reports as Jace delivered the day’s updates.“There’s news from Delacroix Holdings,” Jace said. “Isla Marquez, now officially Aniela Delacroix, has taken up the position of Executive Director of Strategic and Legal Affairs. She’s also moved into the Delacroix estate.”Cassian’s pen stopped, but he kept his eyes on the report.Jace continued. “She worked at the Geneva branch during her years away and earned a strong reputation there, handling major legal and commercial matters. The executives seem confident she can manage her new role.”Cassian set the report down. “I see.”The office door opened, and Brody stepped inside. He caught the end of the conversation and glanced between Jace and Cassian. “Talking about Isla?”“I was giving Mr. Vega a company update,” Jace said.“Of course.” Brody turned to Cassian. “And how are you taking the news?”Cassian leaned back. “It’s Delacroix business.”Brody gav
The Delacroix estate stood behind iron gates at the end of a long drive lined with old trees. Isla watched it approach through the car window, unsure what she had expected to feel.She had been two when she disappeared. Whatever memories she might once have had of the house were too faint to reach her now. It was beautiful, but it felt like a place she had never known.“You can take your time,” Dominic said. “There’s no need to settle everything today.”“I know.” Isla looked toward the house. “But I’m ready to see it.”The car stopped beneath the entrance portico. A silver-haired man in a dark suit waited at the steps, his posture straight despite his age.“Welcome home, Miss Delacroix,” he said. “I’m Finn, the estate’s butler. I’ve served the family for many years.” He offered her a warm, measured smile. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you back.”“I’m glad to meet you, Finn.”He led them inside. Light filled the spacious entrance hall, glinting off the polished floors. Several staff memb
After Fabian and Agatha left, Tristan lingered by the conference room door. When they were out of sight, he turned to Isla.“I’m glad you’re alive,” he said. “And that you’re doing well.”“Thank you.”“I won’t ask what happened after the accident or how you survived. You don’t owe me those answers.” His expression softened. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”Isla studied him. His sincerity eased something in her. Tristan had always been kinder to her than the rest of the family. Even when they were younger, he had never made her feel like an unwanted guest in the Marquez home.“There were reasons I stayed away,” she said. “I’m not ready to return to the Marquez family.”“I understand.” He nodded. “I’m just glad to see you again.”Before she could reply, Lukas approached. Tristan glanced at him, then recognition flickered across his face.“Mr. Reinhardt,” he said with a polite nod. "I don’t believe we’ve met.”“Mr. Marquez.” Lukas shook his hand.They exchanged a few courteous words
The conference room door closed behind Hazel, Ruth, and their lawyer. Dominic waited until their footsteps faded, then turned to Fabian.“Now that Isla’s identity has been settled, we need to discuss what you knew about her origins, and why you kept that information from her.”Fabian sat back, his expression hard. “I’ve already explained what happened.”“You’ve given us an account,” Dominic said. “Not answers.”Tristan sat at the end of the table, silent and watchful.Dominic opened a folder. “When you brought Isla home, you said she was an injured child found near your property. Who told you she had no family?”“Some of my estate workers,” Fabian replied. “They told my bodyguard she was alone and no one had identified her.”“Did you report her to the authorities or contact anyone searching for a missing child?”&ld
The following morning, Isla stepped out of her bedroom in a tailored cream suit, her dark hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. She looked elegant and composed, her confidence quiet but unmistakable.Her identity was no longer in question. She would not let anyone challenge her right to reclaim her place.Today, she would enter the Delacroix offices not as a Geneva branch employee or a woman with a disputed past, but as Aniela Delacroix, daughter of Magnus and Lavinia, and rightful heiress to the family estate.Dominic waited in the sitting room with a cup of coffee. He looked up as she entered.“You’re ready.”“I am.”He set his cup aside. “There may be questions about the years you were away, but you don’t have to answer them. Your disappearance remains confidential, and your safety comes first.”“I know.”“Some may pressure you to explain. Don’t feel you have to. What happened after you disappeared has no place in today’s meeting.”Isla sat across from him. “I didn’t come
Lukas’s arrival briefly eased the tension in the ballroom. Isla seemed genuinely pleased to see him, displaying a warmth Cassian had not seen from her all evening.Dominic stepped forward. “Lukas, I’m glad you could make it.”“Sorry I’m late. The flight delay was unavoidable.” Lukas glanced at Isla. “At least I didn’t miss everything.”“Just most of the evening,” Isla teased.“Then I’ll have to make up for it another time.”His reply drew a small smile from her.Dominic glanced at the remaining guests. “We’ve had enough excitement for one night. Isla, we should leave.”She nodded. “Of course.”Lukas turned to her. “Would you like me to accompany you?”“Thank you, but I’m leaving with Dominic. I’ll be staying with him for now.”“I remember you mentioning that. I’m heading to my hotel, so I’ll walk out with you.”“That would be nice.”They joined Dominic and headed for the entrance, talking easily. Cassian watched as Isla relaxed in Lukas’s company. The guarded expression she had worn a







