Who's the competition?

The waiter guided them to a secluded table where Mark Lisbune sat, the elusive mastermind behind an empire, the billionaire who’d rather chew glass than grace a headline. He stood with the effortless grace of someone who’d spent decades dodging cameras and small talk. Mid-fifties, with hair like a stormy sky, salt-and-pepper perfection, he carried himself like a man who’d already decided you weren’t worth his time. Impeccably tailored suit, sharp features, and a vibe that screamed back off.

Bella stepped forward with a firm handshake. Behind Mark stood Connor, transformed by his tailored suit into something resembling a Secret Service agent, all watchful eyes and dangerous composure.

"Thanks for coming," Mark said as they settled into their seats. Connor’s gaze was locked on Bella, unblinking, and Lucas was rapidly losing patience. He shoved his chair back, standing abruptly. "What’s your deal, man? Quit eyeing my wife like that."

Mark stepped in, his tone calm but commanding. "Gentlemen, let’s keep this civil." He leaned toward Connor, muttering something under his breath, and reluctantly, they both sat back down.

"Bella," Mark began, "I’m sure you’ve pieced most of it together by now. I’m here to answer your questions, and to hope you’ll join us. After all, everything I’ve built is yours."

She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I’d like to get to know you better, but being married to your…" she hesitated, "let’s call it ‘competition,’ complicates things. Can we negotiate a truce between the families?  Then we can all breathe a little easier."

Mark took her hand, his expression softening. "You’re stunning, just like your mother. I loved her deeply. And from what I hear, I’ve got grandchildren to spoil."

Bella’s eyes lit up. “Yes, Max and Oliver. They’ll be thrilled to meet you. What should I call you?” her tone softening, almost childlike.

“Whatever you’re comfortable with,”. “You’re my daughter, no doubt about it. And you’re the light of my world.”

Bella felt a pang of sadness for him. She wanted to know everything, start to finish. “How about we get both families together? All the members. Maybe we can work this out…”

“Hatred,” he sighed. “I tried for years to bridge it. But maybe you can fix what I couldn’t. I believe that. And you’re a doctor, right?”

“Yeah, though I haven’t practiced in a while,” she admitted, glancing at Lucas and taking his hand. “Been busy with the company and, well, life. Anyway, are we ready for lunch?”

Her dad laughed, a deep, genuine sound. “I love you, Bella. Only you could defuse all this testosterone-fueled nonsense.”

They continued talking, and Bella caught Connor sneaking glances from the corner of her eye. She turned to him directly. “Connor, what about you? Tell me something. Anything.”

He shifted uncomfortably, clearly not a fan of the attention. He took a deliberate sip of his drink, as if buying time to gather his thoughts. “Not much to say. I run his empire. Or I did, until you showed up. I did not bring you in earlier; that was my responsibility.  They got there first.” His eyes hardened, simmering with something unspoken.

Bella offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t beat yourself up, Mr. Connor. Destiny’s been playing games with me for years.”

“Just call me Connor,” his tone easing slightly. “We’re just glad you’re here now, that’s all.”

Bella turned to Mark. “Dad, I want to call you that. Give us a couple of days to explain this to the family. Then I’ll set up a meeting.”

Mark took her hand as she stood, and the rest of the men rose with her. She hugged him tightly, the moment heavy with emotion.

On the drive back, Lucas broke the silence. “Bella, I think Connor…”

She cut him off sharply. “Lucas, we’ve been over this. I love you. Only you. So why do I feel like I’m constantly reminding you?”

“Because I want to punch him every time he looks at you,”

“Do you not trust me?” Her eyes were soft but pleading.

“Of course I trust you. It’s him I don’t trust,” he admitted, pulling into the parking structure.

As they walked toward the elevator, Bella suddenly yanked Lucas behind a pillar. Bullets ricocheted nearby. They crouched low, Lucas instinctively drawing his gun. The sound of a motorcycle engine roared, then faded as the shooter sped off.

Lucas turned to her. “You saved my ass again. I’m slipping, usually I’m more alert.”

“Your jealousy’s making you careless, Lucas,”

“I’m sorry,” “I promise I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on.”

“I don’t want you bottling it up. Your anger, I mean,” Then her eyes lit up. “We could go shooting again. Please?”

He sighed, a small smile breaking through. “How do I say no to you? But first, I need to figure out who that guy was. Hard to ID someone with a helmet on.”

Her phone buzzed Mark. She answered. “Dad?”

“Bella, are you okay?” His voice was tense.

“How did you know? Wait, never mind. You have people watching me, don’t you?”

“Just protection. Don’t be mad. They messed up, but they’ll answer for it. I’m just glad you’re safe.” He hung up before she could respond.

Connor waited for Mark to hang up, leaning against the desk with his arms crossed.

“You need to keep it together,” Mark said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I get it, you’re pissed. But she’s made her choice. She loves him. He’s, her husband. And this is the second time someone’s tried to take him out. Hell, she took a bullet for him the first time.”

Connor let out a sharp breath. “She nearly died, Mark. I’m stepping in. I’ll handle it. The guy’s a walking target, too many enemies.”

Mark chuckled, but it was hollow. “The worst enemies are the ones closest to you, Connor. Remember that. The ones you trust the most.”

Connor shot him a look. “You seriously think he’ll would pull something? No way. He loves her. That’s insane.”

“Exactly,” Mark said, his voice low. “That’s what makes it dangerous. He can’t have her.”

Connor shook his head. “I wouldn’t cross that line. Ever.”

“I know,” Mark clapped him on the shoulder. “I know.”

Connor stared at him for a moment. “You think she’d believe us if we told her?”

Mark sighed. “Not a chance. But we’ll do everything we can to keep them safe. That’s all we’ve got right now.”