Chapter 18
When Lucas’s office door opened, he was on the phone, histone glacial]
don’t care how much it costs or what methods you use. Dig up everything on these fucking reporters.
Hanging up, he looked toward Isabella. The ruthlessness in his eyes was not completely gone, though his voice had already softened
“You’re here.”
Isabella approached his desk, her voice filled with regret. Tm sorry. I dragged you and Montgomery Group into this mess.”
Lucas let out a decisive laugh, though not directed at her
He stood and took her hand, leading her to the sofa. This level of attack hardly counts as trouble.
cy fury in his eyes.[]
His finger slid across the tablet displaying the article, the cold white light illuminating the ley
They certainly know how to hit where it hurts. Too bad…]
“Too bad what?“]
Too bad she seems to have forgotten we have dirt on her, too.”
Lucas reached toward Isabella’s face. This time she didn’t pallaway, just gazed at him.
A Dash of genuine warmth crossed his eyes as his long fingers gently backed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
There’s a business gala tonight. All the investors will be there. You’ll attend with me.”
“Are you planning to retaliate publicly?
Lucas’s voice gradually deepened. “Of course were retaliating. And I want to make it crystal clear to everyone don’t forget who they’re dealing with. Isabella’s heart skipped a beat ||
As sunlight gradually retreated and the room colder with Lucas’s voice
Like A Venom
a venomous snake preparing to strike.[]
The gala was held on the top floor of the Grand Oriental Hotel Amid the perfumed elegance of the crowd, conversations between powerful executives flowed freely until they died down in unison when Lucas entered with Isabells on his arm
Isabella wore a dark emerald velvet geen with a cinched waist that made her skin appear Mike snow.
Laras was impeccable in a custom black suit. His the matching her dress, the wedding band on his finger catching the light brilliantly
He held her hand throughout his thumb gently caressing her palm–a silent reassurance
“Mr. Montgomery, it’s an honor
A middle–aged man in a crisp navy suit sauntered over, eyes skimming over Isabella. “And this must be Mrs. Montgomery? Truly as remarkable as rumored“]
“You’re too kind, Mr. Vanderbilt.
Lucas smiled, though his arm slid possessively around Isabella’s waist. “My wife in particularly fond of these functions. She’s making an exception tonight, so please don’t intimidate her
As he finished speaking, he leaned down and kissed her temple in full view of everyone.
Tsabella’s ears flushed pink, but she played along. Leaning against i
this shoulder, fingers lightly clutching his sleeve in a gesture of dependence
Kind laughter rippled through the crowd, though whispers in the corners never quite ceased
“Weren’t they having marital problems? They certainly don’t look like they’re taking…
Touess those tabloids were full of shi__|
Lucas seemed oblivious as he guided Isabella through the room, chatting amiably with each interaction, the rumors dissipated further
Mr. Hinton is here.
Then a voice out through the crowd. “Mr.
Tabella barned and found herself looking directly into Dominic’s intense gaze.
He stood alone at the entrance with impetrally dressed, though the dark circles under his eyes were unmistakable.
Chloe wasn’t with him ||
He’d come alone
Dominic’s eyes locked onto Isabella darkening instantly when Lacas shifted to block his view
He strode toward them. his voice hoarse. “Isabella, we
a, we need to talk.“||
Lucas let out a cold laugh, stepping in from of Isabella. “Mr. Hision, this hardly seems the appropriate setting-||
Dominic ignored him completely, focusing only on Isabella. Tve uncovered something about the night you were attacked… the truth.”
Tabella’s fingers trembled lightly
Lucas, acutely aware of her reaction, tightened his arm around her waist and his tone dangerous. “Dominic, don’t make a scene here”
Homine pulled a voice recorder from t
from his pocket and pressed play without hesitation.
Chloe’s voice rang nudearly through the device
“Yes, I hired those men. So what? A trashy bitch like tabella doesn’t deserve to marry into the Hinton family. I fucking ruin her. Make her life a living hell.]
The recording cut off abruptly, leaving a deafening silence throughout the room.
Dominic’s eyes reddened, his voice low and nearly broke. “Tabella, I’m so sorry… I had no idea she would…
Isabella just looked at him, a slow, bitter laugh spilling from her lips. “Domini, is this apology meant for me to forgive you, or just to make yourself feel better?
Dominic froze
She turned away from him, linking her arm through Lucas’s. “Let’s go. I’m tired.“[]
Lucas wrapped his arm around her as they left. But as they passed Dominie, he lowered his voice just enough for him to hear. “Mr. Hinton, watch the headlines tomorrow.”
Daminit stood motionless, watching Isabella’s silhouette disappear into the brilliant lights of the ballroom.
They didn’t even glance back at him once.]
Whispers surged around him like waves
“Mr. Hinton looks terrible.
“Do you hear that? Chine hired those thugs to go after Isabella?”
“Guess that explains why Montgomery Group stock shot up today. They’re clearly gearing up for war.”
Fadi chinment stabled like a knife into Dominics already lileeding heart[]
He stared down at the recorder in his hand, Chlor’s shrill voice still echoing in his mind
*TII fucking ruin her.”
And Babella
He remembered her final smile, so calm it was almost rel
Your regret has nothing to do with me anymore.
Dominic’s knees buckled, the pain nearly suffocating him.
Mr. Hinson?
is at approached cautiously. “Your car is ready, sir…]
Get the fuck away from me.
Dominic shoved him aside and stumbled toward the terrace.
The bitter night wind couldn’t disperse the anguish churning in his chest.]
He pulled out his phone, still open to Isabella’s Instagram. Thirty minutes earlier, she’d reposted the gala photos from Montgomery Group’s PR department.
In the picture, Isabella leaned against Lucas’s shoulder with a slight smile on her lips. The diamond snowflake ring sparkled on her finge
Dominic stared at their intimate pose and laughed out loud.
How ironic
She had once given him all her tenderness, and he had never cherished it
Now, she wouldn’t even spare him her hatred.||
Meanwhile, in the hotel’s underground parking garage.[]
Lucas opened the car door, then noticed Isabella standing motionless,
“What’s wrong?” he asked with brow slightly furrowed.
Isabella gazed at the distant roh lights and spoke softly. Just now… thank you.
Lucas’s expression related as he leaned casually against the car door, tilting his head. “For what?
For not decking Dominic I know how hard it was for you to hold back.
Isabella turned to him, something sparkling in her eyes. Lucas snorted, then suddenly gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer.
Isabella
His voice was us
husky. “Isabella, I didn’t hold back because of him
It was because…”
His thumb finally traced her coal check, hdstone uncharacteristically serious
I wanted
you to close that chapter of your past yourself.“]
sabella’s breath caught.
the night breeze swept through the garage lifting strands of her hair.]
cas’s gaze dropped to her tips. But in the end, he simply opened the car door for her!
Let’s go home.”
