Chapter 20
Isabella stood at the floor to ceiling windows of the Montgomery Group conference room, staring out over the city below.
It had been two weeks since she moved out of Lucas’s place.
op her. But every single day, a bouquet of white roses would show up at her office. Each with a simple card that always read:||
Lucas hadn’t tried to stop
The sun’s out today. Can you forgive me yet?][]
She always placed the flowers in the office vase, but never responded]
*Ms. Bennett, all department heads have arrived, her assistant reminded her softly.
Isabella pulled herself back to reality and turned toward the meeting room
The Montgomery Group executives watched her with varying expressions.||
This sudden elevation of the “new Mrs. Montgomery to management had already raised eyebrows. And with all the gossip about her and Lucas being on the rucks, they were ready to pounce.
Let’s begin.]
Isabella ignored their scrutiny, opening her folder with perfect composure. “Regarding the financial discrepancies in our Southeast Asia division. I’d like Finance to explain the discrepancies.”
The Crowiped his brow nervously. That’s probably just a… system delay in recording transactions…”
“A delay?”
Isabella tapped her tablet, immediately projecting several data set onto the screen.
“For the past three years, every 15th of the month, there’s been the term for this in auditing?”
Allison delayed deposit that mysteriously delays its way back out before month–end, Whars
She glanced around the table, the hint of a smile playing on her ups is called embezzlement.”
The conference room fell dead atlet
That evening, Isabella’s phone lit up with Lucas private number,
she stared at the screen for three seconds before answering
“Impressive work, Mrs. Montgomery.” His voice carried an undercurrent of amusement. “Took you a day to dig up what they’ve been hiding for ten fucking years.“]
Isabella leaned back on ber sofa, her tone neutral. “Per the agreement, it’s my job to manage the group’s affairs. Besides, you were already planning to take them down, weren’t you?”
silence hung on the other end for a inonent
“Just an agreement? Nothing more? ||
She didn’t respond
Lucas let out a soft laugh. There’s a charity auction tomorrow. You need to be there
Playing the happy couple isn’t part of our contract.“[]
“This is about playing pretend “||
His voice!
#turned serious. “My grandfather is watching. If you i
don’t show up, those vultures will ass
assuine our marriage is failing and make their move
g and pressed her lips together. “What timer
habela recalled the probing looks during today’s meeting
The sound of papers shuffling came through the line. She could almost picture Lucas’s lips curving into that smile.
Sever. I’ll pick you up.
At the auction, Chloe sauntered over with a champagne glass and “accidentally dipped the glass forward
Just as the flute began to tilt, a figare stepped between them
Dominic caught Chine’s wrist, the champagne spilling across his own suit instead.]]
“Had enough?” he coldly released her grip, then turned to Isabella. “Are you okay? ||
Isabella stepped back, directly into Lucas’s waiting arms as he rushed forward
Thanks for the concern, Mr. Hinton.“||
Lucas tightened his hold around her waist, his smile not reaching his eyes. “But I can take care of my own wife. No need to tromble yourself. ||
Dominic stared at their clasped hands, his voice dropping low. “Isabells, I need to tell you something
“We have nothing to discs.”
Isabella at him off, her voice soft but resolute, Dominic, stop doing this. It’s unnecessary.
She took Lucas’s arm as they walked away, missing the way all color drained from Dominie’s face.
In the car heading home, Lucas suddenly spoke up. “You called him Dominic back there.”
Isabella gazed out the window, slightly confused
You used to call him Mr. Hinton to maintain distance. His fingers drummed on the steering wheel.
“Today was different. It means you’re truly starting to let him go.
Isabella finally turned to look at him. Sounds like Mr. Montgomery is pretty good at reading people, huh?”
“Only when it comes to you.
Streetlights swept across his sharply defined profile. Isabella suddenly realized that without her noticing this calculating man had stopped hiding behind facades when looking at her.
Just like now–his knuckles turning white as he gripped the wheel, Betraying the nervousness beneath his calm exterior.
Take me back to my apartment
Lucas’s jaw tightened “Alright
When the car stopped outside her building, Isabella didn’t immediately get out]
I have the board meeting materials ready for you by tomorrow night,” she said
Luces’s brows shot up. The tiles were at his place
“Good,” he replied, his voice husky with a hint of eagerness, “Tll be waiting
The night breeze lifted strands of isabella’s hair. She stood beneath a streetlight, looking back at Lucas’s car. He hadn’t driven away.
It reminded her of standing in the shadows at the back of the auditorium years ago, watching the brilliant boy on stage.
But this time, someone w finally staying for her.
