From Nemises To Lovers

For the first time, Isabella and Alexander weren't fighting each other.

But that didn't mean they trusted each other.

As they sat across from one another in a private conference room—far away from the gala's glittering chaos—the weight of their temporary alliance settled between them like a loaded gun.

The Plan Unfolds

Isabella leaned over her laptop, pulling up a series of encrypted files. "If we want to expose Westport Global, we need to make sure the hit is public, undeniable, and timed perfectly."

Alexander smirked. "I assume you already have a plan."

"Of course." She didn't look up. "Their CEO, Charles Vaughn, has been using a secondary holding company to funnel funds into offshore accounts. It's buried under layers of fake transactions, but I can leak just enough data to make the SEC take notice."

Alexander tapped his fingers on the table. "That's good, but it's not enough."

She shot him an annoyed look. "Excuse me?"

"We need more than an investigation," he said smoothly. "We need a scandal."

A Dangerous Move

Isabella narrowed her eyes. "You have something in mind."

Alexander slid his phone across the table. On the screen was a private email thread between Vaughn and an unnamed investor—one that hinted at bribery for the Titan Freight contract.

Her breath hitched. Where the hell did he get this?

She looked up sharply. "How did you—"

He leaned back lazily. "Let's just say I have my own ways of getting information."

Isabella exhaled. Of course he does.

She studied the emails again, heart racing. If they leaked this, Westport Global wouldn't just lose the Titan Freight bid. Vaughn would be ruined.

"This is dangerous," she murmured.

Alexander's voice was darkly amused. "That's what makes it fun."

The Unspoken Tension

For a brief moment, Isabella just looked at him—this man who had been her fiercest rival, now sitting across from her as a partner.

And damn it, she hated how exhilarating this felt.

"Fine," she finally said. "We do it tonight. But if this backfires, Blackwood, I swear—"

He grinned. "I love when you threaten me, Carter."

She rolled her eyes, but her pulse was unsteady.

Because this wasn't just about business anymore.

This was about them.

And whether they were prepared for what came next.