From Nemises To Lovers

Silence stretched between Isabella and Alexander, thick with unspoken tension.

For months, they had fought each other, convinced that they were each other's greatest rivals.

But now?

Now, they had a common enemy. And they had no idea who it was.

A Chilling Realization

Alexander stood abruptly, pacing to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The New York skyline glittered behind him, a stark contrast to the darkness settling over their situation.

"This doesn't make sense," he muttered. "Vaughn had everything to lose with that leak. He should be scrambling, not threatening us."

Isabella exhaled, forcing herself to think rationally despite the unease creeping into her bones. "Unless…" She hesitated.

He turned sharply. "Unless what?"

She met his gaze. "Unless he wasn't the one pulling the strings all along."

A muscle in Alexander's jaw ticked. "You're saying someone higher up was controlling him?"

She nodded. "And if that's the case, then we didn't just take down a corrupt CEO."

Alexander finished the thought for her, his voice edged with something lethal. "We just pissed off someone a lot more powerful."

The First Retaliation

As if on cue, Alexander's phone buzzed on the table. He grabbed it, his expression hardening as he read the message.

Isabella watched his grip tighten. "What is it?"

Wordlessly, he turned the screen toward her.

BREAKING NEWS: Allegations surface against Blackwood Enterprises for corporate espionage. Anonymous sources claim Alexander Blackwood used illegal methods to sabotage a competitor.

Isabella's breath hitched. "That's impossible. We were careful."

Alexander's face was unreadable. "It doesn't matter if it's true. Perception is everything."

She swore under her breath. "This was planned. Vaughn knew the leak was coming—hell, maybe he even let us expose him."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "Because he knew his backers would strike back harder."

An Unlikely Choice

They had thought they were in control of the game.

They weren't.

For the first time, Isabella felt something close to fear. If whoever was pulling the strings could orchestrate an attack on Alexander this quickly… she was next.

She took a deep breath. "We need to find out who's behind this. Fast."

Alexander studied her, and for the first time since they had joined forces, he didn't look like her opponent. He looked like her equal.

"I agree," he said.

And just like that, their rivalry no longer mattered.

Because now, they were in survival mode.

And the real game had just begun.