The boardroom at LTX Holdings buzzed with tension.
Isabella sat at the head of the table, reviewing strategic acquisitions. Her mind was sharp, her eyes colder than ever. The executives exchanged wary glances—none dared underestimate her anymore.
Until he walked in.
Ethan Graves.
Once her closest confidant. Now, a bitter reminder of betrayal.
"Well," he said, dropping a leather folder on the table, "looks like you really did come back from the dead."
The room fell silent.
Isabella didn't flinch. "And you still talk too much."
Ethan chuckled, but his eyes searched hers. "I came to make a deal."
"You already made your deal—three years ago. With Charles."
A flicker of guilt crossed his face. "It wasn't personal."
"It was survival," she said flatly. "But I didn't come back to forgive. I came to collect."
Ethan sat across from her, folding his arms. "I have something you need. Leverage. Information on Amelia. Her family's holding company—underwater. And she's laundering it through Soren Corp."
A long pause.
The room exhaled.
Isabella leaned forward. "Why help me now?"
Ethan's voice dropped. "Because I know what it's like to bet on the wrong devil."
She met his gaze. For a brief second, the steel cracked.
"Then prove it," she said. "Or walk out, and never show your face again."
Ethan nodded. "You'll have it by morning."
As he turned to leave, Isabella whispered just loud enough for him to hear:
"Let's see if betrayal buys redemption."