Chapter 88
The moment Ethan and Sophia departed, the air grew still, heavy with unspoken tension.
Alexander, ever composed, turned to his assistant Sebastian with a measured gaze.
“There’s an urgent matter at the office. Handle it.”
Sebastian hesitated, confusion flickering across his face. Hadn’t everything already been dealt with? But one look at Alexander’s sharp, unyielding stare told him better than to question it.
“Understood!” Sebastian replied quickly before hurrying off.
As he left, Isabella reached into her purse and pulled out a sanitizing wipe, meticulously cleaning her hands.
“Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Kingsley,” she said smoothly, her voice like silk.
“Think nothing of it,” Alexander replied, his tone as calm as ever.
They walked side by side toward the underground parking, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. The silence between them wasn’t awkward—it was comfortable, as if they had shared this rhythm a thousand times before.
“Are you really going to let that opportunity slip away?” Alexander finally broke the silence. “The Everett Group is the most prestigious name in global advertising. They could be an invaluable asset.”
He knew Isabella wasn’t one to play by the rules. It wasn’t like her to let Ethan off so easily, especially when such a prize was at stake.
A faint smirk curled at the corner of Isabella’s lips, her expression enigmatic. “I always keep my word, Alexander. But if Ethan fails to secure a deal with Mr. Sterling? That’s entirely on him. I won’t lift a finger to help.”
The Everett Group deal held weight for the Blackwood family, but for Isabella, it was just another card in her hand—one she was willing to discard for the bigger game she was playing. Besides, this involved Alexander. He had stepped in for her, and while she knew he wasn’t one to shy away from conflict, unnecessary complications could arise if tensions escalated.
She didn’t want the Kingsley name dragged into legal battles. And Alexander? He despised owing favors.
He didn’t need her to say it aloud—he could read her like an open book. It was clear she wasn’t giving up the opportunity out of obligation.
“So you pretend to comply with Ethan’s wishes on the surface, but behind the scenes, you’re setting him up for failure,” Alexander observed, his tone knowing. “I know Dominic. He may seem affable—all smiles and charm—but betray him once, and that’s it. He’ll never work with you again.”
Given Dominic’s influence, no one in their right mind would dare cross him. The Everett Group wielded immeasurable power, capable of shaping global narratives at Dominic’s whim. His instincts were razor-sharp, his strategic mind leagues ahead of the average executive. PR moguls wore friendly masks, but behind closed doors, they were ruthless. A single well-placed article could ruin a reputation forever.
“You catch on quickly, Mr. Kingsley,” Isabella said, appreciating his perceptiveness. “I spent three years with Ethan. The man is utterly oblivious. Probably because Mr. Sterling was too polite during their first meeting. Even when he cut Ethan out of the deal, he did it so smoothly that Ethan probably still thinks they’re on good terms.”
But the truth was clear: Dominic couldn’t stand men like Ethan—reckless, short-sighted opportunists who cared only for quick profits. Such men might enjoy temporary gains, but they never lasted in the long run.
“Even if Ethan takes my advice,” she added with a knowing smile, “who knows what will happen when the financing gets complicated? If things go south, it’ll all blow up in his face.”
Alexander’s lips curved in admiration. “You truly are remarkable, Miss Sinclair.”
Today, he hadn’t just confronted Ethan openly—he had set the stage for his downfall. The finesse was impressive.
A satisfied smile played on Isabella’s lips as she met his gaze. “In any case, I owe you one. Thank you for stepping in today, Alexander,” she said sincerely. “If I’d had to deal with those two clowns alone, things might have gotten… messy.”
Alexander arched a brow, his eyes glinting with amusement. Was she serious? She always played the damsel in distress so convincingly, as if she wasn’t the one orchestrating everything. In truth, he suspected that if he hadn’t intervened, Ethan and Sophia would have faced something far worse.
“Spare me the act,” he scoffed, though there was a teasing edge to his voice. “If you really want to thank me, why not help me get rid of that poison? We’ve crossed paths enough times, been through enough together. Why is it so hard for you to trust me?”
Isabella gave him an incredulous look, raising her hands in mock innocence. “What on earth are you talking about? Do I look like someone who goes around poisoning people?” She let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Oh, that? It was a joke. Just some vitamin candy. Vitamins are good for you, you know. Wait—you didn’t actually think I was serious, did you?”
Where would she even get poison in that cave? There was no point carrying it around. Isabella wasn’t the type to surrender. If pushed, she’d fight to her last breath—and if she fell, she wouldn’t go down alone.
Alexander blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her casual confidence before realizing he’d been played. But instead of anger, a smirk tugged at his lips.
“So you’re telling me everything upfront now? And you’re not worried I’ll get angry? You must trust me more than I thought.” He pressed the elevator button casually, as if discussing the weather. “Need a ride home?”
“No, thank you.” Isabella twirled her car keys in front of him. She knew he wasn’t offering out of courtesy—he just wanted an excuse to find out where she lived. “I have my own car, Mr. Kingsley. Wouldn’t want to trouble you. Besides, we’re not exactly close enough for a ride home, are we?”
“Aren’t we?” Alexander arched a brow, his voice dropping to a murmur.
