When Marcus returned to the room, his face was a carefully composed mask. Isabella studied him, searching for any hint of the man who had protected her for a decade.
"Marcus will be keeping an eye on you while I make some preparations," Richard announced, gathering several documents from his desk. "I trust you won't give him any trouble."
Isabella kept her gaze fixed on Marcus as Richard moved toward the door. "How much?" she asked, her voice quiet but razor-sharp. "How much did it take to buy ten years of loyalty?"
Marcus remained silent, his eyes focused on a point somewhere above her head.
"Was it worth it?" she continued, stepping closer despite her restraints. "Trading your integrity, your honor—everything I thought defined you—for what? Money? Did he threaten you? What could possibly justify this betrayal?"
