The weekend passed in a blur of emails, phone calls, and restless thoughts. Isabella told herself it was the project, that the numbers weren't adding up the way she wanted. But deep down, she knew it wasn't the numbers that had her heart pounding at 2 a.m. on a Sunday morning.
It was him.
Alexander Knight had a way of getting under her skin—and staying there. The things he said, the way he looked at her, the way he stood too close and said just enough to make her question the ground beneath her feet. She hated how easily he could throw her off balance.
By Monday morning, she was ready to regain control.
She walked into the conference room with her usual confidence, her red blouse a deliberate choice—bold, commanding, sharp. But her stride faltered the moment she stepped inside.
He wasn't alone.
Seated beside him was a stunning woman—long black hair, porcelain skin, blood-red lipstick, and a smirk that said I don't like competition.
Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her composure. "I wasn't aware we had company today."
Alexander stood, his expression unreadable. "Isabella Harper, meet Veronica Vale. She's... an old friend of mine."
Veronica rose gracefully and extended a hand, her eyes gleaming with something almost venomous. "Actually, I'm an investor. And a former fiancée."
Fiancée.
The word struck like a slap.
Isabella's heart didn't just skip—it stumbled. But she masked it with a polite smile as she shook the woman's hand. "Pleasure."
"I've taken a sudden interest in Knight Industries again," Veronica said smoothly. "Thought I'd check in... see what's changed since I left."
Alexander didn't flinch, but his jaw tightened. Isabella noticed.
"Well, I'm sure you'll find we've evolved," Isabella said, sliding into her seat like she owned the room. "Some things improve when old baggage is let go."
Veronica's smile faltered, just slightly.
Alexander sat down as well, his gaze flicking between the two women. He didn't speak—not yet. But Isabella could feel the tension radiating off him.
The meeting began, but it wasn't really about numbers or strategies anymore. It was a power play. Every comment was layered, every glance a silent war.
When it ended, Veronica stood, her heels clicking on the marble as she turned to Alexander. "We'll talk soon."
And then she was gone.
Isabella gathered her things silently, her expression neutral. But as she reached the door, Alexander spoke.
"She's not a threat to this deal."
Isabella didn't turn around. "She doesn't need to be. I'm not here for deals, Mr. Knight. I'm here to win."
She left without another word.
And for the first time in years, Alexander Knight was at a loss for what to say.