Chapter 3 Ally With Nicholas
820 Words
Isabelle froze on the spot.
'How does he know I'm Isabelle? I've altered my appearance so much that even I can barely recognize myself. Selena didn't even recognize me.'
"Recognizing someone doesn't rely on their face, you know? You have a unique presence, Izzy." Nicholas answered her unspoken question as he observed her silent reaction.
He gazed at her flawless face, her delicate features, and her enchanting eyes filled with emotion. Her lips were slightly parted in surprise.
He discreetly shifted his gaze away from her mouth.
'My presence?'
Isabelle grew wary. Though he was Alexander's uncle, they barely knew each other and had hardly met before!
How could he identify her just by her presence?
"Anyway, thanks."
Despite her words, she firmly pushed Nicholas away.
She was desperate to distance herself from this enigmatic man.
Nicholas didn't take offense but gently released her as if worried she might hurt herself with too much struggle.
"So, how are you going to thank me?" he asked, leaning casually against the wall with raised eyebrows.
"Here's my contact info. If you ever need anything, I'll be there." Isabelle handed him her business card.
Though she doubted a business mogul like Nicholas Carter would ever need her help, she didn't want to owe him a favor.
"No need to wait." Nicholas quickly saved her number on his phone and added, "I need your help right now."
"Hmm?"
"Be my... wife."
"What..." Isabelle's eyes widened, unable to believe her ears.
'Is he proposing? To a woman who has just sabotaged his nephew's wedding?'
Isabelle scrutinized Nicholas from head to toe, met into his eyes for a long while, and finally realized he was completely serious.
"I've never had a woman by my side. Even at these events, I've never had a plus-one. You're the first," said him.
This was true. Nicholas Carter, the infamous bachelor, was known for being all about business. People assumed he only had eyes for money.
"So, you can't just disappear. People will think you dumped me."
"You could say you dumped me." Isabelle frowned at his poor excuse.
"Alright, let's say something you'd like to hear." Nicholas let out a chuckle.
He leaned in close, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"You know, your sister isn't just marrying my nephew. She's planning to hand your company over to the Carters." Nicholas' voice was low and husky.
"After this wedding, she'll be all set as a pampered trophy wife."
Isabelle's eyes widened in an instant.
'Has Selena lost her mind? The company is our parents' legacy, and she is giving it away to the Carter family? Once it's merged under their name, even if I hold shares, I'll never get it back!'
"If you marry me... you can take back what's yours with my hands."
Nicholas was close enough for her to catch a whiff of his woodsy cologne.
His warm breath on her sensitive neck made her shiver.
He was Alexander's uncle, a renowned business tycoon with stakes in Carter Group and numerous other companies.
Alexander, only two years younger than him, was still immature and achieved nothing.
Nicholas' proposition was tempting, but Isabelle remained cautious.
"You help me get my revenge, but what do you want in return?" She tilted her head away to avoid his oppressive presence. "You seem to have everything... Don't tell me you're interested in me."
Isabelle placed a hand on his chest, smoothing out the wrinkles in his shirt.
Her lips shaped into a seductive smile, and her eyes conveyed explicit seduction.
'She is a master at using her charms,' Nicholas thought.
"I want... your company's patented technology."
Isabelle exhaled in relief hearing his answer.
That technology had kept the company afloat even under Selena's mismanagement for the past three years.
'Of course, a shrewd businessman like him knows the real goldmine is in the tech.'
"You get your revenge, and I get the patents. How's that for a deal?"
Nicholas tentatively placed his arm around her waist. Sensing she didn't pull away, he tightened his grip and drew her closer.
Isabelle looked up at him, taking in his sexy Adam's apple, chiseled jawline, high-bridged nose, and gray-blue eyes filled with burning desire.
It seemed there to be raging flames in his eyes.
'The deal has its merits. Nicholas is a pure businessman, who is driven only by profit. We don't love each other, so marrying him won't be a problem. I can use his power to reclaim my parents' company and stay close enough to monitor those two scoundrels. It is a perfect shortcut to my revenge," Isabelle mused.
"I need a contract," she said.
Her desire for revenge persuaded her to work with Nicholas.
"Of course, all business deals need a contract."
"To a successful partnership."
Nicholas took Isabelle's hand and kissed it lightly.
His eyes were filled with raw heat.
The hunter had finally caught his prey.
- Writer
