CHAPTER FIVE
916 Words
Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past
Isabella remained seated in the conference room long after Michael had left, her fingers drumming lightly against the edge of the table. Her mind raced through every possible scenario. If Gabriel was behind the financial discrepancies, this wasn’t just about her past with him—it was about control, about power. He was trying to remind her that he could still infiltrate her world. But she wasn’t the same woman he had manipulated before.
The door to the conference room creaked open, and Olivia stepped inside, carrying a fresh cup of coffee. "You looked like you could use this," she said, setting the cup down in front of Isabella.
"Thank you," Isabella murmured, wrapping her hands around the warm ceramic.
Olivia hesitated before speaking again. "I couldn't help but notice that something seemed... off during your call earlier. Was it Gabriel?"
Isabella stiffened slightly. Olivia had been with her long enough to read between the lines. "Yes," she admitted, her voice even. "He called this morning. And now, this." She gestured to the file Michael had left behind.
Olivia frowned, taking a seat across from her. "If he’s involved in this, we need to act fast. Gabriel doesn’t make idle moves. He’s always three steps ahead."
Isabella sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know. But I refuse to let him dictate my actions. We’ll handle this. Discreetly. No leaks, no unnecessary noise. If he thinks he’s winning, he’ll only push harder."
Olivia nodded. "Understood. I’ll start digging on my end. If there’s a financial trail, we’ll find it."
Isabella gave her a small, appreciative smile. "That’s why I trust you, Olivia."
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Ethan stepped inside. His eyes flicked between the two women before settling on Isabella. "Can I have a moment?"
Olivia glanced at Isabella, then stood. "I’ll be at my desk if you need me."
As the door closed behind her, Ethan leaned against the table, crossing his arms. "I take it that was about Gabriel?"
Isabella exhaled sharply. "It’s always about Gabriel, isn’t it?"
Ethan’s jaw tightened. "I don’t like this. First, he calls you out of nowhere, and now, there’s financial sabotage happening right under your nose? It’s not a coincidence."
She met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "I never said it was. But this is my company, Ethan. I won’t let Gabriel, or anyone else, shake what I’ve built."
His eyes softened slightly. "I know you won’t. But you don’t have to do this alone."
Isabella hesitated. She wanted to believe that. But history had taught her otherwise. "I can handle it."
Ethan exhaled through his nose, clearly frustrated but unwilling to push. "Just promise me you’ll let me help when you need it."
She gave him a small nod. "I promise."
For now, that was enough.
---
Later That Evening
Isabella stepped out of the sleek black town car and into the grand lobby of her penthouse building. The day had been exhausting, her mind weighed down by numbers, strategies, and the looming presence of Gabriel’s unseen hand.
As she entered the elevator and pressed the button for her floor, she leaned against the mirrored wall, inhaling deeply. Ethan’s words echoed in her mind. You don’t have to do this alone.
But could she really trust that? Could she afford to?
The elevator doors slid open, and she stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the marble flooring. As she approached her penthouse door, something felt off. The air was too still, the atmosphere charged in a way that set her instincts on edge.
She unlocked the door and stepped inside cautiously. Her eyes scanned the dimly lit space. Nothing seemed out of place. And yet—
Her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced down at the screen. No caller ID.
A slow dread curled in her stomach as she answered. "Who is this?"
A familiar, smooth voice filled the silence. "Did you miss me, Isabella?"
She felt her blood turn to ice. "Gabriel."
He chuckled. "You sound surprised. But you shouldn’t be. We have unfinished business."
She gritted her teeth. "We have nothing. Whatever game you’re playing, it ends now."
"Oh, Isabella." His voice was laced with amusement. "You always did like to pretend you had control. But you and I both know the truth. You still belong to me."
Fury ignited in her chest. "I belong to no one. And if you think you can intimidate me—"
"Who said anything about intimidation?" Gabriel interrupted smoothly. "I’m just reminding you that no matter where you run, no matter who stands by your side, I will always be in your shadow."
A silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating.
Then, he added, "I’ll see you soon."
The line went dead.
Isabella lowered the phone slowly, her hands trembling despite her iron will. She closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself.
This wasn’t fear. It was rage.
Gabriel thought he could still manipulate her. That he could worm his way into her life, unsettle her, weaken her resolve.
But he had underestimated her.
She had spent years rebuilding herself after the devastation he left behind. She had clawed her way out of the darkness he had trapped her in. And she would be damned if she let him pull her back under.
With renewed determination, she squared her shoulders and exhaled sharply.
If Gabriel wanted a war, she would give him one.
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