Isabella’s POV
“Asher, you need to come with me,” he says, voice firm — but the edge in his tone can’t hide the hurt trembling beneath it. His eyes are desperate, like he’s holding on to something already slipping through his fingers.
I swallow hard. How do I explain that I can’t go with him — not now, not when I’m this close to getting what I want from Zach and his mother? One wrong move, and everything I’ve worked for will vanish.
“I can’t, Asher.” My voice is steady, but my pulse betrays me. “You shouldn’t be here. Please… just leave.”
He lets out a low, humorless scoff. “I’ll say this one last time, Bella. You’re coming with me.”
There’s something in his tone — dark, final — that sends a shiver down my spine. I’ve seen Asher angry before, but never like this. This isn’t just anger
