Isabella’s POV
Charlie stepped inside slowly, the door clicking shut behind him like the lock on a cage. His tie hung loose around his neck, the top buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a glimpse of the chest I had clawed at in shameful weakness the night before.
His expression was sharp, predatory—the kind that promised more pain wrapped in expensive cologne.
“So,” he said quietly, slipping a hand into his pocket. “You tried to leave the house today.”
I froze, the phone still clutched in my hand like evidence. My heart hammered against my ribs. How did he know? Liona? The cameras? This mansion had eyes everywhere, it seemed.
“Huh?” The word slipped out before I could stop it, stupid and small.
Charlie’s lips curved into a mocking smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He took another s
