After the conference, the tension in the penthouse was suffocating as Isabella paced the living room. Victor had left moments ago, leaving her and Damien alone with the weight of Antonov’s latest move. The scandal had taken a personal turn, dragging her into the public spotlight in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Her phone buzzed incessantly on the coffee table, the notifications piling up as reporters, acquaintances, and even strangers sought her reaction.
Damien stood near the window, his back to her, his figure outlined against the city’s glowing skyline. He radiated a quiet fury, his shoulders tense, his fists clenched at his sides. Isabella had seen him angry before, but this was different. This wasn’t anger; it was resolve.
“Damien,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “What do we d
