Hired to Love:Games of throne

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER 8

"Isabella's fork clattered against her plate. Everyone at the table stared at her.

"The Eden Gallery break-in?" Alexander's hand found her knee under the table. A silent warning. "I don't really follow local news."

Nathan's smirk widened. "Strange, considering you work in the arts."

Damn him. Isabella's palms felt sweaty.

"The police suspect Veritas," Nathan continued, cutting into his meat. "You know, that artist keeps causing trouble for the elite."

Isabella's wine glass trembled as she reached for it. The crystal slipped from her fingers, drenching the white tablecloth. Ice cubes scattered across the table.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry!" She jumped up, napkin in hand. Her elbow caught her plate, sending it crashing to the floor.

Shit, Isabella.shit!

"Don't move," Alexander ordered, already signaling the staff. His hand pressed against her lower back, steady and warm.

Nathan didn't bother hiding his amusement. "Nervous, Isabella?"

"Leave her alone," Alexander's voice was steel.

"I'm simply making conversation." Nathan's gaze never left Isabella's face. "Tell me, what does your father think about art vandals?"

Isabella's cheeks burned. She wanted to crawl under the table and die.

"I imagine he thinks about his business," she managed, watching the servants clean her mess. One of them shot her a sympathetic look.

"And what business is that exactly?" Nathan pressed.

"Nathan," Victoria interrupted smoothly. "You're making our guest uncomfortable."

Guest. Not future daughter-in-law. The distinction wasn't lost on Isabella.

"I apologize," Nathan raised his glass. "Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me."

Curiosity my ass, Isabella thought. He was hunting for cracks in their story.

"Perhaps," Dominick spoke for the first time since the water incident, "we should discuss the wedding."

Isabella choked on her fresh water. Alexander's hand squeezed her knee under the table - a warning or comfort, she couldn't tell.

"It's a bit soon for that," Alexander said.

Victoria's perfect smile appeared. "Nonsense! We must start planning. The Elysian name demands nothing less than perfection."

"Speaking of perfection," Nathan cut in, "Isabella, you must tell us about your family's estate. Where did you say it was located?"

Trap. Another trap.

"We didn't," Alexander answered before she could. "And my fiancée's family matters aren't up for discussion."

"Alexander," Victoria scolded. "Nathan's only showing interest."

Yeah, just like sharks show interest in blood.

"I think," Dominick's voice carried authority, "we should let the happy couple enjoy their engagement before overwhelming them with details."

Isabella could have kissed him but she settled for a grateful smile instead.

"Of course, Father," Nathan conceded, but his eyes promised this wasn't over. "We wouldn't want to overwhelm dear Isabella. She seems... easily flustered."

Isabella's fingers tightened around her new water glass. One quick move and she could douse that smirk right off his face.

Alexander must have sensed her thoughts. His grip on her knee tightened.

"Actually," Isabella heard herself say, "I'd love to hear Nathan's thoughts on the recent corporate tax scandal. Since we're all being so... curious."

Nathan's smile froze. Victoria's eyes widened slightly.

Alexander's shoulders shook with silent laughter.

"I don't follow business news," Nathan replied stiffly.

"Strange," Isabella echoed his earlier tone, "considering your position in the company."

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Dominick laughed - a real, genuine laugh that made Alexander join in.

"I like her," he announced, raising his glass. "To the happy couple."

Isabella lifted her glass carefully, very carefully this time. She caught Alexander watching her, something like pride in his eyes.

Nathan's glare promised revenge, but Isabella didn't care. She'd survived the dinner from hell.

When the dinner was over,Alexander led Isabella out. His hand on her back felt like a brand.

They reached the lobby.Alexander stopped.

"Marcus will drive you home."

"Alexander-"

"Not now, sweetheart." He said. "We'll talk tomorrow,do have a good night rest."

The drive home was silent. Isabella stared at her ruined dress. Red wine and water. Like blood and tears.

Her phone buzzed.

Alexander: *You did fine. Nathan's a snake.*

Her fingers hovered over the keys but shee didn't respond .

At home, she stripped off the dress. It joined a pile of paint-stained clothes in the corner. Evidence of her other life.

Her phone buzzed again.

Mirabel: *How'd it go?*

Isabella: *I dumped water everywhere and got wine spilled on me. So great💔*

Mirabel: *That's my girl. Keeping it classy😂.*

Despite everything, Isabella smiled. At least someone found this funny.

One last buzz.

Alexander: *Dinner tomorrow. 8pm. We need to talk.*

Isabella fell onto her bed. The ceiling fan spun lazily above her.

She'd survived dinner with the Elysians. Barely.

But Nathan knew something. She was sure of it.

*****************

Nathan paced his office, fingers drumming against the mahogany desk. The crystal tumbler in his other hand was filled with amber liquid.

That woman. Isabella Taylor.

Something wasn't right. Isabella - was hiding something. He could smell it. The way she'd dodged his questions, the way Alexander had rushed to defend her. His brother, the infamous playboy, had never given a damn about anyone. Until now.

And the stunt with the water and wine? Calculated. He was sure of it. A distraction, a deflection. She was hiding something.

His grip tightened on the glass. Alexander was always the favourite, the golden boy. Now he was trying to cement his status with this...this imposter.

Not on Nathan's watch.

Nathan sank into his chair, mind racing. There was more to this than just some social-displaying girlfriend. No, Isabella Taylor reeked of secrets. Secrets that could unravel everything he had worked for.

Nathan growled, running a hand through his hair. This was not part of the plan. Alexander wasn't supposed to get married. That fortune was meant to be his.

The Elysian empire was his birthright, not Alexander's. And he'd be damned if he let some nobody from nowhere waltz in and ruin it all.He couldn't let that happen.

He downed the rest of his drink and slammed the glass down. The roar of the slam echoed through the empty office.

This was about the Elysian legacy. The empire. The inheritance.Alexander couldn't be allowed to win. Not this time.

Nathan grabbed his phone, fingers sliding across the screen.

Victoria answered on the second ring. "Nathan, darling, what's wrong?"

"Mother, we have a problem." He paced again,tension resonating in his voice."It's about Alexander's little fiancée."

"Isabella?" Victoria's perfect enunciation made the name sound like a curse. "What about her?"

"She's not what she seems." Nathan paused, staring out the window at the glittering city below. "I think she's hiding something."

A pause. Then Victoria's low chuckle. "Well now, this is interesting."

"Interesting?" Nathan scowled. "Mother, she could ruin everything."

"Or," Victoria purred, "she could be the key to removing that thorn in our side, once and for all."

Nathan's brow furrowed. "What are you suggesting?"

"Merely that we should... investigate our dear Isabella a bit more closely." A smile crept into Victoria's voice. "After all, we can't have any skeletons in the closet, can we?"

Nathan's scowl turned into a slow, predatory grin. "I knew there was a reason I keep you around, Mother."

"Flatterer." Victoria laughed. "Now, tell me everything."

As Nathan relayed the dinner disaster, Victoria hummed thoughtfully. By the time he finished, her mind was already whirring with possibilities.

"This could work to our advantage," she mused. "Alexander's little plaything is clearly hiding something. We simply need to find out what."

"And then?" Nathan asked.

"And then," Victoria purred, "we use it."

"But be careful, darling." Victoria's tone turned soothing, maternal. "We wouldn't want to upset your brother. Not when the wedding is so...imminent."

"Screw the wedding." Nathan's fist slammed against the desk. "This is about the company. About our legacy."

"Now, now." Victoria's voice held a warning. "Let's not be hasty. We still have time to assess the situation."

"Time?" Nathan asked with a humorless laugh. "Father's not getting any younger, in case you haven't noticed. I need to act fast, before Alexander-"

"Alexander will do as he's told." Victoria's words were silk over steel. "Leave Isabella to me, Nathan. I'll handle this delicately."

"Alright mom." Nathan drained the last of his drink, feeling the familiar rush of triumph. Finally, the tide was turning. He'd been patient, biding his time, watching Alexander coast on their father's coattails.

But no more. This was his chance. His moment.

He was going to take back what was rightfully his. And if that meant taking down Alexander's little fiancée in the process? Well, all's fair in love and war.

Nathan smiled, already planning his next move. This was going to be fun.