Isla Calloway had spent her life fighting for control.
For power.
For respect.
But standing here—trapped in her father’s empire, betrayed by the mother she had mourned for years—she realized something chilling.
She had never been in control at all.
She was never meant to be the ruler of Calloway Tech.
She was never meant to be free.
And if the Kingmaker had his way?
She never would be.
Isla stood by the window, staring out at the vast estate, her mind racing.
The Kingmaker had given her time to "adjust"—but she wasn’t going to waste it.
She was done being a pawn in their game.
She needed a way out.
She needed Lucas.
Her chest tightened at the thought of him—at the memory of his hands on hers, his voice rough with fury when she walked away.
She had done it to protect him.
Bu
