CHAPTER 3

ISABELLA'S POV

The noise from my neighbors jolted me awake, pulling me from the hazy depths of sleep into the harsh reality of morning.

With a groan, I begrudgingly dragged myself out of bed, my mind still foggy with sleep as I stumbled through my morning rituals…

It was three whole weeks alright since I met that charming guy at the clubhouse, but I still think about it like it just happened last night.

The events of the night flooded back to me with startling clarity.

The memory of my impromptu encounter with a stranger in the nightclub restroom sent a shiver down my spine, both thrilling and unsettling in equal measure.

The fact that he claimed he wished we could meet again made me smile wistfully, and I shook my head, realizing it would have been incredibly fun to see him again. A pang of longing lingered.

That night had been exhilarating, a rare indulgence. I'd been so excited, savoring every moment of our passionate encounter. It was a fleeting escape from my hectic schedule, and I must confess, he was irresistible.

His kindness and charm had captivated me, and I couldn't help but crave more. The thought of seeing him again sent shivers down my spine.

Though I hadn't planned on returning to the nightclub, but I found myself tempted. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be searching for me, since he claims he wants us to meet again.

I took a deep breath, lost in thought, weighing the possibilities. A spark of hope ignited within me.

As I replayed our encounter in my mind, my smile grew uncontrollably wide, and my heart skipped a beat. "How did he manage to make me this horny just by thinking about him?" I wondered aloud, my voice barely above a whisper.

My body reacted instinctively, my pants growing damp as memories of his sultry words and chiseled features flooded my mind.

I couldn't shake the feeling that he was out of my league. His aura reeked of wealth and sophistication, and I felt grateful that someone so refined had even noticed me, let alone taken me to bed.

My cheeks flushed crimson as I blushed furiously, my hands instinctively rising to cover them. "He's so devastatingly handsome... and sweet," I murmured, my voice trembling with admiration.

"Isabella, snap out of it! You're running late for your interview!" I scolded myself, feeling a surge of anxiety and urgency.

I hurriedly threw off the covers and leapt out of bed, my heart racing with the dread of being tardy. Rushing to the bathroom, my feet moved swiftly across the floor.

But suddenly, I halted, frozen in my tracks. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of reluctance to start the day.

The realization that I didn't have the documents they had requested for hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling shattered, adrift, and uncertain about what the future held. A wave of panic washed over me, making my breath catch.

"Where did you think you were off to, getting up so early, when you know you don't have want it take to get the job with the firm?" I whispered to myself, trying to process the chaos swirling in my mind.

Just as I settled back onto the edge of my bed, my phone pinged with a new email notification, followed by the shrill ringtone of an incoming call. My heart skipped a beat.

With a furrowed brow, I glanced at the caller ID, and my heart sank at the sight of my ex_boss's name flashing on the screen. A chill ran down my spine.

"Mr. Thompson," I answered, my voice trembling with apprehension, laced with a hint of dread.

"Isabella, how have you been?" Thompson spoke calmly from the other end, his tone a stark contrast to my racing heart.

"I've been doing just fine, Mr. Thompson, and you?" I replied, attempting to sound composed, despite my growing unease.

An awkward silence followed, and my mind began to wander. What could he possibly want from me?

"Isabella, I need your help with something important," Thompson said, his words jolting me out of my thoughts. My eyes widened in disbelief.

Why would he need my help? Hadn't he fired me just days ago?

"Isabella, are you still there?" Thompson's voice snapped me back to reality.

"Yes, I'm here," I replied, struggling to maintain a calm tone.

"What did you say you need my help for?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Thompson paused, and I held my breath.

"Since I fired you, I've been searching for a replacement, but no one compares to your expertise," he admitted, his words stirring a mix of emotions within me - surprise, hope, and skepticism.

I remained silent, waiting patiently for him to continue.

"I want you to come back, resume your duties, and take back this case," Thompson concluded.

A smile spread across my face, and I felt a surge of elation.

"Are you for real?" I asked, incredulous, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, please come back,” he said, and my smile broadened, filled with relief and gratitude.

“Okay, sir, but when can I resume?” I asked, eagerness creeping into my voice.

“I’d say right away, but take the morning off. Be prepared by noon, though, as there’s an event hosted by the Sterling family. I need you to capture it and gather information,” he instructed, his words sparking excitement within me.

I took a deep breath, processing the sudden turn of events.

“Alright, sir, thank you so much for giving me back my job. I promise you won’t regret it,” I thanked him, sincerity and appreciation pouring out of my heart.

“Sir, am I to come to the office at noon?” I asked, seeking clarification.

“No, you don’t have to come to the office. I’ll send you the location, and you can meet me there,” he replied.

“Okay, sir, I’ll wait then,” I said, feeling a sense of anticipation.

With that, he hung up the call.

“Oh, my goodness, I just got my job back!” I squealed, giggling uncontrollably, my grin spreading from ear to ear. Elation and joy coursed through my veins.

As I basked in the thrill of my reinstatement, I suddenly remembered the emails I needed to check. Quickly, I grabbed my laptop, placing it beside me on the bed.

My heart raced as I revisited the email that had arrived before the call, my eyes widening in shock as I took in the contents.

Two pictures stared back at me from the screen: one of Alexander and the other of me at the bar, and another of us leaving for the restroom together.

Panic surged through my veins seeing those photos. Who must has taken the photo of us? And why would someone take a photo of me and Alexander ? I got chills just thinking about it as I grappled.

“Is Alexander a public figure?” This question ranked out of my mouth, as I was still trying to figure out what would make someone take a photo of us together.

With a sense of determination, I opened my laptop, my fingers trembling as I navigated to the message from the anonymous person I had met on the dark web.

The demand for twenty-five thousand dollars stared back at me, a stark reminder of the price I would have to pay for the information I sought.

But my thoughts were soon interrupted by a headline that caught my attention: the Sterling Family Empire would be hosting a lavish charity and donation ceremony for their new project that afternoon.

The heir of the family empire would be present for the first time at any public gathering.

"I must be there," I muttered to myself, my voice tinged with urgency. "I have to be there, I really need to meet the heir of the sterling family!” I muttered to myself, realizing it was the event Mr Thompson was talking about.