CHAPTER 4

ISABELLA'S POV

As I stepped into the venue, a sense of unease settled over me like a heavy cloak. The air was thick with anticipation, mingled with the scent of expensive perfumes and the subtle hum of conversation.

I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place amidst the opulent surroundings.

The venue itself was a sight to behold. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the marble floors and intricately carved pillars.

Waiters in crisp uniforms circulated among the guests, offering trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres with practised efficiency.

I glanced around nervously, taking in the sea of elegantly dressed attendees mingling and chatting animatedly.

Everyone seemed to be someone important, someone with power and influence. And there I was, a nosy journalist.

I made my way through the crowd, trying to blend in as best as I could.

But it was impossible to shake the feeling of being a fish out of water, especially as I caught glimpses of the Sterling Family members moving effortlessly through the throng.

My unease only grew as I approached the main hall where the donation ceremony would be held.

The doors loomed before me, guarded by stern-faced security personnel who scrutinised each guest with practised vigilance.

As I approached the access door, a surge of nervous energy coursed through me, causing my heart to race.

With a deep breath, I adjusted my journalist tag and squared my shoulders, preparing to face the challenge ahead.

"Excuse me, ma'am, may I see your credentials?" one of the guards asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

I handed over my press pass, trying to keep my composure despite the butterflies in my stomach.

After a brief inspection, the guard nodded and motioned for me to proceed.

With a sense of trepidation, I stepped through the doorway and into the grand hall beyond.

The sight that greeted me took my breath away. The hall was nothing short of magnificent, with towering columns, intricate chandeliers, and gilded accents adorning every corner.

The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the tinkling of glasses, creating an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication.

At one end of the room, a stage had been erected, bathed in the warm glow of spotlights.

Seated in rows of plush chairs before the stage were associate members of the Sterling Family Empire, their presence commanding attention and respect.

It was clear that this was no ordinary event – it was a gathering of the city's elite, and I had managed to infiltrate their ranks.

As I made my way through the crowd, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer extravagance of it all.

It was a far cry from the dingy apartments and dark alleys where I had spent so much of my time lately.

Despite my unease at being surrounded by such wealth and power, I couldn't deny the thrill of being at the centre of it all.

With each step, my resolve hardened. I was here for a reason – to uncover the truth behind the Sterling Family's empire and to expose their secrets to the world.

As I walked on, I saw a familiar hand waving at me. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Mr. Thompson, and without hesitation, I made my way to where he stood, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over me.

"Are you ready to do this?" Thompson asked, his eyes scrutinizing me.

I nodded resolutely, trying to exude confidence.

"Okay, hopefully, you have everything needed to carry out this task?" he asked again, his gaze intensifying.

"Yes, sir, everything is right here with me," I replied, feeling a surge of determination.

Thompson's expression turned serious. "Be extremely careful around here. These people are dangerous, and you don't want anyone to notice what you're doing," he warned, his voice laced with concern.

I swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "Thank you, sir. I'll be careful and do my best to remain unnoticed," I promised, trying to sound reassured.

Thompson sighed, his eyes softening. "And thank you once more, sir, for accepting me back to work for you," I added, genuine gratitude welling up inside me.

"It's fine, just do your best to make me proud. That's all I care about," Thompson said, his voice tinged with expectation.

I assured him, "I will, sir. I won't let you down."

With newfound resolve, I declared, "Alright, sir, I should get to work right away." Brushing past him, I attempted to project confidence, despite the butterflies in my stomach.

With each step, I felt a surge of determination coursing through my veins.

With my game face firmly in place, I pushed forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The Sterling Family may have power and influence, but I had something they didn't – the truth on my side. And I was determined to uncover it, no matter the cost.

As I made my way to join the other press members, my mind buzzed with irritation at Thompson's support for me, and all his warning, and I felt good and even more determine, I get enough information today.

He trust me, so I should make him proud today, so he doesn't regret calling me back to work for him. I thought within me.

Just as I was about to take my seat, a familiar voice cut through the air, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Hello, mystery woman, we meet again..." The voice was cheerful, but the words sent a wave of apprehension coursing through me.

I turned to face the speaker, my heart pounding in my chest as I came face to face with Alexander again.

"You look... not tipsy today," he remarked, his tone light and teasing.

I forced a smile, struggling to compose myself amidst the turmoil brewing inside. My inner voice urged me to say something, anything about last night, but all I could muster was a feeble, nervous grin.

Alexander, however, seemed oblivious to my discomfort, his charming demeanor and relaxed tone only intensifying my anxiety.

"You still haven't told me your name or who you are," he remarked casually, as if we were old friends sharing a laugh.

As he leaned in closer, his warm breath caressed my face, sending shivers down my spine. My heart skipped a beat.

"How about we have another beautiful time after this?" he asked, his voice low and husky, making me feel nervous and vulnerable.

I bit my bottom lip, my pulse racing with anticipation.

"I'd love to have a taste of you again," he whispered in my ear, his seductive words igniting a fire within me.

"Don't you want more of me too?" he murmured, his breath tickling my earlobe.

My body vibrated with desire, and I felt myself growing wet, succumbing to his allure.

I nodded, my voice caught in my throat, barely able to breathe.

Alexander checked his watch, his movements effortless and confident.

"It's two minutes to 2 o'clock. I'll see you around, and hopefully, you'll tell me your name then," he said with a captivating grin before disappearing into the crowd.

As I watched him vanish, a flurry of thoughts swirled through my mind.

Why was I getting so carried away by this man, when I knew I had something meaningful to focus on?

Self-doubt and uncertainty crept in, mingling with the lingering desire.

I sighed softly, my emotions in turmoil.

As the clock struck 2 pm, the grand ceremony commenced with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the Sterling Family Empire.

I wasted no time in pulling out my camera, mentally preparing myself for the task at hand.

I discreetly moved through the crowd, my camera poised and ready to capture every moment of the ceremony.

It was a delicate balancing act – blending into the background while still capturing the essence of the event, all while keeping a keen eye out for any juicy tidbits of information that might come my way.

"I would like to introduce to you all, my heir, everyone meet Alexander my son," I heard Mr. George announce, his voice booming through the room.

I lifted my camera to capture the moment, but my gaze locked onto Alexander, and my heart plummeted. Shock and disbelief coursed through my veins.

Stepping forward, Alexander's confident smile and piercing eyes sent a shiver down my spine, mingling with a wave of trepidation. My mind reeled in horror, recalling the passionate night we shared, and a flush rose to my cheeks.

A tumultuous mix of emotions swirled inside me - guilt, anxiety, and shame. How could this be? The man I had surrendered to, the one who had awakened desires I thought were long buried, was now standing before me as Mr. George's heir?

Disbelief and shock wrestled with rational thought, leaving me breathless and lightheaded. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions.

The room began to spin, I tried to steady myself, surprise and alarm etched on my face. I forced my eyes open wide, desperate to shake off the dizziness, but it only intensified.

My vision blurred, and my legs trembled beneath me. The sounds around me grew distant, and I felt myself drifting away.

Before I knew it, everything went black.