Chapter 20

I slammed the front door, my stilettos striking the marble floor like gunshots. Rage pulsed through my veins. Sebastian, reclining in his wheelchair, looked up with an amused grin. “I’m guessing you saw Alexander and his entourage.”

I exhaled sharply. “That’s putting it mildly.”

He took a slow sip of his whiskey. “I’ve arranged a little surprise for Alexander. We’re paying a visit to his office.”

A slow, dangerous smile curved my lips. “Now that’s an idea I can get behind.”

Which is how I ended up outside Alexander’s boardroom, Sebastian seated beside me, his butler standing silently behind us.

My heart hammered against my ribs, but my face remained a mask of cool indifference.

Sebastian, ever the performer, played with his cufflinks like a bored toddler.

I shoved the heavy doors open. Every board member turned, confusion written on their faces. My eyes locked on Alexander.

He sat at the head of the table, his jaw clenching the moment he saw me.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he snarled.

I strode forward, the click of my heels the only sound in the tense silence. “Just wrapping up some unfinished business.”

I dropped a thick stack of documents on the table in front of him. His eyes scanned the top page, and understanding dawned. “The Sterling Enterprises merger…”

I gave a cold smile. “The one you were desperate to sign.”

Before his fingers could touch the papers, I snatched them up and tore them in two.

I ripped them again. And again. Shredded pieces fluttered down onto the polished wood like confetti.

Alexander shot to his feet. “Isabella, have you lost your mind?!”

I brushed my hands together. “Consider the deal terminated. I don’t do business with traitors.”

A deafening silence swallowed the room. Alexander’s face contorted in sheer disbelief.

“You—” He choked on the word, his brain finally connecting the dots. “You’re the Sterling heiress?”

I tilted my head, a mocking smile on my lips. “Took you long enough.”

He looked utterly pale. “Why… Why keep it from me?”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “Oh, you mean between the public humiliations, the betrayal, and letting your darling Sophia turn your son against me?” I leaned in close, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “You were never worthy of knowing the truth.”

His fists clenched at his sides. “We can discuss this privately.”

My smirk was icy. “There’s nothing to discuss.”

I turned to address the stunned board members.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear—I now own every single one of Alexander’s shares.”

Shocked gasps echoed around the table. Alexander’s head whipped toward me. “Impossible!”

I smiled sweetly. “Oh, it’s very possible. And I didn’t buy them for myself.” I placed a possessive hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “I bought them for my husband.”

Alexander’s expression darkened. “What?”

I gestured toward Sebastian. “Meet the new CEO of your company.”

Rage exploded across Alexander’s face. “You’re choosing this pathetic, broken man over me?” He let out a derisive scoff. “Sebastian can’t run this company. He’s a child.”

I crossed my arms, unwavering. “We’ll see about that.”

His eyes burned with fury. “I will get my company back.”

I snapped my fingers. The security guards at the door immediately stepped forward. “Escort Mr. Alexander out.”

His hateful glare seared into me as the guards seized his arms. “This isn’t over, Isabella.”

I gave him a mocking wink. “I’m counting on it.”

The moment the doors closed behind him, the board members swiveled toward me.

“Welcome to the company, Mrs. Blake,” one of them finally managed.

Sebastian giggled, the perfect picture of innocence. “Do I get a big office with lots of toys?”

The board laughed nervously, unsure how to respond. I played along, patting his head. “Of course, darling. Anything you want.”

Back at the estate, I poured a generous glass of red wine, swaying to the soft jazz filling the room.

Sebastian leaned against the bar, watching me with dark amusement. “Enjoying the victory?”

I took a long sip, savoring the rich flavor. “You should have seen his face.”

He chuckled low in his throat. “Oh, don’t worry. The real shock is still coming.”

I raised a curious eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

He merely offered a cryptic smirk. “You’ll see.”

That night, we celebrated fiercely, passionately, completely consumed by each other.

Surprised?!

The following evening, I arrived at the grand ball alone, draped in a daring crimson gown.

Whispers followed my entrance. Sophia and Eleanor immediately descended.

“Where’s your crippled husband?” Eleanor sneered.

Sophia smirked. “Did he finally realize he couldn’t handle a real woman?”

Even Liam, standing beside Alexander, glared with pure hatred.

I took a steadying breath. “Stay away from me.”

Before I could move, Alexander grabbed my wrist, yanking me away from the crowd.

He dragged me into the secluded garden, his grip like iron.

“Give me back my company,” he demanded.

I ripped my arm free. “Never.”

He growled, stepping closer. “Why are you doing this, Isabella? I know you still love me.”

I let out a cold, hollow laugh. “You know nothing. You’re utterly delusional.”

His gaze dropped, darkening as it traveled over my exposed collarbone.

“You’re trying to replace me with other men?” His fingers reached out, skimming my skin. “I can pleasure you better than anyone.”

I slapped his hand away, disgust rolling through me. “You sicken me.”

I turned to leave, but Alexander grabbed me roughly, spinning me back.

Before his grip could tighten, a powerful fist connected with his jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.

I gasped, whirling around.

Sebastian stood beside me. No wheelchair. No childlike act. He towered over Alexander, his eyes blazing with protective fury.

He took a menacing step forward, his voice sharp and commanding. “Don’t you ever touch my wife again.”

Alexander, sprawled on the grass, stared up in utter, stunned shock. “You. You’re—”

Sebastian’s lips curved into a victorious smirk. “Surprised?”