Chapter 23

My phone vibrated in my hand.

I read the private investigator's message, my pulse racing.

"He's found a direct link to your mother's death."

My fingers tightened around the device. My jaw clenched.

This was the breakthrough I had waited years for.

"Sebastian?" Isabella's voice cut through my thoughts. "What is it?"

I slipped the phone into my pocket, schooling my features. "We're leaving."

William stepped in front of us, blocking our path. "Leaving? I'm not finished with you." His tone dripped with the arrogance I loathed.

I met his gaze, my voice cold. "We have nothing left to discuss."

His eyes narrowed. "You crash my event, cause a scene, and now you walk away?"

I moved closer, speaking low so only he could hear. "This is war, William. Everyone involved in my mother's death will pay."

Something flickered in his eyes—anger or fear, I didn't care.

Games were over.

I took Isabella's hand and strode out of the hall. Whispers trailed us, but I ignored them.

Revenge consumed my thoughts.

At home, Isabella watched me with concern. She waited until we entered the living room.

"Sebastian, talk to me."

I exhaled slowly, running a hand over my face. "The investigator found a connection to my mother's death."

Her expression turned serious. "What connection?"

Before I could answer, the butler entered with the investigator.

The older man held a folder, his face grim.

"You got my message?" he asked.

I nodded. "Show me."

He placed the folder on the coffee table and opened it.

Inside were bank statements, transaction records, and an official report.

"The Sterling Enterprises," the investigator said, pointing. "They wired a large sum to an offshore account belonging to the man responsible for the accident three years ago."

Isabella drew a sharp breath. "So it wasn't an accident."

I stared at the documents, fury burning inside me.

The Sterling family had blood on their hands.

"This is enough to ruin them," the investigator continued. "Once this goes public, they can't hide."

I turned to the butler. "Release it. Everywhere."

The butler nodded and left immediately.

Isabella studied me. "What's your plan now?"

I leaned back on the couch, fists clenched. "We wait. With this evidence public, they'll panic and expose themselves."

A slight smile touched her lips. "You handled William well today. No one intimidated you."

I looked at her, my expression softening. "I told you I'm done being weak."

She reached out, touching my hand. "You'll find who killed your mother, Sebastian. They'll regret crossing you."

A smirk formed on my lips. "What about you? What's your plan for Alexander and his family?"

Her eyes darkened with amusement. "Don't you see? Your pain for them benefits me too."

I chuckled, pulling her closer. "I like how you think."

She smiled, and I kissed her.

For a moment, nothing else existed. Just us, bound by revenge and justice.

Then her phone rang.

She pulled back, frowning as she checked the screen.

Her hand trembled slightly as she answered.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then pure fear washed over her face.

"Sebastian?" I watched her closely, my chest tightening.

She swallowed hard, taking a shaky breath. "I have to go."

I stood immediately. "Go where? Who was that?"

Tears filled her eyes as she stared at me.

Her phone clattered to the floor, shattering.

She grabbed my hand, her voice breaking. "We have to go, Sebastian. It's my... my grandparents."