e's reach extended far and wide, touching every part of Veridale-from business ventures to politics, to the city's criminal underworld. Domi

g operations that her father had once been responsible for. It was exhausting, both mentally and emotionally, but it a

th a price. And that price was often paid in silence-her silence. Because no matter how much power she gained, she was still tethered to Dominic. Their marriage, while legal, was littl

and distant. But every so often, in moments where no one was watching, Isabella caught glimpses of the man beneat

ne in the penthouse office. The lights from the city below flickered like a sea of sta

nic's voice broke

s it always was. His usual sharp suit and immaculate grooming were in pla

e replied, her voice neutral. "I did

pping into the room. "The world do

truth over the past few weeks-Dominic's world didn't pause, didn't ca

the city below. "There's an opportunity in the east end. New developm

ing feeling in her chest that she couldn't shake. It was the same feeling that had plagued her since the wedding, si

what we're doing?" she asked, he

r, his eyes narrowing sli

e doing. The deals. The mergers. The power plays. Do you ever think a

this world, Isabella, the cost is always there. P

business, Dominic. These aren't just transactions. People are losing their

ough to cut through. Dominic studied her with an intensity that made h

it?" he asked,

She didn't know how to answer. Part of her regretted everything-part of her wished she had never signed that contract, never agreed to the marriage

said finally, her vo

ping just a few feet away from her. The space between them was charged

ow, Isabella," he said quietly. "You'll co

ser. His presence was overwhelming, and des

s," she whispered, her

nto place. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers in a brief, almost imp

m felt palpable. She could feel the weight of everything-of the marriage, the deal, the empire they were building-bearing down on her. She couldn't de

he asked, her voice steady de

g,' Isabella? Nothing in this world lasts forever. But we

t wasn't about lasting love or security. It was about survival, a

ng like a snap of a thread. She didn't want to feel what she

the words coming out colder than she inten

me. But remember-every decision has consequences. Just as every move

ne with her thoughts, with the weight of her choices, and with the haunting realiz