The Unseen Threat

Days passed after the conversation with Mrs. Zhou, and Isabella was gradually settling into the quiet rhythm of life at the family mansion. Despite the looming threat of Ethan's return, the peace that came with being surrounded by Alex's family gave her a sense of security. The baby's growth was a constant source of joy, and every time Alex returned home, he was more protective and attentive than before.

Alex had just returned from a day of meetings when Isabella found herself wandering through the halls, her thoughts distant. His presence was like a calming force in her life, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan was still out there, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She tried to focus on the present—on Alex, the baby, and the life they were building together—but the anxiety lurked at the back of her mind.

One evening, as they prepared for bed, Alex noticed the faraway look in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder as they stood by the window, looking out into the garden.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked softly, his breath warm against her skin.

Isabella sighed, leaning back against him. "I can't stop thinking about Ethan. He's still out there, Alex. What if he tries something again?"

Alex's arms tightened around her, his grip firm yet comforting. "He won't get near you again. I've made sure of that."

"I know, but it's hard not to worry. Especially with the baby..." Her voice trailed off as she absentmindedly placed a hand on her belly.

Alex turned her around to face him, cupping her face in his hands. "Isabella, I promise you, nothing will happen to you or our child. I've got every corner of the city covered. We're safe here."

She nodded, but the unease lingered. "I just don't want to live in fear. I want to focus on the baby, on us."

"We will," Alex said firmly. "I'll take care of everything, you just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby."

Isabella smiled weakly and nodded. She trusted Alex more than anyone, but the shadow of Ethan's betrayal hung over her like a dark cloud.

The next morning, Isabella decided to join Alex at the office again. She couldn't stay cooped up in the mansion all day, and working gave her a sense of normalcy. Even though Alex had been hesitant at first, she convinced him that it would be good for her to stay active. Plus, she didn't want to feel useless or overly dependent.

That day, the office was bustling with energy, as Alex's company was in the middle of a major business deal. Isabella stayed in his office, catching up on some light paperwork while Alex handled meetings. The sight of him, so calm and authoritative, always left her in awe. Despite everything they had been through, Alex remained a pillar of strength.

At lunch, they decided to eat together in his office. As they sat across from each other, Alex's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it, his expression darkening for a split second before he quickly composed himself.

"What is it?" Isabella asked, sensing the shift in his mood.

"Nothing to worry about," Alex replied, though his tone was slightly tense. "Just some business I need to handle."

Isabella raised an eyebrow but didn't press him further. She knew Alex well enough to understand that if there was something truly concerning, he would tell her.

After lunch, Alex left for another meeting, and Isabella was left alone in the office. She decided to catch up on some reading, her mind momentarily distracted from her worries. But just as she was starting to relax, a message popped up on her phone.

It was from an unknown number: Be careful who you trust. Not everything is as it seems.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the message. She quickly deleted it, but her mind was racing. Could it be Ethan? Or was someone else trying to warn her?

She debated whether or not to tell Alex, but she didn't want to worry him, especially since he had been so focused on keeping her safe. Instead, she decided to stay alert and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

That evening, back at the mansion, Alex could tell something was off with Isabella. She had been quieter than usual during dinner, and he could sense the tension in her every movement.

After dinner, as they sat in the living room, Alex finally spoke up. "What's going on, Isabella? You've been distracted all day."

Isabella hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell him about the message. "I got a text earlier. It was anonymous, but... it felt like a warning."

Alex's expression darkened immediately. "What did it say?"

"It said, 'Be careful who you trust. Not everything is as it seems.'"

Alex's jaw tightened, and he pulled out his phone, immediately dialing Victor. After a brief conversation, he hung up, his face grim.

"I'll have the number traced," Alex said, his voice low and serious. "But from now on, I want you to tell me about anything like this the moment it happens, okay?"

Isabella nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Okay."

Alex took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll get through this. I won't let anything happen to you."

She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I know."

But as they sat there in the dimly lit room, the weight of the unseen threat still lingered in the air. Ethan was out there, and whoever had sent that message knew more than they were letting on.

The next few days passed without incident, but the tension in the air remained thick. Alex was busier than ever, working long hours to ensure that their security was airtight. Isabella continued to go into the office with him, though her mind often wandered to the strange message she had received.

One afternoon, while Alex was in a meeting, Isabella decided to take a walk around the office building. She needed some fresh air, and the distraction of the city's energy helped clear her mind.

As she walked along the sidewalk, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced around, but there was nothing unusual in sight. Still, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

Suddenly, a car pulled up beside her, and the window rolled down. Isabella froze, her heart racing.

"Isabella," a familiar voice called out.

She turned, and her heart sank.

It was Ethan.

Before she could react, the door opened, and Ethan stepped out, his face twisted in a dark smile.

"Miss me?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

Isabella's mind went blank as fear gripped her. She took a step back, but Ethan's men were already moving towards her.

"Let's go for a ride," Ethan said, his eyes gleaming with dangerous intent.

Isabella's heart pounded in her chest. She had no choice but to run.

Back at the office, Alex's meeting was interrupted by a frantic call from his security team.

"Mr. Grey, we have a problem. Isabella... she's missing."

Alex's blood ran cold.