Victoria

Isabella sat anxiously at home, Alex's message replaying in her mind. She tried to busy herself with small tasks around the house, but nothing could shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her. It wasn't until later that evening, when Alex finally came home, that she would get the answers she was seeking.

Alex walked into the house with a tense expression. He looked at Isabella, his eyes reflecting the weight of what he had just uncovered.

"Isabella, we need to talk," he said, his voice steady but serious.

They sat down in the living room, and Alex wasted no time. "I found out who's been helping Ethan."

Isabella's heart raced. "Who?"

Alex hesitated for a moment, his gaze softening as he prepared to tell her. "It's Victoria... your sister."

Isabella felt the ground shift beneath her. "Victoria? That can't be—why would she…?"

"I don't know all the reasons yet," Alex said. "But the evidence points to her. Financial transactions, calls made from secure lines... it all leads back to her. She's been working with Ethan this entire time."

Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes. She had always known Victoria to be jealous and bitter, but this? This was a level of betrayal she had never imagined. "I can't believe it… my own sister…"

Alex reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll figure this out together, Isabella. But now we need to act quickly. Ethan's gone for now, but Victoria could still be dangerous."

Isabella wiped her tears, trying to process everything. "What do we do?"

"We gather more proof. I've already had Victor start discreetly digging into Victoria's involvement, but we can't confront her just yet. We need to be sure," Alex said firmly.

Isabella nodded, though her heart ached. The idea that her own sister had betrayed her, working alongside Ethan to bring chaos into their lives, was almost too much to bear. But as she looked into Alex's eyes, she knew they would get through this. Together.

"I'll help in any way I can," Isabella said, her voice stronger now. "We'll bring her down."

Alex pulled her into an embrace, holding her close. "We will. But for now, stay close. I won't let anyone hurt you."

As they sat there, the storm outside mirrored the turmoil in Isabella's heart. The betrayal by Victoria was a deep wound, but with Alex by her side, she felt a flicker of hope. They would face this together, no matter how dark things became.

The following days were filled with tension. Victor was busy gathering evidence, and Alex had ramped up security around their home and business. Isabella, while still shocked by Victoria's betrayal, focused on staying strong for her family and the upcoming birth of their twins.

However, the knowledge of Victoria's involvement gnawed at her constantly. Every time her phone buzzed, she wondered if it was her sister, pretending everything was fine. She hadn't spoken to Victoria since the revelation, and the silence between them was deafening.

Meanwhile, Alex grew more distant, his mind preoccupied with unraveling the full extent of Victoria's involvement. He knew this was a delicate situation—not only was Victoria Isabella's sister, but she had deeply embedded herself in their lives over the years.

One evening, as Isabella sat in the nursery preparing for the twins, she received a message from Victoria.

"We need to talk. Meet me alone."

Her heart pounded as she stared at the message. Could she face her sister after everything Alex had uncovered? Would it be safe?

Isabella debated whether to tell Alex. Part of her didn't want to worry him further, but she knew she couldn't do this alone. She went downstairs, where Alex was reviewing documents in his study.

"Alex," she called softly. "Victoria just texted me. She wants to meet."

Alex looked up, his expression darkening. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous."

"I know," Isabella replied. "But I need answers. I need to know why she did this. Maybe if I talk to her, I can get more information."

Alex stood, walking over to her. "You're not going alone. If you meet her, I'll be there with you, even if she doesn't know it."

Isabella nodded, grateful for his support. "Okay. Let's do this."

They made a plan. The meeting would happen in a public place, where Alex could watch from a distance while Isabella confronted her sister. It was a risk, but one they needed to take.