Isabella knew she was playing with fire, but she had no choice. Alexander had been two steps ahead for too long, and it was time for her to flip the game on him. If Lily Davidson was the key to his strategy, then Isabella would make sure she was the key to his downfall.
She sat at her desk, fingers tapping against the polished wood as she thought through her plan. Feeding false information to Lily wasn't going to be easy—Alexander trusted her, and she wouldn't make a mistake unless she had a reason to.
Which meant Isabella had to give her one.
She picked up her phone and dialed Claire. "Tell our contacts at Evergreen Logistics to set up a meeting with Blackwood Enterprises. Make it seem like they're ready to finalize the deal."
Claire hesitated. "But they're not actually switching sides, right?"
"No," Isabella said firmly. "But Alexander needs to believe they might. And we need Lily to be the one to deliver that false information to him."
There was silence for a moment before Claire let out a quiet chuckle. "That's risky."
"It's calculated," Isabella corrected. "And if we do this right, Alexander will be walking straight into our trap."
Blackwood Enterprises – Alexander's Office
Alexander was reviewing the latest reports when Lily walked in, looking slightly unsettled. He immediately noticed the change in her usual confidence.
"What is it?" he asked, closing his laptop.
Lily hesitated before handing him a folder. "I just got off the phone with one of our Evergreen contacts. There's… been a development."
Alexander opened the folder and skimmed through the notes. Evergreen was reconsidering their position.
His jaw tightened. "Why?"
"They're getting cold feet," Lily admitted. "And I think Carter Consulting is working behind the scenes to make them question their decision."
Alexander exhaled slowly, his mind processing the implications. Isabella was playing dirty—smart, but dirty.
"Do we have proof?"
Lily shook her head. "Not yet. But I can push for more details."
Alexander nodded. "Do it. And if Carter thinks she can sway Evergreen, then she's in for a rude awakening."
But deep down, something nagged at him. Was this too easy?
He trusted Lily—but he also knew Isabella never made a move unless she was certain it would work.
And that's what bothered him the most.
Carter Consulting – The Waiting Game
The next morning, Isabella sat in her office, waiting for news. The bait had been set. Now, all she had to do was wait for Lily to unknowingly deliver the false information to Alexander.
The moment Claire walked in, she could tell it had worked.
"He took the bait," Claire said, unable to hide the smirk on her face. "Lily passed along the information, and Blackwood has already moved to counter our 'interference.' He's going to push the deal through by tomorrow."
A slow smile spread across Isabella's lips. "Perfect."
"What's next?" Claire asked.
Isabella leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Now, we let Blackwood sign the deal. And the moment he does, Evergreen pulls out."
Claire's eyes widened. "You're making him finalize an agreement that won't hold?"
"Yes," Isabella said with satisfaction. "Because by the time he realizes the mistake, it'll be too late."
The game had just changed—and for the first time, Isabella had the upper hand.