Chapter 19: The Upper Hand

Isabella's heels clicked sharply against the polished marble floor as she strode toward the lounge, her pulse pounding. Alexander had stolen her meeting.

Claire hurried beside her, whispering urgently, "If he convinces Harrington before we get to him—"

"He won't," Isabella said, her tone icy. "Because I won't let him."

As they stepped into the lounge, her eyes immediately found them—Alexander and Victor Harrington, deep in conversation.

Alexander sat relaxed, his signature smirk in place, swirling a glass of whiskey as if he had already won.

Isabella refused to let that happen.

Taking a breath, she straightened her shoulders and walked directly toward them.

The Confrontation

Victor noticed her first, setting his drink down with an amused expression. "Ah, Ms. Carter. I was wondering when you'd show up."

Alexander didn't turn right away, but when he did, there was a knowing glint in his gaze, as if he had anticipated this moment.

"Isabella," he greeted smoothly, his voice rich with amusement. "You're a little late."

She ignored him and focused on Victor. "Mr. Harrington, I hope you haven't made any decisions yet."

Victor chuckled. "Your rival here has made quite the compelling argument."

"I'm sure he has," Isabella said coolly, sliding into the empty seat across from them. "But the question is—was it the truth?"

Alexander's smirk faltered for just a second.

The Game of Words

Victor leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."

Isabella met his gaze, unwavering. "Alexander wants you to believe that Titan Freight is a liability, that Riverton's hesitancy means risk. But what he won't tell you is that Riverton isn't pulling out because of Titan's finances. They're doing it because of him."

Alexander's jaw tightened ever so slightly. She had found his play.

Victor raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

Isabella pressed on. "Titan Freight isn't the problem. Blackwood Enterprises is the one trying to sabotage them. Which means if you invest now, you're not backing a failing company—you're backing a powerhouse that Blackwood is desperate to stop."

Victor sat back, considering. Then, he turned to Alexander. "Is that true?"

For the first time that night, Alexander didn't have a quick response.

And Isabella knew she had him.

The Turning Point

Victor exhaled, tapping his fingers on the table. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting."

Then, he looked at Isabella and smiled. "I think I'd like to hear more about your deal."

Alexander's eyes darkened, but he didn't protest.

Instead, he leaned back and watched as Isabella walked away with the victory he had tried to steal.

But as she left with Victor, she felt the weight of Alexander's gaze on her.

This wasn't over.

Not even close.