Chapter 30: The Game Begins

The moment their handshake ended, Isabella knew she had just stepped into dangerous territory—not just in business, but in something far more personal.

Alexander Blackwood wasn't just a ruthless competitor. He was a man who thrived on control, on winning, on breaking his opponents down piece by piece.

And now, he was watching her with an intensity that sent a thrill down her spine.

A Bold Move

Claire's voice crackled in Isabella's earpiece. "Are you seriously making bets with the devil?"

Isabella smirked, her gaze locked on Alexander. "It's only a risk if I lose."

She turned on her heel, scanning the ballroom for her opening. She had one mission tonight: to rattle his investors enough to make them question their loyalty to Blackwood Enterprises.

And she had just found her perfect target.

Gerald Whitmore—one of Blackwood's top investors, known for his fear of financial instability.

Isabella made her way to him, slipping into conversation effortlessly. "Gerald, it's been a while."

He turned, pleasantly surprised. "Ms. Carter. Crashing the competition's party, are we?"

She laughed lightly. "I prefer to think of it as gathering intelligence."

His expression shifted slightly—curious. "And what exactly have you learned?"

She leaned in slightly, voice just low enough to sound conspiratorial. "That exclusive contracts may look like power moves, but they also trap investors in rigid deals. No flexibility, no room for growth."

Gerald frowned, his mind already working. "Go on."

Alexander Strikes Back

Across the room, Alexander watched Isabella with narrowed eyes. He saw the exact moment Whitmore's confidence wavered—the slight tightening of his jaw, the way he swirled his drink absently.

She was good. Too good.

Lily approached. "She's planting doubt."

Alexander's smirk was slow and calculated. "Then let's remind them why Blackwood Enterprises is untouchable."

He strode toward the stage, taking his place behind the podium as the room hushed.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began smoothly, "tonight isn't just about celebrating Blackwood Enterprises' success. It's about securing your future."

Isabella's fingers tightened around her champagne glass. Oh, he's good.

He met her gaze briefly before continuing. "In this industry, only the strong survive. Some companies play it safe. Some hesitate. But not us." His voice lowered slightly, a deliberate challenge. "We lead."

Applause rippled through the room. Isabella could see Whitmore's confidence slowly returning—damn him.

But she wasn't done yet.

The Unexpected Twist

Claire's voice suddenly came through Isabella's earpiece, urgent.

"You're not going to believe this. Blackwood Enterprises just got hit with an anonymous stock drop report."

Isabella's breath caught. "What?"

Claire whispered, "Someone just leaked a rumor about financial instability. Investors are going to panic."

Isabella hadn't done it. So who had?

She turned back to Alexander just in time to see his expression darken, his phone buzzing in his hand.

For the first time that night, he looked blindsided.

And that's when Isabella realized—

She might not be the only one playing this game.