Joxi_Jash

Synopsis:
When fiery, ambitious Isabella Carter clashes with arrogant yet brilliant Alexander Blackwood, sparks fly—but not in a good way. As rivals in the corporate world, they stop at nothing to sabotage each other. But when fate forces them into an unexpected partnership, the line between hate and love begins to blur.
Will their hatred burn into something deeper, or will their pride keep them apart forever?

From Nemises To Lovers

Alexander Blackwood prided himself on always being in control.

But as he read the urgent message on his phone, he felt something rare—uncertainty.

Stock instability rumors. A leak about Blackwood Enterprises' financial future. And worst of all? It hadn't come from Isabella.

Which meant someone else was pulling strings.

Isabella studied Alexander from across the ballroom, noting the way his jaw clenched ever so slightly. He was rattled.

Claire's voice came through her earpiece. "I checked our sources. This leak didn't come from Carter Consulting."

Isabella's stomach tightened. If she hadn't done it… who had?

Alexander's voice cut through the air, smooth but sharp. "Ladies and gentlemen, it appears some rather… interesting rumors have surfaced tonight." His eyes flickered to Isabella for the briefest second.

She knew what he was thinking. Was it you?

She gave the slightest shake of her head. Not me.

But that didn't stop him from stepping down from the stage and walking straight toward her.

The moment he reached her, his voice was low and dangerous. "You enjoy playing with fire, Carter?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I could ask you the same thing."

His eyes darkened. "Did you do this?"

She held his gaze. "If I did, I wouldn't be standing here looking just as surprised as you."

For the first time, uncertainty flickered in his expression. She wasn't lying.

Which meant someone else was attacking him from the shadows.

His phone buzzed again. Another message. His grip tightened on the glass in his hand. Who the hell was coming for him?

Isabella, never one to waste an opportunity, leaned in, her voice a whisper. "Looks like you're not as untouchable as you thought, Blackwood."

He exhaled a quiet laugh, but there was no humor in it. "And you're standing in the middle of my war zone."

She smirked. "I like a challenge."

His gaze dropped to her lips for just a second. When he looked back up, his voice was velvet and warning all at once.

"Then you'd better be ready for what's coming next."

Because now? It wasn't just Isabella against Alexander.

And neither of them knew who the real enemy was.

Chapter 31: The Shadow Player