Chapter 8: A Dangerous Game

Isabella Blackwood walked out of Russo Industries with her usual composed demeanor, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

Eleanor followed closely behind, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

"You surprised him," Eleanor noted.

Isabella didn't respond immediately.

She had seen the flicker of something in Dante's eyes when she had accepted the deal so easily—curiosity, maybe even admiration.

But she wasn't foolish enough to think she had the upper hand just yet.

Dante Russo wasn't a man who liked losing, and this wasn't over.

"Let him think he has the advantage," Isabella finally said as they stepped into the waiting car.

Eleanor chuckled.

"He's already thinking of his next move."

"Good."

Isabella's gaze flickered to the city passing by.

"So am I."

*************************************************

Dante Russo sat in his office, his fingers drumming against the desk as he replayed the meeting in his head.

She had accepted too quickly.

No negotiation, no argument.

He had expected resistance.

Instead, she had thrown him off balance.

Adrian leaned back in the chair across from him, arms crossed.

"Admit it. She caught you off guard."

Dante exhaled, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"She did."

Adrian whistled.

"So, what's the plan?"

Dante leaned forward, his expression darkening.

"We push her."

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"You sure that's a good idea?"

Dante's eyes gleamed.

"If she's as brilliant as I think she is, she won't break. She'll fight back."

Adrian shook his head.

"You two are going to tear each other apart."

Dante chuckled. "Let's see who survives."

*************************************************

Back at Blackwood Industries, Isabella was already several steps ahead.

She had spent the afternoon reviewing Russo Industries' financials and market strategies, searching for weaknesses.

It wasn't just about business anymore.

Dante was testing her.

And she had no intention of failing.

A knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts.

Lilly stepped inside, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

"You've been avoiding me."

Isabella sighed.

"I've been busy."

Lilly closed the door behind her.

"And you're always busy when you don't want to talk."

Isabella tensed.

"What do you want, Lilly?"

Lilly walked closer, her voice softer.

"I want to know if you're okay."

Isabella forced a smile.

"I'm fine."

Lilly wasn't convinced.

"You're playing a dangerous game with Dante."

Isabella's expression hardened.

"I know what I'm doing."

Lilly studied her for a long moment.

"I just don't want you to get hurt again."

Isabella's jaw tightened.

"That won't happen."

Lilly sighed.

"You always say that."

Then, without another word, she turned and left.

Isabella stared at the closed door, her fingers gripping the edge of her desk.

She didn't have time for emotions.

Not now.

Not ever.

*************************************************

Dante received the report the next morning.

Isabella had already made her move.

She had acquired one of Russo Industries' key suppliers overnight.

A bold, strategic play that would put pressure on his company's production.

Dante smirked.

"She's fast," Adrian muttered, reading over the details.

Dante's grip tightened around his coffee mug.

"She's brilliant."

Adrian glanced at him.

"And now?"

Dante exhaled, his mind already calculating his next move.

"She wants a war?" He smirked.

"Then let's give her one."

*************************************************

By midday, Isabella received a notification.

Dante had countered.

He had secured an exclusive partnership with one of Blackwood Industries' biggest distributors, effectively blocking their access to certain markets.

Eleanor whistled as she read through the details.

"Damn, he didn't waste any time."

Isabella's lips pressed into a thin line.

"He never does."

Eleanor studied her.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Isabella's expression didn't change.

"I never back down."

Eleanor grinned.

"That's why I love working for you."

Isabella turned back to her laptop, her fingers flying over the keyboard.

This wasn't just business anymore.

It was personal.

And she had no intention of losing.

*************************************************

That evening, Dante attended a charity gala, one he knew Isabella would be at.

She arrived in a sleek black dress, her posture regal, her expression unreadable.

Dante watched her from across the room, amusement flickering in his eyes.

She knew he was watching.

And she refused to acknowledge him.

Adrian nudged him.

"Are you going to talk to her or just admire from afar?"

Dante chuckled.

"Patience, my friend."

Eventually, their paths crossed.

"Dante," Isabella greeted smoothly.

"Isabella," he returned, offering her a glass of champagne.

She didn't take it.

"Enjoying the night?"

Dante smirked.

"More than ever."

Her gaze remained steady.

"I assume you're pleased with today's developments."

He took a slow sip of his drink.

"Are you?"

A small, knowing smile played on her lips.

"I expected nothing less."

Dante chuckled.

"Good. Because this is just the beginning."

Isabella tilted her head.

"Then I look forward to what's next."

Their eyes locked.

And in that moment, they both knew—

This wasn't just business.

It never was.

And neither of them planned on backing down.

*************************************************

Isabella's fingers curled around the edge of the crystal glass, her nails tapping rhythmically against the surface as she watched Dante Russo from across the room.

The private lounge was dimly lit, an air of exclusivity wrapping around the small gathering of high-profile business elites.

Conversations hummed around her, but she wasn't listening—her focus was solely on the man who had become both her greatest obstacle and the most fascinating enigma she had ever encountered.

Dante was speaking to a group of investors, his posture relaxed yet commanding, exuding the kind of effortless power that made people lean in when he spoke.

His confidence wasn't just an act; it was ingrained in him, woven into the very fabric of his being.

Russo Industries had flourished under his leadership, turning him into one of the most influential figures in the corporate world.

And yet, here she was, challenging him in a game where the stakes were far greater than mere business deals.

A shadow moved beside her, and Isabella turned slightly to see her best friend, Adrian Wolfe, lowering himself into the seat next to hers.

Unlike Dante, Adrian carried an air of mischief, his sharp green eyes always scanning the room for potential entertainment.

"You're staring," Adrian murmured, amusement lacing his tone.

"That's dangerous, Isa. You keep looking at him like that, and he'll start thinking you have feelings."

Isabella's lips barely twitched in response.

"And if I do?"

Adrian smirked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

"Then you're playing with fire. And we both know how much you love to get burned."