of New York City felt like a distant memory, even though it had only been a few days since she

de her. Xander had betrayed her, taken everything she had,

ay. But what else could she do? Stay and be humiliated even more? No, she needed

d over and over-Xander in bed with Victoria, his cold words, the cruel smirk on his face. E

. She inhaled deeply, trying to let the city's beauty distract her from the turmoil

happened started to settle in. The small, one-bedroom apartment was a far cry from the

lery, something to keep her mind occupied. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the thoughts of

alked in. His presence immediately commanded attention. He had sharp features, with

d," Bella said, trying

is eyes. "I'm not here to see the art

skipping a beat. "How

. "I make it my business to know things,

yes, suspicion creep

prefer. I know you've been through a lot, Bella.

nged with irritation. She didn't like the way

Kelvin said, his tone calm and measured. "

in shock. "How do y

elvin said, his voice smooth. "Xander Alexander is a powe

he fact that her heart was racing. "Why

not as untouchable as he thinks he is. And you, Bella, have the potential to bri

r was tempting. She had been so lost since leaving New York, not knowing

of this?" Bella asked

d them. "Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get your rev

be walking into something much bigger than she realized. But the thought of

asked, his voice low and persuasive.

ng her options. Finally, she nodded, her deci

s time with genuine satisfaction

card. "Call me tomorrow.

ix of excitement and fear. As Mr. Kelvin

looking b

, needing to know. "W

of danger in his eyes. "Because, Bella, I see potential in you. You

lery, leaving Bella standing there,

tering dangerous territory, that this alliance with Mr. Kelvin could lead to things she hadn't even

fear and anticipation. She knew what she had to do. She picked up

said when he ans

ice smooth. "Meet me at the address I'm

y moving forward. But as she got ready to meet Mr. Kelvin, a thought nagged at the back of her mind.

arrived early, her nerves getting the better of her as she waited for him. When he

her with a smile.

said, getting straight to the poi

ying her. "It won't be easy, Bella. Xander is clever, and he has resources

d already racing. "Wha

ntrol everyone around him, but that's his mistake. People

sorbing his word

toria is ambitious, but she's also car

her voice low. "What

business dealings, his personal life-everything. I have people who can help with that, but I ne

er determination grow

fee. "We'll start with Xander's associates

She was finally taking action, finally doing something to take back control of her l

't be easy. There will be risks, and you'll need to be prepared

firm. "I'm ready, Mr. Ke

new she was entering a dangerous game, one where the stakes were high. But she also knew s

that someone was watching her. She glanced over her shoulder, but there was no