on the pavement. The New York City skyline loomed in t

ked beside her, calm and serious, but Bella could feel the tension

lvin said quietly as they approach

e than ready. Xander is about to learn t

een years since she left the city, humiliated and broken. But now she had returned, not as a victim, but

the silence. "The press has been informed. By

st the leather seat. "Good. Let's see h

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

cy office, going over some contracts when hi

esitantly, holding up a tab

e tablet. As soon as he re

to New York with New

ack? And married to Mr. Kelvin, the

ed was now with one of h

voice was sharp, but he cou

aire replied, her voice trembling

amed to ever return. But now she was back, and she wasn't alone. W

up. "Find out everything you can about Mr. Kelvin

k in his chair, thinking hard. He had underestimated Bella

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

r. Kelvin had rented in Manhattan, looking out at the city. She coul

r. Kelvin said, joini

started. Xander will be on edge now, w

likely try to contact yo

waiting for this moment. Let him come. T

ble. She glanced at the screen and saw Xander's nam

d, but she could hear tension u

tly. "Hello, Xande

s tone was mocking, as if he stil

y," Bella replied calmly. "My l

, though it didn't sound amused. "You've change

e said. "Especially when th

urious. Why are you back? An

Bella said, her tone mysterious. "And Mr. Kel

reful, Bella. New York isn't kind to

she kept her voice steady. "Then it's a

pounding in her chest. She knew Xander was angry,

ded approvingly. "You handled that well

of the situation. "I know. But I'

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

was unexpected, and her connection with Mr. Kelvin made things even mor

dialed a number. After a

ght. "We have a problem. Bella's back

en Victoria's voice c

ella? Sh

dly visit," Xander replied. "We need to figure

d cold. "You think sh

"But whatever it is, I'm

toria suggested.

dow. Bella's return had thrown everything into chaos,

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

in Manhattan. The room was filled with New York's elite, and B

rs started immediately, and Bella could feel everyone watching her. She hel

," a familiar voice s

d now enemy, standing with Xander. Seeing them together stung

aid coolly. "Xander

arrowing. "We were just talking about you.

ways loved this city. And now see

ps curling into a smirk. "With Ke

Kelvin and I have an understanding. We know

vin, suspicion clear on her face. "Is tha

hallenge in her eyes. "Yo

sts. She could feel Xander's eyes on her, but she didn't care. This

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

ectly. She was charming and poised, drawing attention wherever she went. But

across the room. She knew they were plotting, but she wasn't w

r phone buzzed in her purse. She discreetly checked i

ng watched.

wn number as before. She quickly scanned the room, but eve