Chapter 18 When Lucass office door opened , he was on the phone, histone glacial ] dont care how much it costs or what methods you use .
Dig up everything on these fucking reporters .
Hanging up, he looked toward Isabella .
The ruthlessness in his eyes was not completely gone , though his voice had already softened Youre here .
Isabella approached his desk , her voice filled with regret .
Tm sorry .
I dragged you and Montgomery Group into this mess .
Lucas let out a decisive laugh , though not directed at her He stood and took her hand , leading her to the sofa .
This level of attack hardly counts as trouble .
cy fury in his eyes .
[ ] His finger slid across the tablet displaying the article , the cold white light illuminating the ley They certainly know how to hit where it hurts .
Too bad … ] Too bad what ? ] Too bad she seems to have forgotten we have dirt on her , too .
Lucas reached toward Isabellas face .
This time she didnt pallaway , just gazed at him .
A Dash of genuine warmth crossed his eyes as his long fingers gently backed a loose strand of hair behind her ear .
Theres a business gala tonight .
All the investors will be there .
Youll attend with me .
Are you planning to retaliate publicly ? Lucass voice gradually deepened .
Of course were retaliating .
And I want to make it crystal clear to everyone dont forget who theyre dealing with .
Isabellas heart skipped a beat || As sunlight gradually retreated and the room colder with Lucass voice Like A Venom a venomous snake preparing to strike .
[ ] The gala was held on the top floor of the Grand Oriental Hotel Amid the perfumed elegance of the crowd , conversations between powerful executives flowed freely until they died down in unison when Lucas entered with Isabells on his arm Isabella wore a dark emerald velvet geen with a cinched waist that made her skin appear Mike snow .
Laras was impeccable in a custom black suit .

His the matching her dress , the wedding band on his finger catching the light brilliantly He held her hand throughout his thumb gently caressing her palm a silent reassurance Mr.
Montgomery , its an honor A middle aged man in a crisp navy suit sauntered over , eyes skimming over Isabella .
And this must be Mrs.
Montgomery ? Truly as remarkable as rumored ] Youre too kind , Mr.
Vanderbilt .
Lucas smiled , though his arm slid possessively around Isabellas waist .
My wife in particularly fond of these functions .
Shes making an exception tonight , so please dont intimidate her As he finished speaking , he leaned down and kissed her temple in full view of everyone .
Tsabellas ears flushed pink , but she played along .
Leaning against i this shoulder , fingers lightly clutching his sleeve in a gesture of dependence Kind laughter rippled through the crowd , though whispers in the corners never quite ceased Werent they having marital problems ? They certainly dont look like theyre taking… Touess those tabloids were full of shi__ | Lucas seemed oblivious as he guided Isabella through the room , chatting amiably with each interaction , the rumors dissipated further Mr.
Hinton is here .
Then a voice out through the crowd .
Mr.
Tabella barned and found herself looking directly into Dominics intense gaze .
He stood alone at the entrance with impetrally dressed , though the dark circles under his eyes were unmistakable .
Chloe wasnt with him || Hed come alone Dominics eyes locked onto Isabella darkening instantly when Lacas shifted to block his view He strode toward them .
his voice hoarse .
Isabella , we a , we need to talk .
|| Lucas let out a cold laugh , stepping in from of Isabella .
Mr.
Hision , this hardly seems the appropriate setting- || Dominic ignored him completely , focusing only on Isabella .
Tve uncovered something about the night you were attacked … the truth .
Tabellas fingers trembled lightly Lucas , acutely aware of her reaction , tightened his arm around her waist and his tone dangerous .
Dominic , dont make a scene here Homine pulled a voice recorder from t from his pocket and pressed play without hesitation .

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Chloes voice rang nudearly through the device Yes , I hired those men .
So what ? A trashy bitch like tabella doesnt deserve to marry into the Hinton family .
I fucking ruin her .
Make her life a living hell .
] The recording cut off abruptly , leaving a deafening silence throughout the room .
Dominics eyes reddened , his voice low and nearly broke .
Tabella , Im so sorry … I had no idea she would… Isabella just looked at him , a slow , bitter laugh spilling from her lips .
Domini , is this apology meant for me to forgive you , or just to make yourself feel better ? Dominic froze She turned away from him , linking her arm through Lucass .
Lets go .
Im tired .
[ ] Lucas wrapped his arm around her as they left .
But as they passed Dominie , he lowered his voice just enough for him to hear .
Mr.
Hinton , watch the headlines tomorrow .
Daminit stood motionless , watching Isabellas silhouette disappear into the brilliant lights of the ballroom .
They didnt even glance back at him once .
] Whispers surged around him like waves Mr.
Hinton looks terrible .
Do you hear that ? Chine hired those thugs to go after Isabella ? Guess that explains why Montgomery Group stock shot up today .
Theyre clearly gearing up for war .
Fadi chinment stabled like a knife into Dominics already lileeding heart [ ] He stared down at the recorder in his hand , Chlors shrill voice still echoing in his mind * TII fucking ruin her .
And Babella He remembered her final smile , so calm it was almost rel Your regret has nothing to do with me anymore .
Dominics knees buckled , the pain nearly suffocating him .
Mr.

Hinson ? is at approached cautiously .
Your car is ready , sir … ] Get the fuck away from me .
Dominic shoved him aside and stumbled toward the terrace .
The bitter night wind couldnt disperse the anguish churning in his chest .
] He pulled out his phone , still open to Isabellas Instagram .
Thirty minutes earlier , shed reposted the gala photos from Montgomery Groups PR department .
In the picture , Isabella leaned against Lucass shoulder with a slight smile on her lips .
The diamond snowflake ring sparkled on her finge Dominic stared at their intimate pose and laughed out loud .
How ironic She had once given him all her tenderness , and he had never cherished it Now , she wouldnt even spare him her hatred .
|| Meanwhile , in the hotels underground parking garage .
[ ] Lucas opened the car door , then noticed Isabella standing motionless , Whats wrong ? he asked with brow slightly furrowed .
Isabella gazed at the distant roh lights and spoke softly .
Just now … thank you .
Lucass expression related as he leaned casually against the car door , tilting his head .
For what ? For not decking Dominic I know how hard it was for you to hold back .
Isabella turned to him , something sparkling in her eyes .
Lucas snorted , then suddenly gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer .
Isabella His voice was us husky .
Isabella , I didnt hold back because of him It was because … His thumb finally traced her coal check , hdstone uncharacteristically serious I wanted you to close that chapter of your past yourself .
] sabellas breath caught .
the night breeze swept through the garage lifting strands of her hair .
] cass gaze dropped to her tips .
But in the end , he simply opened the car door for her ! Lets go home .