Chapter 6 Family Dinner

Adrian

The compound was silent as I stood beside Isabella, observing her every move. She seemed lost in thought, her face a mixture of suspicion and defiance. What is going on in her head? Is she mad at me or does she want to back out because I am Declan's brother? How do I handle this now? Maybe we'll talk about ourselves at dinner. I don't think it is important, I am just her contract husband.

"Isabella," I said softly, hoping to break through her barrier. She turned to me, her expression unreadable.

"Huh?" she replied absentmindedly.

I took her hand, pulling her closer until my lips were near her ear. "You'll be fine. Trust me."

She pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Trust you? How dare you talk about trust when you've been hiding things from me? Are you plotting with Declan to destroy me?"

Her words cut deep, but I kept my composure, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. "Remember our revenge plan, Isabella? We're in this together. You just have to play your part. I apologize for not telling you my full name, I assumed you knew. I am Adrian Williams, the first heir of the Williams family. I am also the CEO of the Williams and Sons Company. You will get to know more as time goes by."

Something in her eyes flickered, a trace of uncertainty. She didn't respond, but I could feel her hesitation softening. Slowly, she tucked her hand into the crook of my arm and gave me a small, practiced smile.

Mom's voice called out that the dining table was set.

We joined the rest of the family for lunch. The dining room was grand, adorned with an air of luxury that bordered on intimidation. Conversation flowed easily among my parents, the Williams, but my focus remained on Isabella. She played her role perfectly, her smiles convincing enough to disarm even the most suspicious observer. I think my mom likes her already, they share the same name.

However, I couldn't ignore the piercing gaze from Annabella. She barely touched her food, her eyes fixed on me as if trying to unravel my thoughts. I don't trust Annabella at all, she is always planning something evil. She has a dark heart. I must ensure Isabella is safe and happy.

I leaned toward Isabella and, without warning, planted a quick kiss on her cheek. It was calculated but effective. She giggled, and the sound felt strangely genuine.

Annabella's chair scraped loudly against the floor as she stood abruptly. "I've lost my appetite," she muttered before storming off.

The tension in the room spiked. Declan coughed awkwardly, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin before excusing himself to follow her.

My mom glanced at my dad, worry etched across her face. "What's going on with those two?" she murmured.

Isabella, however, seemed unbothered. Her smile grew as she turned to me, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and mischief. I couldn't help but whisper, "You look beautiful when you smile. You should do it more often."

She laughed, her laughter drew everyone's attention for a moment, and then she muttered just loud enough for me to hear, "The battle has just begun."

I gave out a smile.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking the moment. I answered, stepping away from the table. "Yes?"

A voice on the other end said, "I found something."

"Good," I replied curtly, ending the call.

When I turned back, Isabella was watching me, her curiosity evident. But she didn't ask, and I didn't offer an explanation. After all, I was just her contract husband.

As lunch ended, we thanked my parents, as the help came to clear the table and we excused ourselves. I placed a hand on Isabella's back, guiding her toward the staircase.

"We're heading to our bedroom to rest," I announced casually.

She halted mid-step, her brows knitting together. "Our bedroom? I thought we'd have separate rooms."

I smirked. "You do have a room, but sharing a space might help us strategize better."

She considered it for a moment before shaking her head. "I'll think about it. Just show me to my room for now."

We walked up the staircase together, hand in hand, a display meant for anyone watching. As we neared the rooms, raised voices broke the stillness.

"You still love her! Don't deny it. I can see how you stare at her!" Annabella's shrill voice echoed down the hall.

"Watch your mouth," came Declan's angry retort. "One more insult, and I'll shut that gutter of yours."

Isabella stopped in her tracks, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "Annabella," she whispered, her tone dripping with satisfaction.

I studied her expression, trying to decipher her thoughts. Was it joy? Relief? Malice? Perhaps all three.

"Should we check on them?" I asked, though I already knew her answer.

She shook her head firmly. "No. Let them sort out their mess. She deserves everything coming her way."

Her words were laced with venom, and for a moment, I saw a side of Isabella I hadn't expected, calculating and unapologetically vengeful.

We continued to her room in silence. When we arrived, I opened the door, gesturing for her to step inside.

"Rest well," I said, lingering in the doorway.

She paused, turning to face me. "Adrian," she said quietly.

"Yes?"

Her lips curved into a faint smile, but her eyes held a storm. "Whatever you're planning, I hope it's worth it. Because when this is over, I won't forgive betrayal."

The weight of her words lingered as I closed the door behind her.

As I walked toward my room, my phone buzzed again. It was the same number as before.

I answered, my tone sharp. "What now?"

The voice on the other end was strained, urgent. "Adrian, you won't believe who's behind this. But you need to see it for yourself. The files..."

The line went dead.

My grip tightened on the phone, a cold chill running down my spine. What files? And what had they discovered?

I turned back toward Isabella's room, my mind racing. Was she a part of this? Or had I just stepped into something far more dangerous than I'd imagined?