Chapter 4 The Agreement

The only sound in Isabella's room was the crackling of the fire as she sat beside it. She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened in the last few days. Each moment seemed clearer than the last. The idea of revenge, of taking down Seraphina, that Nathaniel had given her tormented her mind. Seraphina had been in charge of her for so long, with all the lies, the violence, and the continual tearing down. And now she could end it all. But there was a cost. Nathaniel was a threat, and even though his offer was alluring, Isabella knew the consequences.

She had learnt the hard way that you shouldn't trust anyone, especially someone like him. She looked at the flames and said to herself, Is this really the only way? She absentmindedly messed with the hem of her nightgown while her thoughts fought with the weight of the choice. Could she really be on the same page as someone like Nathaniel? Or would he just use her as a pawn in his game? She could hear her mother's voice again, even though she hadn't heard it in years. Isabella, trust is the most deadly thing you can give away. People will let you down. They always do. But Seraphina was still here, pulling the ropes and making Isabella's life a daily battle. Her mother was gone. Isabella stood up after a lengthy delay, and the choice weighed on her like a heavy coat. She had no other alternative. She had to take charge if she wanted to live and get out of this cage of lies and manipulation. Even if it meant putting faith in Nathaniel. I'll do it, she said softly to the empty room. Her voice was firm, even though she was scared. Isabella met Nathaniel in a quiet corner of the estate the next morning, just as the light was coming up. The garden, which was concealed behind towering hedges and stone walls covered with ivy, felt like a secret place that the people in the home couldn't see. Nathaniel was already there, leaning against one of the marble columns with a silver cigarette case in his hand. As she got closer, he looked up at her, and his eyes sparkled with something that couldn't be read. I knew you'd come around, he remarked with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. I didn't know how long it would take, but here you are. Isabella couldn't help but feel a little annoyed at how arrogant he was. Let's get to it, she said in a harsh tone. I want to know it all. Nathaniel's face changed to something more serious as he stood up straight, closed the cigarette case, and put it in his jacket pocket. I've been learning about Seraphina's business empire for weeks now. There are a number of places we can take advantage of her since she has a lot of opponents and her foundation is weak. He stopped and stared into her eyes. But we need to be careful. If we make one wrong move, we'll both be in trouble. Isabella nodded, and her attention grew. She didn't come here to waste time. What do I do first? Nathaniel walked up to a neighbouring bench and sat down with an air of planned ease. We're going to go after one of her smaller businesses first, something that won't get too much attention. I've already talked to a few people who work for her who are eager to help us mess up one of her businesses. Isabella leaned forward because she was interested. Which one? Nathaniel said, The Crystal Manor project, in a hushed voice. Seraphina's pet project. She has been putting a lot of money into it, but the finances aren't looking well. If we get things a bit messy there, she'll start to freak out. Isabella's lips slowly curled into a smile. I like this. It's not obvious. Nathaniel's eyes were black with purpose as he said, It's only the beginning. After we've messed up her business, we'll go after the real prize: her control over the estate. That's where her strength is. Isabella's heart raced. She felt like she had hope for the first time in years. They were planning to get rid of her stepmother. She stood up, her determination growing. Let's do it. The next few weeks were a jumble of secret meetings and quiet talks. Nathaniel showed that he was smart and constantly one step ahead, pulling the strings like a skilled strategist. Isabella never thought that a man like that could be so... productive. Every time they saw each other, their faith in each other rose, but slowly. Nathaniel didn't pressure her or make her do anything she wasn't ready for. Even though he acted tough and confident, it was clear that he respected her. She had to admit that he was different from anyone else she had ever met. One night, following a very difficult meeting with an insider, they sat together in a small, quiet café that was not on the estate. Isabella was drinking a glass of wine and tapping her fingers lightly on the stem as she watched Nathaniel go through a pile of papers. You make it look easy, she added, her voice full of respect. He didn't look up, but his lips turned up in a half-smile. It's not. But it has to be done. You will see. The more we press, the more Seraphina will show herself. Isabella looked at him for a moment, then turned away. And what do you get out of this? You need to have your own motives. Nathaniel looked at her then, but his face was hard to decipher. Isabella, I'm not the only one who has been hurt by her. The words hung in the air, heavy with what they didn't say. His commitment was more than just a job; it was personal. But he didn't go into detail. She remarked with a little smile, You are a man of mystery. Nathaniel's eyes flashed with somethingalmost weaknessbefore he shrugged. I don't have to explain myself to you. Just so you know, I'm in this for the long haul. Isabella took a deep breath and felt the trust between them grow stronger. She wasn't fooling herself. Nathaniel has his own reasons. But for now, they were on the same side. That was all. She stood up and reached out her hand. To the first step. Nathaniel glanced at her for a second before grasping her hand and holding it tightly. To the first step. But even when they shook hands, the niggling doubt stayed. Did she really trust the correct man? What would be left of her after all of this? The strategy was put into action with quiet accuracy. Isabella and Nathaniel met in secret places to go over papers, make calls, and plan the problems that needed to happen for the Crystal Manor project. It was risky work, but Isabella started to see how deep Seraphina's corruption went the more they delved. One night, when the last piece of the puzzle came into place, Nathaniel turned to her with a look of victory in his eyes. It's over. The first blow has been struck. Seraphina won't know what hit her. Isabella let out a breath, her heart racing. It felt like the start of something bigger, like a game that was just starting. But as they left the café together, she saw someone in the distanceBernard Milton, Seraphina's lawyer. He was on the other side of the street, looking over the crowd. And then, as if he felt her looking at him, he turned his head. He saw them. Isabella stopped moving, and her blood ran cold. Shit, she said under her breath. We've been seen. Nathaniel's jaw tightened as he stiffened next to her. Stay calm, he advised in a hushed voice. We can't let people see us panicking. But as they walked, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that their plan was about to run into a big problem, and Bernard Milton was the least of their worries.