Revenge or redemption

The Dorchester's enormous hall reverberated with the click of heels on the gleaming marble floor. Isabella Hamilton didn't care that the opulent ballroom was filled with the gentle hum of inane conversation and clinking champagne glasses. Isabella was unaffected by the glitz and glitter all about her, even as the light from the crystal chandeliers glinted off the polished flooring and reflected in the glasses that the socialites held. She was uninterested in the display of affluence; it was all a front, a performance to divert attention from reality.

Isabella was already a powerful figure in the corporate world at the age of twenty-eight. After her father's premature death, she inherited his multibillion-dollar empire. However, she had inherited more than simply his empire. She had inherited his harshness, his steely ambition, and-above all-his distrust of the world, especially men. Men like her father, who brutally murdered her mother and who shattered Isabella's one last belief: love.

Because of the profound scar caused by her mother's passing, Isabella had to grow up in a world where betrayal and power were valued more than love. Everything she did had been influenced by her father's violent behavior, and ever since, she had only one goal in mind: to never again be exposed to another guy.

Her keen eyes searched the ballroom for anything significant as she moved through it. She noticed some familiar faces-other billionaires and their spouses, local authorities who might be able to lend or receive a hand. Isabella, however, didn't require them. She created her own strength. No one dared approach her without a valid reason because of her well-established reputation.

She soon found herself staring at a familiar face on the other side of the room. Dominic West. He was a multibillionaire businessman who was renowned for his ruthless methods and capacity to eliminate competitors. Despite their several encounters, Isabella had never taken a liking to him. Speaking to a group of powerful people, the man exuded a sense of pride, and she could tell that he was now making an effort to conceal his disdain. Isabella, however, was aware that he was observing her and waited for the ideal opportunity to approach.

Dominic had yet to forgive her for the humiliation she had caused him once. He had not reacted well to the fact that it had happened in public. That kind of humiliation was not unheard of in their world, and his dignity had been injured. She had a sneaking suspicion that his interest in her had turned from professional to personal.

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of Isabella's lips, and she was powerless to stop it. Making enemies didn't bother her, especially if they were as stupid as Dominic West. The men who undervalued her were always funny to see. She thrived on it and was accustomed to it. Allow others to perceive her as heartless, calculating, and frigid. When they fell, it added to the sweetness of her victory.

Tonight, though, she noticed something else-a man standing close to Dominic. Despite his calm demeanor, he exuded a certain charisma. Standing tall, with black, wavy hair and sharp, sculpted features, he wore a well-tailored suit that exuded affluence without being flashy like most of the people in the room. Isabella was instantly drawn to this man's subtle charm. Though they focused on her with a clear gleam of interest, his dark eyes appeared to sweep the room with a calm intensity. Something about him felt... unusual, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

A smooth, assured voice cut through her thoughts, "Isabella Hamilton."

Isabella turned to face the man who had come up to her, her eyes narrowing a little. The man whose presence had drawn her attention was him. Lucas Hart. Although she had previously met him at gatherings, they had never looked at each other more than once. He was one of those men who was constantly around but never really involved in the social scene. And yet here he was, in front of her, grinning as effortlessly as ever.

"Lucas," she said abruptly, her voice as cold as ever. "I had no idea you were coming tonight."

His smile never wavered as he shrugged and replied, "I try not to miss the best parties." "I have to admit, though, I didn't think the well-known Ice Queen herself would be here."

Isabella's eyes briefly flashed with irritation, but she chose not to display it. She was familiar with the moniker; it was often spoken behind her back, characterizing her as callous and frigid. In actuality, though, few men could comprehend that she had built her empire on her capacity to regulate her emotions. Lucas Hart didn't match the stereotype of males she had learned to stay away from, with his endearing smile and laid-back manner. Unlike most, he made no effort to flatter or impress her. But she was wary about that. He and other men like him were always looking for something, and Isabella had long since learned that a guy who appeared too composed or ideal could never be trusted.

She retreated a step, increasing their separation a little. She stated bluntly, "I don't entertain small talk, Lucas." "I advise you to find someone else if you're here only to have pointless conversations."

There was a flicker of amusement in Lucas's eyes, but his smile stayed fixed. "Oh," he said coolly, "I'm not here for small talk, Isabella." "However, I do think you're pretty... interesting."

Isabella's eyebrows arched. "Interesting?" she said again in a hurried tone. "Lucas, I have no interest in the games you're playing. Therefore, pardon me-

Lucas stepped a bit closer and interrupted, "You don't understand me." He was unquestionably powerful, and for a brief instant, Isabella sensed a strange sensation stirring within her. But she instantly pushed it away. She couldn't afford to be sidetracked by people like him. He lowered his voice, as though he were talking to her alone in the middle of the throng, and whispered, "I don't play games." "But I believe that you are a person who is worthy of more than the typical sycophants in this area."

Isabella's thoughts were racing as she gazed at him for a long time. He was different from the others. Unlike usual, he wasn't spouting praise at her feet. However, that did not negate his threat.

"Lucas, I don't want your approval," she stated icily. "All right, pardon me-"

Lucas, however, interrupted her with a silent "Not approval" before she could leave. I'm searching for something far more fascinating.

Isabella's heart accelerated, but her expression remained icy. "This is not something I have time for."

She turned and headed for the bar, but she could feel his eyes on her every step. She then understood that Lucas Hart's presence was not coincidental. She had not yet determined what he was pursuing.

She kept thinking about him as she made her way to the bar and placed her order for a glass of champagne. There was something suspicious about Lucas. She soon dismissed the concept, though. Distractions weren't necessary for her. There were more pressing issues for her. Like Dominic West and his plans for retaliation against her.