Bought by my brother-in-law's friend

hey attended pulled her deeper into a web of power dynamics, hidden agendas, and unspoken rules. She learned

en her and Marcus grew palpable, an underc

d to Marcus's penthouse. The night had been filled with laughter and shallow conversati

aid as he poured himself a drink, his eyes flicking tow

gainst the marble counter. "Or maybe

reach his eyes. "You're more than that,

your 'partners'?" she cha

lied, his tone turning serious. "You hav

frustration bubbling up. "You keep throwing me into

can figure it out on your own if you stop relying on

his expectations. "What if I don't want

nerable. "And what would home mean for you? The same mundane life while you

hint of vulnerability slipping into her voi

ur own path," he said, his tone earnest. "B

pendence and the magnetic pull Marcus had on her.

rustration. "Then let's start with what you don't w

aze, her heart rac

" he said, his tone firm. "You

words. Finally, Isabella broke the tension, ste

his features. "I want to ensure your safety and your growt

loring her tone. "You want me to

idn't choose this life, but it's the one yo

his intensity. "And if I r

alone," he warned, his eyes narrowing sli

ce rising. "You bought me, Marcus. You cou

a low murmur. "You don't bend easily, and that intrigues me

felt it flickering. "You see that as a

vering. "It depends on how you wield it. You can choose to let

he weight of his words. "What if I do

figure out what you want without me influencing your decision. But k

of confusion and anger. She didn't want to feel drawn to him, yet he

What did she truly want? Was it possible to carve her own pat

ainst the confines of her situation. Perhaps it was tim

-

atherings and clandestine meetings. Marcus's presence was a constant, a

lt the weight of the gazes around her. She wore a stunning red dress that hugged her curves and made her

aid, her voice dripping with je

nother replied, eyeing Isabella wa

She had spent enough time observing the social dynamics to understand the stakes,

pression," Marcus said, appearing at

rong reasons," Isabella replied, crossing h

cted, his voice low. "Remember that. You're here

, frustration creeping into her tone. "Th

r, his breath warm against her ear. "Be bold. Sh

nt, she forgot the unease that had been gnawing at her. "W

o meet her gaze, his expression serious. "Failure

ella squared her shoulders

"Start by talking to that group over there. They're

nerves bubble up again. "What if

ed, his confidence infect

ing as she introduced herself. As she engaged in conversation, she

ed by her success. "I think I actually made some conn

d, a proud smile gracing his lips. "You're beg

ng a warmth spread through her chest

tone serious once more. "This world can be treachero

her voice steady. "Bu

shifted. Isabella felt a sense of camaraderie forming bet

ext step?" Marcus asked,

she inquired, curiosit

" he replied cryptically, a g

insisted, her heart r

with a teasing grin. "Good t

, a smile tugging at her li