Revenge or redemption

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 poli

ibillion-dollar empire. However, she had inherited more than simply his empire. She had inherited his harshness, his steely ambition, and-above all-

etrayal and power were valued more than love. Everything she did had been influenced by her father's vi

lionaires and their spouses, local authorities who might be able to lend or receive a hand. Isabella, however, didn't require t

pacity 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,

that it had happened in public. That kind of humiliation was not unheard of in their world, and his dignity ha

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

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 f

cut through her though

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 wh

voice as cold as ever. "I had

not to miss the best parties." "I have to admit, though, I

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 mad

d bluntly, "I don't entertain small talk, Lucas." "I advise you to fi

stayed fixed. "Oh," he said coolly, "I'm not here for small talk

again in a hurried tone. "Lucas, I have no interes

ring 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 alon

me. He was different from the others. Unlike usual, he wasn't spo

approval," she stated icil

t "Not approval" before she could leave. I'm

her expression remained icy. "This

her every step. She then understood that Lucas Hart's presence was

e was something suspicious about Lucas. She soon dismissed the concept, though. Distractions weren't necessary