"Mrs. Knight, there's a woman here to see you. She doesn't have an appointment, but she's quite... insistent."

Rebecca's voice over the intercom interrupts my review of the final acquisition documents for Morgan Group's Asian division. It's been three days since the board vote, and the paperwork is nearly complete.


"Who is it?" I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.

"She says her name is Isabella Pierce," Rebecca replies, confirming my suspicion. "She claims it's a personal matter."

Of course it is. After her failed intelligence-gathering attempt at Le Cirque, Isabella is trying a more direct approach. The question is: what does she want? And is she here on her own behalf, or as Cassandra's proxy?


"Send her in," I decide after a moment's consideration. Better to face whatever this is directly than give her reason to persist.

Isabella enters my office with the confident stride of a woman accustomed to getting her way. She's impeccably dressed in a Chanel suit that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary, her blonde hair styled in perfect waves, jewels glittering at her ears and throat.


"Mrs. Knight," she greets me with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Thank you for seeing me without an appointment. I know how busy you must be."

"Ms. Pierce," I reply coolly, remaining seated behind my desk. "What can I do for you?"

She takes a seat across from me without waiting to be invited, crossing her legs elegantly. "I thought we should get to know each other better. After all, we move in the same social circles now."

"Is that the only reason for your visit?" I ask, not bothering to hide my skepticism.

Isabella's smile tightens slightly. "Direct, aren't you? I can see why Ethan finds that refreshing after years of society women who never say what they really mean."

"I value efficiency," I reply. "So again, what can I do for you?"

"Very well," Isabella says, dropping the pretense of friendly interest. "I'll be equally direct. Your sudden appearance in Ethan's life—and in New York society—has raised questions. Questions that concern people I care about."

"By 'people,' I assume you mean Cassandra Morgan," I observe. "and your brother happens to be on a flight to Singapore as we speak. Quite a coincidence."

The flash of surprise in Isabella's eyes confirms my suspicion that she didn't expect me to know about Nathaniel's trip. Good. Let her wonder what else I know.

"Cassandra is a friend," Isabella acknowledges after a moment. "And yes, she has concerns about your company's acquisition of Morgan Group's Asian division. Concerns that I share, given my family's business interests in the region."

"Business concerns should be addressed through proper channels," I reply. "Not through personal visits to my office or 'accidental' encounters at restaurants."

Isabella's perfectly manicured nails tap against the arm of her chair—the only outward sign of irritation in her otherwise composed demeanor. "Let's stop pretending, shall we? We both know your marriage to Ethan was suspiciously convenient, coming just as your company was positioning to acquire part of Morgan Group."

"My personal life is not open for discussion," I say firmly. "If you have legitimate business concerns, I suggest you take them up with your brother or the Morgan Group board."

"Your 'personal life' became a matter of public interest the moment you married one of New York's most eligible bachelors," Isabella counters. "Especially given the... unusual circumstances."

"What circumstances would those be?" I challenge, though I know exactly what she's implying.

"A child who conveniently appears to be Ethan's, though no one knew of his existence until recently. A marriage conducted in private, with no announcement until after the fact. A business deal that benefits significantly from your new husband's connections and influence." Isabella leans forward slightly. "It all seems rather calculated."

She's not wrong, of course. My marriage to Ethan was calculated—just not for the reasons she imagines.

"Ms. Pierce," I say, my voice cooling further. "I understand you may have had certain... expectations regarding Ethan that my presence has disrupted. But I assure you, my marriage and my business dealings are entirely separate matters."

"Are they?" Isabella challenges. "Because from where I'm sitting, they seem conveniently aligned."

"What exactly do you want?" I ask, tiring of this verbal sparring.

Isabella studies me for a moment, as if reassessing her approach. "Information," she says finally. "About who you really are and what you're really after."

"I'm Olivia Knight, president of Ascendant Group," I reply simply. "And what I'm 'after' is the successful integration of Morgan Group's Asian division into my company's operations. Nothing more mysterious than that."

"And before you were Olivia Knight?" Isabella presses. "Before Ascendant Group? Your background is remarkably... opaque."

The probing questions confirm what Marcus reported—they're still digging into my past, still trying to connect me to Olivia Morgan, the disgraced daughter who disappeared five years ago.

"My background is thoroughly documented in the materials provided to Morgan Group's legal team during the acquisition process," I say, standing to signal the end of our conversation. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have actual work to attend to."

Isabella rises as well, smoothing her skirt with practiced elegance. "This isn't over, Mrs. Knight. Cassandra is convinced there's more to your story, and I've learned never to ignore her instincts."

"Cassandra Morgan's instincts led to the near-collapse of her family's company," I reply coldly. "Perhaps you should be more selective about whose judgment you trust."

Isabella's eyes narrow at the direct hit. "You've made a powerful enemy in Cassandra. And in me."

"I'm trembling with fear," I say dryly. "Now, if that's all, my assistant will show you out."

As Isabella leaves, her parting glance promising future confrontations, I press the intercom to call Rebecca. "Please make sure Ms. Pierce actually leaves the building. And in the future, she is not to be admitted without an appointment—which I won't be giving her."

"Understood, Mrs. Knight," Rebecca replies. "Oh, and Mr. Knight called while you were in your meeting. He asked if you could meet him for lunch at one. Something about a surprise."

A surprise? That's unexpected. Ethan and I have settled into a comfortable routine these past few days—co-parenting Leo, maintaining our separate professional lives, carefully navigating the growing attraction between us without crossing the boundaries of our arrangement.

"Tell him I'll be there," I decide, curious despite myself.

After Rebecca leaves, I check my secure messaging app for updates from Marcus. Nathaniel has arrived in Singapore and checked into his hotel. My team is monitoring his movements, but so far he's done nothing suspicious beyond meeting with a private investigator known for handling delicate matters for wealthy clients.

The walls are closing in. Between Cassandra's suspicions, Diana's scheming, and now Isabella's direct confrontation, my carefully constructed identity is under increasing scrutiny. I need to accelerate my plans before they discover the truth.

But first, lunch with Ethan and his mysterious surprise.