Isabella's POV

My eyes rolled in disgust as I stared at the haunting message staring back in my face. Cole for sure won't leave me alone until I do what he asks.

“Damien…” His name rolled effortlessly out of my mouth with a heavy sigh. He's like a virus spreading through my body, I need to eject him out of the system.

I tugged my hair to the back of my ear and swayed my hips down to the entrance of the Hartley Media group. With a deep sigh, my feet gained dominance as my black stiletto heels screeched through the marble floor.

The activities in the building froze, and everyone turned to look at me.

Well, my mother made sure I looked like I was meeting with the queen of England. She must have had one of her new fashion designers make this peach dress.

And of course, the slurry perfume is definitely from a luxury brand somewhere far away in Paris.

“One of the many benefits of having a wealthy man as a stepfather…” I muttered beneath my breath.

“Good day.” I greeted the receptionist and placed my handbag on her high desk.

“Good day, Miss. How may I help you?” She responded politely with a smile, and I nodded my head in return. I opened my mouth to speak, but a familiar voice filled the reception, forcing my mouth shut.

“Isabella… darling…” I heard my name and tilted my head to the side, trying to catch a glimpse of who it was.

“Aunty!” I exclaimed in surprise. I have heard from my mother how busy she is, and she didn't expect to run into her on a busy weekday like this.

“You have grown so much. Just look at you.” She pulled me into a hug, and I giggled, remembering how chatty she is.

“How have you been? I'm so sorry about your father. I've not seen you since the burial. And you didn't attend your mother's wedding either.” Daine complained, and my face crumbled into a frown.

Of course… my mother's marriage to my worst nightmare.

“It's okay, Aunty Daine. And it's good I didn't attend the wedding, trust me.” I assured her.

“I understand. So you are here to begin your internship? Your mother told me all about it.” She mentioned.

“Of course,” I chuckled.

“My mother never seize to expose me.” I shook my head in displeasure.

“Shall we? I will take you to my brother myself.” She said and grabbed my hand.

“Thank you.” I mouthed to the receptionist and followed after her.

We arrived at the fifth floor of the company and headed to the executive department. All eyes fixated on me as I brushed past each office and section.

We arrived at the managing director's office, and Daine pushed the door open.

“Remember Isabella?” Daine asked as we stepped into the office, and a pair of black eyes looked up at me.

“I do…” A man in his mid thirties with black hair, black eyes came into view. Even though he was seated, I could tell he was quite tall.

He was dressed in a black suit and reeked of expensive cologne and confidence. Immediately, my mind drifted to Damien.

I could still feel his scent intoxicating me with filthy desire. A hot wetness formed in between my legs, and I clutched down at my gown tightly.

The last thing I should be doing right now is thinking about a man I should never have crossed paths with.

With all the restraint left in me, I pulled myself out of my dark fantasy and shook my head. I exhaled sharply and cleared my throat before looking back at the man seated on the chair.

He had a thin smile plastered on his face, and I bowed my head slightly to show respect.

“Isn't she your friend, Celeste's daughter?” He asked, and Daine nodded.

“Exactly, she begins her internship here today. And I would like her to work directly under you. She's very passionate about journalism.” Daine explained.

“Understood. You can leave now, sister. I will take it up from here.” He said, and I felt a hard lump in my throat. He seems a little strict.

“Oh!” Daine said and winked at me.

“I will be attending a meeting in an hour. Have this analysed and documented by then.” A stack of paper collided with his voice and made me flinch.

“Yes sir,” I responded and walked up to his desk. My eyes caught sight of the signage on his desk.

Mr Luis… Managing director…

The signage read. I picked the papers up and walked back to where Daine stood. My hands fidgeted a bit at the volume of papers I was carrying.

But that is exactly what I need now. There's no way I would be able to think about Damien with this.

“I will have an office assigned to you, but you can settle on the couch for now. Here, use this computer.” He pointed to a system by the corner.

The rest of the day went by in a breeze. I spent most of it typing and analysing old and buried cases. It was fun but also challenging.

It was time to return home, and my mouth turned sour. As much as I would love to rest, I dread returning to that home more than anything else.

With Damien's presence hovering over me and Cole's blackmail ringing in my brain. My entire world is on a rocky ship, and for the first time in my life, I have no idea what to do.

My phone chimed, distracting me from my thoughts. I scurried the phone out of my pocket and groaned when the message popped open.

“Leave me the fuck alone…” I gritted my teeth. I tossed my phone on the desk and sat back on the chair.

My phone then rang and heaved a deep sigh in frustration. I picked up the phone, knowing I won't be able to ignore him forever.

“What do you want?” I barked at him.

“Oops! Is it the wrong time to call? Did your stepfather just fucked you on the floor?” Cole teased with a chuckle.

“Stop it..”

“Only if you do as I say.” His words sounded like a threat.

“He's my stepfather.” I shrugged.

“He wasn't when you fucked him. Just think of what will happen when your mother hears of it.”

“She just lost her first husband to death, and now she's losing her second to her daughter.” He laughed mockingly, and anger burned in me instantly.

“Tell me, Isabella. Why won't you do it? Do you enjoy fucking his dick so much that you don't care he was the one who killed your father?” His words slammed into me.

“Don't you dare…”

“Meet me at my place. I have something you would be dying to see.” Cole hung up before I could protest.