Chapter 282

The luxurious penthouse suite was filled with the sounds of passion, the heavy breathing and soft moans echoing off the marble walls.

Isabella Delaney leaned back against the silk headboard, taking a long drag from her cigarette as the smoke curled around her flushed face. Her bare skin still glistened with sweat from their recent activities.

The equally naked man beside her pulled her closer, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her thigh. "It's been too long," he murmured, his voice rough with satisfaction. "Prison didn't do your technique any favors."

She exhaled a perfect smoke ring toward the ceiling. "Enough small talk. I didn't call you here for pleasure."

His low chuckle vibrated against her skin. "Really? Because I distinctly remember us being very serious just now."

Isabella stubbed out her cigarette with more force than necessary. "Nathan is getting suspicious. He doesn't have proof yet, but it's only a matter of time."

The man's wandering hands continued their exploration as he spoke. "No proof means no problem. We just need to be more careful."

With an irritated huff, Isabella slapped his hand away. "I don't care what it takes - I will become Mrs. Sterling. And if I can't, then Evelyn Carter needs to experience exactly what prison life is like."

His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his amused gaze. "Not very romantic to fantasize about another man in my bed." His thumb traced her lower lip. "You pulled out all the stops to trap Nathan before and failed spectacularly. What makes you think you can succeed now?"

The reminder stung. She had sacrificed everything - her reputation, her family's fortune - and gained nothing but humiliation. Rumor had it her grandfather was still working to repay their debts.

She hadn't dared face her family since her release.

"Marrying Nathan is my only way back to the top," she said through clenched teeth.

The man laughed, the sound devoid of warmth. "Good luck with that."

When he made no move to help, Isabella grabbed his arm with bruising force. "You're refusing to assist me?"

"I can't work miracles, darling. Matters of the heart are beyond even my skills."

"Can't or won't?" Isabella knew him too well for his evasions. She leaned in, cupping his face, and planted a deep, lingering kiss. "Don't worry," she whispered against his lips. "I only want the Sterling name. My body will always belong to you."

His pleased smirk told her she'd chosen the right approach. "At least I didn't waste my time training you." His expression turned serious. "But remember - Nathan didn't build Kingsley Industries by being stupid. Don't get greedy and ruin everything."

"What choice do I have?" Isabella's nails dug into his shoulders. "Without the Sterling name, I'll never be able to compete with that bitch Evelyn."

Seeing her obsession, the man decided to throw her a bone. "Becoming Mrs. Sterling might be impossible, but dealing with a woman? That's simple." He traced her collarbone. "I hear Dominic Kingsley is negotiating a project in Dunhill, and Ms. Carter will be joining him soon."

"Dunhill is lawless territory." Isabella's eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "People disappear there every day."

"Exactly." His smile turned predatory. "Though I suspect you don't want her dead just yet?"

Isabella's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Death would be too kind. I want her behind bars, suffering exactly as I did. I want to break her slowly, piece by piece."

"Is that all?" He seemed almost disappointed by her restraint.

"Getting her arrested should be simple enough," he continued. "Just arrange for her to be caught with something... incriminating. Make sure it's serious enough that even the Kingsley influence can't sweep it under the rug."

His fingers tangled in her hair. "Once she's in the system, she'll be at your mercy. Prison has ways of making even the strongest women beg for death."

Isabella's delighted laugh filled the room as she rolled atop him. "Now that's what I call serious business."