Chapter 196

The moment Julian Blackthorn walked out, Isabella Lockhart found herself alone again in the vast Skyview Retreat.

She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows as she had done countless nights before, staring at the glowing orb in the sky.

Tonight's moon hung full and radiant against the velvet darkness, like a flawless pearl suspended in infinite space.

"Moonlight carries whispers of longing..."

For reasons she couldn't explain, Isabella suddenly remembered the mysterious stranger from that late-night chat.

His profile picture had been a crescent moon.

His only message to her had been a photograph of the moon.

Her fingers moved on their own as she pulled out her phone, enlarging the lunar image he'd sent.

Judging by the angle, the photo must have been taken through an office window.

Probably some overworked executive burning midnight oil for his corporate overlords.

A faint smile touched her lips as she snapped her own moon photo and sent it to him.

Strange. Though their exchanges had been brief - mostly her venting about life's troubles - she sensed his undivided attention with every word she typed.

Even without offering empty platitudes, she felt truly heard.

That rare connection warmed her from within.

Her phone chimed minutes later.

"Trouble sleeping?"

Two simple words that painted a picture of someone calm, steady, reliable.

"Too much on my mind."

"Such as?"

"An infuriating man who keeps messing with my head. My only family framed and imprisoned. Needing to leave but being trapped here. Everything's falling apart."

Her fingers flew across the screen, releasing pent-up frustrations.

Realizing she'd overshared again, she quickly added, "Sorry for dumping this on you. It's just...I haven't had anyone to talk to. Feel free to ignore my rambling."

The response came after a thoughtful pause: "Why leave?"

"Personal reasons."

Pregnant with twins. Showing soon. Needing to escape Newport City before her condition became obvious.

But first, securing her business empire to ensure her children's future remained free from anyone's control.

She offered no further explanation. To her relief, he didn't press.

His eventual reply surprised her: "Sleep now. Tomorrow may bring solutions."

"From your lips to God's ears."

Isabella exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders.

In this ruthless world, what comfort surpassed someone simply telling you to rest?

That stranger's quiet concern became her anchor in the lonely darkness.

Hope flickered to life within her.

Phone set aside, she drifted into rare, peaceful slumber.

Morning found her rising early, freshening up, and grabbing the surveillance footage drive before heading out to meet Alexander Graves regarding tomorrow's trial.

The door swung open - and she collided with Evelyn Whitmore.

"Evelyn? Is that really you?"

Isabella rubbed her eyes, certain sleep still fogged her vision.

"Who else would it be, Miss Isabella?"

Evelyn clasped her hands excitedly. "You're incredible! When you promised to get me out, I never imagined it would happen overnight. Your parents would be so proud!"

"But..."

Confusion knotted Isabella's brow.

She'd been working on Evelyn's release, but hadn't made her move yet!

"Miss Isabella, what did you do? The guards said a terrified Cassandra Delacroix withdrew all charges at dawn! That's why they let me go!"

Evelyn's curious gaze searched her face for answers.