The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

Grayson's gaze met mine, carrying the same sadness I had come to recognize recently. Without words, he guided me toward the couch, urging me to sit beside him.

"You want to know why I believed landon could have done that?" he asked, referring to the death of his brother.

"We never had a good relationship with our mother. She doesn't care about us, Bella. All she thinks about is money. She often blamed Landon for having a fake father, She's been mentally abusing him, but my brother poured himself into basketball while also going through therapy."

1 bit my lip, the memory of Lansdon's cheerful demeanor playing in my mind.

"When the police came to the Prescott mansion. I never thought it was him who put the notes in my locker." I said, then paused, wrestling with my next words. "But... I'm sure you found out the truth from Tina. Why didn't you tell me sooner!" That question had been nagging at me, insisting on an answer.

"Because I fucked up, Bella," he whispered. "I didn't want to hurt you. I had to scare Tina into telling me the truth. Out of fear, she admitted at school that she cheated on the final exam. The homeroom teacher's punishment affected her academic record-it's why several prestigious universities rejected her applications"

"And the argument between Landon and Charlotte? Why hasn't she come forward about what she witnessed!" I pressed.

"I could only assume she's afraid."

I gathered my courage and asked the question haunting me: "What about you, Grayson? Do you blame me for his death?"

His slight shiver told me I'd struck a nerve,

"The first time I heard it... yes," he admitted, his honesty raw and painful. “I wanted to hate you, Bella. I took all my anger into business trips, avoiding you and trying not to think of Landon. But every time I heard you needed help. I couldn't stay

away.

I moved to his lap, craving the closeness.

"Please let me know if you need space."

He gently pressed his nose to my neck again, savoring my warmth and scent.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. But I didn't want to focus on things that weren't my concern yet.

Grayson lifted me effortlessly, his intentions clear as he began to carry me toward the bedroom.

"I made us dinner, Gray," I suddenly remembered, knowing his intention.

"But that's not what I'm hungry for," he replied, his gaze burning into mine.

He caught the frown on my face.

"I promise I'll be gentle."

I know what he said isn't true, but whatever! I wanted my hands inside his muscle shirt!

I met with Avery Reed as planned, accompanied by another talent agent.

Together, we mapped out her career path.

"Here are some good audition opportunities to start with, Avery," I said, sliding the selected options across my desk to her agent.

With my name now gaining recognition in the public eye, movie and series productions have been sending me audition invitations. I made sure to introduce SummitGlow's talents to the producers, leaving no room for anyone in the office to underestimate me.

As the company head, I'm putting in the work. But, since I'm still new to this new role, some challenges come with it.

When Avery left, her future agent lingered. "Ms. Isabella, I can't help but feel like we should be cautious with her. She has the attitude of a 'nepo' baby. Are we certain she's worth our investment?"

I could tell why the agent was hesitant. But this was the deal Avery and I made when she helped me.

I've always been cautious with family, but Avery's warning the night of the engagement helped me see things clearly and stay one step ahead of Charlotte and my parents.

"Let's give her a chance," I replied calmly. "Tve made it clear that her success depends entirely on her abilities."

The agent nodded before continuing. There's something else. She's been asking about your relationship with Mr. Blake and constantly inquiring when he'll visit the office."

My attention sharpened at this information

"And what exactly did you tell her?"noveldrama

"We told her you're high school friends with Mr. Blake

This was the cover story that Grayson and I had created to keep our marriage private and prevent any information leaks.

I had assumed Avery's questions to the employees were harmless, but I hadn't realized she was quietly collecting information to get closer to Grayson

The evening dragged as I worked on PulseFive's sponsorship, taking pride in their growing success.

But my satisfaction faded when I walked into the lobby and saw Gabriel waiting with a bouquet. Women in the lobby were swooning, especially since he was still a famous actor.

"Issa..." he murmured, using that old familiar name.

I didn't waste a second. "Let's talk outside."

Remaining composed, I casually accepted the flowers from him.

I wasn't interested in making a scene or letting anyone eavesdrop on our conversation. So, when he offered me a ride, I reluctantly agreed but immediately messaged Grayson and ensured my security detail followed in their vehicle.

As we drove along Santa Monica Boulevard, the silence in the car grew heavy with unspoken words until I couldn't bear it

anymore.

"Pull over," I said firmly.

Gabriel slowed the car and parked on the side of the road.

"What exactly do you want, Gabriel?"