The first thing Isabella noticed was Emily's fancy car parked beside one of Ethan's cars closer to the gate. She took a heavy breath, followed by a smirk, akin to an envious cat. "Let's see if you can still drive into this mansion in a few days," she muttered, then continued to walk towards Ethan's mansion entrance. As she entered the mansion, the first thing she perceived was the delicious aroma wafting into her nostrils, like a siren's call. This sweet aroma reminded her of the childhood summers she spent at her grandmother's place. "This is a freshly baked apple pie," Isabella thought. "A specialty my grandmother prepared with a secret blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and love," she thought again. "How come it smells exactly the same?" she asked herself in a silent whisper, almost as if she were revisiting a cherished memory from long ago. If that was all, it was a lie. The kitchen Emily cooked in was a spacious, inviting space with warm, earthy tones that created a cozy atmosphere.
Days upon days passed like ships in the night, silently slipping away, and night upon night like a river flowing through the darkness. In total, it had been five days, five hours, twenty-three minutes, and five seconds that Isabella had been on Emily's tail.In this manner, she was familiar with Emily's day-to-day activities, like a detective who had memorized every clue in a complex case.She knew that when Emily woke up in the morning, she went jogging at exactly 5:30 am and returned to the house around 7 am to get ready for the day. From exactly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Isabella knew Emily would meet with clients, discuss design projects, and visit project sites. She would work on design concepts, create mood boards, plan interior layouts, and communicate with her design team and contractors.From 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Isabella also knew Emily would continue working on design projects if needed, attend design-related events, or network with industry professionals. In the late evening,
As Emily emerged from her entrance door like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon, Isabella noticed that she was fully prepared for her daily jogging ritual. Her attire was a perfect blend of practicality and style, carefully chosen for her jogging adventure.A headband rested upon her head like a loyal companion, while a vibrant baseball cap crowned her look, shielding her eyes from the rising sun that was going to gently intrude.On her upper body, she donned a sports bra that cradled her in comfort and support, a silent confidant in her active pursuit. Over this foundation, she wore a long-sleeved running shirt, its fabric whispering secrets of moisture-wicking charm. It flowed with her as she prepared to face the challenges of the day.Her lower half was embraced by running shorts, their vibrant colors echoing the energy surging through her veins. They swayed with her every step, a dance of liberation. Her feet, resolute and prepared for the journey ahead, were encased in car
Driving past several minutes, Isabella finally arrived at a warehouse she had never been to before in Eldridge. She then asked Alexa, who had led her to the warehouse like a guiding star in the night sky, "Alexa, are you sure this is the place?""C’mon, Isabella, you've asked this question more than four times now. It is in my interest for this plan to succeed. Why would I lead you to the wrong place? This is the warehouse. It has been abandoned for two years, and no one comes around here at all. If you take a look around, you'll see that what I'm saying is the truth." Alexa said it almost immediately.After Alexa said this, Isabella checked the time on her wristwatch. It was just a few minutes before 7 a.m., and the dawn sky was already brightening.In this way, the deep, inky blues of the predawn hours gradually gave way to the gentle touch of dawn. A soft, ethereal glow spread across the horizon, casting delicate hues of pink, orange, and lavender, creating a mesmerizing tapestry t
"You see, we've already thought about it for a long time. You have something we want, and it's only been a couple of weeks since you've had it. So, it can't be hard at all to let it go. Or will you hold on to it even after we've asked you to let it go? The end result of that would be a fatal situation. Do you understand what I mean? Haha." Alexa laughed like a sinister puppeteer pulling the strings of a dark and twisted puppet show; hence, she continued talking. “Okay, I am digressing too often from the point. I apologize for my lack of manners, Emily Collins. I'm sure you have to meet your clients today and visit operational sites. Don't worry; you will be leaving the city anyway, and trust me, you are never coming back. So there is no point in being in a hurry. Hahaha.” Alexa laughed again and continued talking. “Alright, let me get serious about this. Enough of the playful banter.” "Emily Collins, do you know a person named Ethan Markwood? The CEO of Woodmark Industries? Or shoul
Referring to Isabella as a fool was akin to staring a predator in the face and spitting at it, daring it to act, and as a result, Isabella did not take this lightly. Quickly, she thrust her legs forward, closing the distance between Emily and herself. Without a moment's hesitation, Isabella struck her in the face with the back of her hand. "Smack." This had a significant effect on Emily. Her cheek turned as red as a ripe tomato in the heat of summer. However, if this meant that Emily stopped laughing, it was a falsehood. "You've been spying on me for the past five days. Do you think we don't know?" Emily stated it immediately, her words still wrapped in the cocoon of her laughter. "We know, and we decided to play along. And we were prepared for you, you bi*ch," Emily said. The use of "we" in her words made Isabella wander in the desert of her own thoughts, and she couldn't help but ask a question. "Who is 'we'?" "Who else?" Emily burst into another episode of laughter at this mom
"And this is Rebecca Johnson reporting live from Global Network News. Mary, how are things over there?" Everything that had happened, including the reasons for Isabella Rosewood's arrest by the police, had been reported live on all TV channels, and Global Network News was no exception. Furthermore, they had invited Victorial Sinclair to be interviewed about her thoughts on the whole scenario. *** "Mrs. Victorial Sinclair, what do you think about all these happenings?" "Thank you, Miss Mary. There is a lot I think about in this scenario. However, does what I think matter? The deed has already been done, and we can only see what happens from here." "You are right, Mrs. Victorial Sinclair. However, Isabella Rosewood is your daughter. I know that at some point you divorced her father. I mean, the last time you were here, you categorically stated that fact. But now, with your daughter finding herself in what I would call hot water, the public really wants to know what you think. So, wh
Alexander Rosewood saw everything broadcast live from Global Network News, but the fact that he saw it from the comfort of his home was a lie. On the street, he continued to live, and from the billboard, he watched the whole news, which included an interview with his ex-wife.Without delay, he wanted to be very sure, as his heart began to race like a thoroughbred at the starting gate."Hi there, sorry I missed your call. My phone is currently unreachable, but I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Is there something urgent you need? Say it after this voice," Mr. Alexander heard for the third time as he called Isabella's phone."Damn!" he exclaimed immediately. Then he picked up his phone again and placed a call. However, if he was calling Isabella this time, it was another lie."We will have to suspend that. The cat has been caught and will be sent to jail. I have another mission for you. Don't worry about the money; I will pay in a little time. Isabella Rosewood, get her out of there