Chapter 19: The Past

Chapter 19: The Past

6 months ago

Isabella, my dear," crooned an aging socialite, her voice dripping with insincerity, "you look absolutely divine this evening." The woman leaned in with a conspiratorial air, the gleam of predatory curiosity in her eyes. "Tell me, what do you think of our mysterious guest? I have heard he is quite a dangerous man."

"Thank you, Mrs. Stavros," Isabella replied, forcing a smile while inwardly cringing at the thought of engaging in yet another round of vapid gossip. She considered deflecting the question, but her natural curiosity won out. "I must admit, I haven't had the chance to speak with him yet."

"Ah, well, you simply must," urged the older woman, clearly delighted at having caught Isabella's interest. "A word of caution, though: he is not a man to be trifled with." With that ominous warning, Mrs. Stavros moved away, leaving Isabella with a subtle thrill of anticipation.

The lavish party continued around her, a swirling mass of glittering gowns and