My patience was wearing thin as I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. The wind played with the loose strands of my hair, but it did little to cool my growing irritation. William had insisted on making me wait, and yet here I was, waiting, for fifteen minutes. I was starting to think he ditched me.

I knew I shouldn't have entertained the idea. I had a plane to catch to Hong Kong for Keith and Taylor's wedding. I had no time for playing games.

I scanned the road again, and just as I was about to give up and head back inside, a grey Aston Martin roared around the corner, its engine purring with the kind of power that turned heads. I rolled my eyes as the car slowed to a stop right in front of me, its dark windows concealing the driver.

The passenger side window lowered, revealing William in the driver's seat. He flashed a smug smile, one that made me want to both slap him and roll my eyes again.

"Your face told me you thought I'd leave you stranded," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Not sure where the lack of faith came from."

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my earlier irritation still bubbling on the surface. "You're late."

He leaned across the seat to open the door for me. "Was I late, or were you early?" he countered, still wearing that infuriating smile. "Get in. We've got somewhere important to be."

With a sigh, I slid into the passenger seat, closing the door. "Do you know how much my time cost? How many people would die for it? Stop abusing your privilege, Montgomery. For a businessman, you don't respect time."

"Why are you so strict, Iz? Someone would assume you got a stick up your ass, but I'd know cause I've been inside it and every other hole, and there's nothing like a stick up there."

"You're so disgusting."

He laughed. "I'm just trying to lighten the mood."

As he pulled away from the resort, I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, wondering just what he had planned this time.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Where sinners live."

"Yeah, I know your address," I shot back without missing a beat.

He chuckled. "Touché, but today, I'm taking you somewhere a little more...exclusive."

I arched an eyebrow. "Exclusive? It sounds like another one of your playgrounds that I'm going to hate."

"You could say that," he admitted, his eyes flicking to mine for a brief moment before returning to the road. "But this time, it's not about me. It's about you."

I frowned, not sure if I liked where this was going. "About me?"

He nodded. "You'll see when we get there. Just trust me."

I crossed my arms, leaning back in my seat. "I haven't trusted you since middle school, but fine. If this turns out to be one of your tricks, you're going to regret it."

"I'd expect nothing less from you, Armstrong," he said, his focus on the road ahead, though the corner of his mouth twitched in a smirk.

"I'm serious, Montgomery. One trick, and I'll make you pay for it."

"Noted. But trust me, this one's going to make you happy." He paused, his eyes flicking toward me before returning to the road. "I know we don't do things the easy way, you and I. Everything between us feels like a battlefield—swords and knives, blood and tears. But there's one thing we both don't tolerate: a knife in the back. I'm giving you a chance to settle yours. No tricks, no games. Just a fair shot."

I hated to admit it, but he had a point. Because in our world, if you don't settle the score, someone else will do it for you. And then you lose everything. But still, the idea of relying on him to help me get back on my feet was unsettling, to say the least.

"What's in it for you?" I asked, trying to pierce through the layers of whatever game he was playing.

"Maybe I'm just tired of watching you lose to someone else," he said. "And no one fucks you over and gets away with it."

He didn't need to name names—I should have known he wouldn't let my former investors off the hook. I may hold grudges, but he's the one who settles the scores.

"How is it that they're here at the same time as me? It can't be a coincidence."

"They won an exclusive three-day trip."

"And I'm guessing it's not a reward?"

His mouth curved into a devilish smile. "You know I don't do rewards."

We lapsed into silence as the car pulled into the driveway of a private club.

William parked and turned to me. "Let's go make a point, Armstrong."

This was a gamble—a risky one—but it was the only way to reclaim my lost pride. Philip and Harrison thought they could pull out and leave me scrambling, that I'd crumble under the weight of it, but they were wrong. I wasn't here to beg; I was here to take back what was mine.

And William? He was just here to play along.

He led the way into the club, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back as we walked through the corridors. The air inside was thick with the scent of cigars and whiskey. The club was all dark wood paneling and deep leather armchairs, the kind of place where power deals were made behind closed doors.

We reached a door at the end of a corridor, flanked by security guards. William exchanged a nod with one of them before pushing the door open, revealing a VIP room. The room was dimly lit, with a large, round table at the center, where a group of men were deeply engrossed in a poker game.

William paused just inside the doorway and leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "What do you think?"

My gaze flicked to the table, where I immediately recognized the two faces sitting there, completely absorbed in their game. A slow, vicious smile appeared on my face as a thrill shot down my body.

"Look at you," he whispered, his breath warm against my neck. "So hungry to take, so eager to destroy." His hand rose, and his fingers lightly grazed my cheek. "This is my favorite look on your face."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, the way they always did when he got under my skin. I tried to focus on the men at the table, but William's presence was all-consuming, his touch a soft, teasing brush against my arm.

"Is that so?" I murmured, keeping my voice steady even as my heart raced. "You like seeing me on the edge, ready to tear someone apart?"

He let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating in the space between us. "You're at your best when you're fighting for something. It's when you're most alive." His fingers grazed my jawline before dropping away, leaving a lingering warmth in their wake. "And right now? You're very much alive."

I met his gaze, the intensity in his eyes reflecting my own. This wasn't just business for either of us—it was personal. Every setback, every betrayal, had carved its place in me, fueling the fire that refused to die.

They hadn't noticed me yet, and for a moment, I was content to watch. "What are they playing for?" I murmured, narrowing my eyes as one of them raked in a sizable pot.

His voice dropped low, almost conspiratorial. "A lot more than money. They're testing each other, seeing who's the biggest shark in the room. But none of them know it's you, baby."

These were the men who had left me hanging, pulling out of the deal at the worst possible moment. And here they were, playing games with each other's fortunes while my plans lay in ruins.

A sly smile tugged at my lips as I watched them, the thrill of the challenge already buzzing in my veins. "Then it's time they find out."

William's hand rested lightly on the small of my back, guiding me forward as he whispered in my ear. "Remember, they think they're the predators. Let them believe it—for now."

I nodded, the excitement surging through me. As we approached the table, Harrison glanced up, surprise flickering across his face before awkwardness set in. The others followed his gaze, their conversation halting as they realized who had just stepped into the game.

"Gentlemen," I said, my voice smooth and confident. "Mind if I join you?"

"Isabella, we didn't expect to see you here," Philip said, eyeing me with a hint of surprise. "And you brought William Montgomery."

"Yes, she did. We're a package deal. Buy one, get one free," William quipped, his voice laced with humour.

"Isabella, if you came here to change our minds—"

"Change your mind? Philip, I respect your decision."

"Then what are you here for?" Harrison asked. "I know you're looking for investors for your new hotel, but we've discussed it and decided we can't take the risk. You being here makes things...uncomfortable. You understand, right?"

I leaned in slightly, letting my gaze sweep over the group. "Uncomfortable? Come now, Harrison. We've all been in this game long enough to know that comfort is a luxury we can't afford. And I'm not here to change your minds. I'm here to give you something you can't resist."

Philip exchanged a glance with Harrison, his brow furrowing. "And what is that?"

I smiled, the kind of smile that makes people second-guess their next move. "A challenge. Something to test those nerves you're all so keen on flexing. I didn't come here for a pity investment. I came here because I know the value of what I'm offering—and I'm betting you can't resist the chance to prove how good you really are."

William stepped forward, his presence casting a shadow over the table. "We're not here to beg, and we're certainly not here to make you uncomfortable. We're offering you a seat at the table—on our terms. The only question is, do you have the guts to take it?"

The room fell into silence as they exchanged uncertain glances. Finally, Harrison spoke, his voice cautious. "And what exactly is this challenge you're proposing?"

"A game. But not just any game. The prize? Access to something far more valuable than money. You win, you can have whatever you want."

Philip's eyes narrowed as he considered me. "And what exactly are the rules of this game, Isabella?"

I smiled. "Simple. A few hands of poker. But if I win, I want that piece of land near Aspen Heights—free and clear."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. They knew exactly how valuable that land was, especially with the development potential in the area.

Philip looked skeptical. "That's prime real estate. Why would we put something like that on the line for a friendly game?"

"Because I know its worth."

Harrison chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, if you want that piece of land. But if you lose, we want something of equal value from you—and from William. If he's part of this, he needs to put something on the line too."

William blinked, his head snapping toward me. "I'm sorry, what now?"

I smirked, meeting his incredulous gaze. "Didn't you say we're a package deal?"

"I absolutely did not mean for you to drag me into this," he shot back. "I bring you the main dish, and now I'm stuck cleaning the plates?"

"Are you seriously backing out on me now?"

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let me get this straight—you, Isabella. Me, William. You, Armstrong. Me, Montgomery. Your problems, my problems."

"Exactly. My problems are your problems. I knew you'd understand." I turned back to the table, ignoring William's exasperation. "So, what do you want from us?"

William groaned. "Isabella—"

I raised a hand to shush him. So much for having faith in me.

Harrison smirked, exchanging knowing glances with the others. "For you, Isabella, we want the rights to the Manhattan property you acquired last year—the one you've been holding onto for that special project of yours."

"That's quite the ask," I said, arching an eyebrow.

Philip then turned his attention to William, his smirk widening. "And from you, Montgomery...we want the rights to your private luxury resort in the Caribbean. The one with the waiting list a mile long."

A predatory smile appeared on Harrison's lips. "And your contacts in the tech world," he added. "We want access to your network—those exclusive deals you've been brokering."

William's casual demeanor slipped for just a moment. "How is it that Isabella puts one thing on the line, and suddenly I'm expected to offer the world?"

"Because you have far more valuables than Isabella," Harrison replied smoothly.

William shot me a cocky smile, his confidence returning. "Did you catch that, Iz? I have far more valuable things than you." He turned to the two men. "Thank you for acknowledging my influence."

I rolled my eyes, unimpressed. "Losing is starting to sound really appealing right about now." I tilted my head, giving him a pointed look. "You're taking this awfully well for someone who refused to give me those contacts before. Now you're just ready to gamble them away?"

"Because I know for a fact you won't let me take a loss."

"Oh, so my loss matters now? It didn't seem to when you played dirty and stole Regent from me."

"Now, now, let's not rehash the past."

Philip observed the exchange with thinly veiled amusement. "So, are we all in agreement, then? Isabella, you're risking your prized Manhattan property, and William, you're putting up your resort and those precious contacts."

I gave a tight smile, refusing to show any hesitation. "Agreed."

William's confident smirk never faltered. "Fine. You've got yourself a deal. But know this—if you double-cross us, I'll make sure your names are blacklisted from every deal worth mentioning for the next decade."

Harrison chuckled, amused by the threat. "We're not in the habit of making enemies, Montgomery. But we do like to win."

"One last thing," I said, cutting through the air. All eyes turned back to me. "Since you're taking more from William, it's only fair we up the stakes on our side. If we win, I want double the investment in William's projects—no strings attached."

The room fell silent. It was a bold move, but it was the only way to level the playing field.

Philip was the first to recover, arching an eyebrow. "That's a hefty request. Are you sure you can deliver on your end?"

I met his gaze, unflinching. "I've never lost a game I set my sights on, Philip, and I don't intend to start now."

William leaned in, his tone light but his eyes gleaming. "You heard her."

A smirk played at Philip's lips, his confidence brimming as if he'd already won. But I'd seen men like him before—ones who thought power was their birthright. And I'd watched them fall.

I gave him a slow smile, letting him see just enough of the fire in my eyes to make him shift uncomfortably. William's hand brushed my shoulder—a brief, reassuring touch.

"Shall we begin?" I asked.

The cards were dealt, and as I picked up my hand, I glanced at William. His eyes met mine, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips. No words were exchanged—we didn't need them. At that moment, we were perfectly aligned, a united front against the room.

One thing became clear: I wasn't leaving this room empty-handed—not tonight, not ever.