..... His eyes narrowed," you expect me to marry you?.
"You won't have to touch me or even see me after we sign. But I need the power that comes with being Mrs zhen. In public,I want the protection that title offers.And in private I'll stay out of your way".
Silence stretched like a drawn blade. Then slowly,Kevin picked up the flash drive and turned it in his fingers with great poise." You surely have lots of confidence" his words got my palms sweating.
" You speak like someone who's already seen it all happen".Kevin continued.
"I have", I replied without flinching.
Then his cold eyes met mine.
And for the first time a hint of interest flickered in his eyes.
"How do I know you're not bluffing".
"Because even you", I said softly.
"Couldn't stop what happened to your mother last year. And you told no one about it".Kevin stilled at that.
Then he leaned back in his chair,gaze cool.
"You've done your research",he said finally.
"No, I've lived it" she answered.
More silence ensued.Then he stood up.
"I'll have my legal team draft a preliminary agreement. The marriage can be formalized after a public announcement. You'll stay in the penthouse,No interference with my affairs. We appear together when I say so. In exchange,you give me every detail,every name involved in the Northgate scandal. Deal?
Isabelle stood too, matching his energy.
"Deal"
And just like that,the most powerful man in the country became her greatest weapon.
Back to the present....
Isabelle nodded at him,then reached for her champagne flute,her hand steady as a ripple of murmurs rolled through the crowd. A staff member entered discreetly,whispered something to the MC and some moments later the soft music died down.
The host stepped onto the stage, smiling brightly." ladies and gentlemen,thank you all for coming tonight to witness the engagement of two remarkable heirs. Miss Isabelle Chen and Mr Alex Wang. A toast,please to their future."
Applause echoed through the hall. Alex stepped forward,reaching out his hand to Isabelle smiling.
But she didn't take it. Causing Alex to frown in displeasure.
Instead,she turned to the crowd, raising her glass "if I may",she said her voice calm,"I'd like to make an announcement before we proceed.
Then the room quietened.
"I appreciate your presence here tonight"she began her tone composed and firm." I know many of you have come expecting an engagement between me and Alex. In which Alex gave a confused chuckle. Isabelle cut him of with a glance then continued," but there has been a change in plans.
Silence and confusion then whispers started to stir.
" I will not be getting engaged to Alex Wang". She said clearly,her words ringing like bells- "because I'm already married".
Gasps echoed across the ballroom like thunder after a lightning strike.
"What!!!!" Ruth hissed standing up in disbelief.
" What nonsense are you spewing Isabelle"?
Alex face went pale,then red.-
"what the hell are you talking about "
But Isabelle didn't flinch. She simply reached into her clutch and pulled out a document. Marriage certificate, signed an sealed and beside it a photo of Kevin Zhen.
Standing beside her,his hands on her waist and a ring on her finger. A photo taken at the civil office three days ago.
"I am now Isabelle Zhen " she said her gaze never wavering." Wife of Kevin Zhen, CEO of Zhen corporations".
The room exploded in noise. The guests gossiping in disbelief.
Alex rushed towards her-"is this some kind of game? You're lying right?."
"Am I?" She said softly, stepping back-"you cheated Alex and you planned to destroy my family, I was just a pawn you thought you could control." The she turned away from him like he was nothing.