Victor Steele held every chip that mattered more to her than her own pride, more than even her own reputation. He knew it. And he knew she knew it.
That was why he dared to act so recklessly.
Her jaw tightened. The stiffness on her face became harder to hide.
Around them, the whispers grew louder, more excited, more merciless. She closed her eyes briefly and understood that there was no way out this time.
When she opened them again, she turned to face Adam Smith.
He was looking at her in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock and hurt.
Her voice, when she finally spoke, was frighteningly calm.
"President Steele is right, Adam. Everything that happened was my own choice. I didn't lie to you before. You should have seen the reality a long time ago."
"Isabella, I don't believe you're that kind of person. You must be..."
"Enough, Adam."
Her voice cut in sharply, clean and decisive, leaving no room for argument.
