A thick, sultry scent still lingered in the air.


    ...


    The next morning.


    Soft sunlight slipped quietly through the gray curtains, spilling into the room like a


    golden veil draped over every corner.


    Suddenly, a cell phone began to ring.


    A strong, well-defined arm reached out from under the covers, feeling along the nightstand for the phone. The man''s voice was warm and satisfied as he answered, "Hello?"


    The person on the other end spoke for a moment.


    Victor''s sleepy haze vanished in an instant.


    He sat up in bed, his bare torso-abs chiseled like marble-catching the morning light.


    A womany curled across hisp.


    He gazed at her, eyes deep and intense, one hand gently stroking her hair while


    the other held the phone. His tone was curt as he issued an order, "Set the schedule."


    He hung up.


    Isadora stirred, still half-asleep.


    Without thinking, she wrapped her arms tighter around his firm waist.


    Victor relished her touch, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    He couldn''t help but notice-since yesterday, Isadora seemed a little different.


    But he couldn''t quite put his finger on what had changed.


    Isadora blinked her eyes open.


    She found him watching her, gaze unwavering and full of raw affection, deep as a rolling sea.


    She reached up to touch his forehead.


    No more fever.


    A weight lifted from her heart.


    Victor''s mouth curved into a soft smile. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed


    her fingertips. "All thanks to you."


    His words carried a double meaning.


    Heat rushed to Isadora''s cheeks as memories ofst night flooded back.


    Bted embarrassment washed over her, her face tinged with pink, eyes shimmering in the gentle morning light.


    It had been her first time.


    Seeing her blush, Victor couldn''t resist. He rolled over, bracing himself on either side of her, pinning her with that dark, smoldering gaze. His voice was low and teasing, "Next time, let me take the lead."


    Isadora''s face burned.


    She pped a hand over his mouth.


    "Not another word!"


    His deep, carefreeughter vibrated against her palm, making her fingers tingle.


    For a moment, everything stilled.


    Victor gently pulled her hand away and looped it around his neck, his tone suddenly earnest. "Isadora, I need to take a business trip. But when I get back, I''d like to pay your mother a visit."


    Isadora blinked, uncertain what he meant.


    Victor''s eyes glinted, and his voice was soft, indulgent. "What kind of wedding do you want?"


    "Whatever you dream of, I''ll give you. Hmm?"


    She couldn''t exin why, but her eyes suddenly stung with the threat of tears.


    For the first time, it felt like her life was about to enter a whole new chapter.


    She was finally going to have a family-all her own.


    After getting out of bed, Victor hurried off to deal with an urgent situation at his overseaspany. The private jet was already prepped and waiting.


    Isadora had a meeting at her firm, so she didn''t see him off.


    Just as Victor boarded the ne, Isadora''s phone buzzed with a message.


    "Miss you already. Wait for me, darling."


    A soft smile yed on her lips as she read his words.


    *


    Fitzgerald Mansion.


    The security was tight as ever, the manor''s solemn air lending it a sense of gravitas.


    In the drawing room, Deanna sat at the head of the table.


    A maid stood by, preparing tea.


    Suddenly, the butler entered and bowed respectfully. "Madam, there''s a Miss Rowena at the gate asking to see you."


    Deanna took a slow sip of tea and set her cup down. "Who?"


    "She says she used to be friends with Miss Isadora. She''d like to discuss a possible partnership and insists you''ll be interested once you hear her out."


    "Oh?"


    Deanna''s eyes narrowed, a cold smile curling her lips. "Let her in."