Victor arched an eyebrow, his dark eyes lingeringzily on the woman beside him. "Just about," he drawled.


    Isadora frowned, thinking he was simply ying along for the sake of the


    interview.


    Nicol pressed on, "So, can you tell us what it is you like about President Vaughan, Mr. Fitzgerald?"


    Victor nced at Isadora, a hint of mischief in his smile as he brushed a strand of her soft hair behind her ear. "She''s beautiful."


    A flush crept up Isadora''s cheeks. She should''ve known he wouldn''t resist joking around.


    Nicol chuckled, treading carefully. "No one can deny President Vaughan is stunning but there are plenty of beautiful women in the world."


    Victor''s gaze sparkled, his tone unexpectedly sincere. "But when she smiles, she lights up the whole world. Makes me believe there''s something truly worth living for."


    The interview wrapped up soon after.


    A crowd of Pulse News executives instantly swarmed Victor, each eager to shake his hand or exchange a few words, hoping he''d remember their faces.


    Meanwhile, Isadora slipped out of the restroom and made her way back toward the studio. As she neared the entrance, she caught sight of Terrell standing tall andposed by the exit, clearly waiting for her.


    She hesitated, then walked over.


    Catching her approach from the corner of his eye, Terrell offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry for all the trouble today."


    "You were just looking out for me."


    "Isadora." His deep voice cut through the noise.


    She looked up and met his gaze-eyes as deep and turbulent as the sea, brimming with unspoken words.


    Isadora quickly looked away.


    Terrell didn''t move, still locked on her. "Is it true? Are you really getting married?"


    He was talking about the Fitzgerald Group''s official announcement of her engagement to Victor. Isadora kept her tone even. "Unless something unexpected happens, yes."


    A faint, bittersweet smile crossed Terrell''s face. "So you''re not going abroad after all?"


    She said nothing. That was her own business.


    When he realized she didn''t want to answer, Terrell didn''t press. "If you ever need anything, Isadora, you know you can count on me."


    "Thank you, Mr. Fawcett."


    Terrell hesitated, unwilling to let the


    moment go. "Can I ask you onest


    thing? Victor weren''t in the


    picture... do you think you could ever love me?"


    Isadora fell silent.


    The disappointment in Terrell''s eyes was unmistakable, the sadness in his voice


    barely concealed. "Alright. I have my answer."


    Not far away, Victor-still hemmed


    in by Pulse News


    executives-caught sight of Isadora and Terrell talking. Without a word, he left the group behind and strode over.


    Suddenly, Isadora felt a strong arm pull her close from behind, a possessive gesture that left her momentarily startled. She turned to find Victor''s handsome, chiseled face right beside her.


    He shot a cool, dismissive nce at Terrell before softening, his eyes gentle as he


    looked down at Isadora. "What are you two talking about?"


    Victor hadn''t forgotten that it was Terrell who''d whisked Isadora awayst time.


    Terrell met Victor''s openly territorial stare and couldn''t help but say, "Victor, it''s not that you won. It''s that I lost to Isadora."


    "Oh, really?" Victor''s lips curled into a mocking smile.


    "I know you''ve helped her, but I''d still appreciate it if you kept your distance."


    Isadora elbowed Victor in the chest, embarrassed. "He''s not always the most diplomatic. Don''t mind him."


    Victor bristled inwardly. Him? Bad-tempered? And Terrell was the picture of patience and grace?


    Well, maybe tonight he''d show Isadora just how gentle he could be.


    But when he met the clear, slightly reproachful look in her eyes, his irritation melted away on the spot.


    Fine!


    After all, when your wife''s involved, she''s always right.