The Billionaire's secret love

that it was hard to pinpoint exactly when it happened. He found himself thinking about Isabella at odd moments-during meetings, while reviewing c

tractions. He never had been. Yet, as the days wore on, it became harder and harder to ignore the deep sense of connection he felt whenever

eople who depended on him. Isabella was a reporter. She was a part of the world he had always kept at arm's

idn't stop him from thinking about their conversations, the way she had made him feel seen in a way he had

al investors, his phone vibrated again. He glanced down, expecting

sabella

xander

Blac

in soon. There's something I'd like to discuss with you-som

e

lla T

sn't prepared for. She had always been professional with him before-candid, yes, but nev

could take the risk and meet her again, knowing that every moment spent with her

't thin

exander

abella

To

evening. Let me know

e

der Bl

phone down with a heavy breath. This wasn't just a

-

e where he usually went when he needed to get away from the demands of his public life. It was a quie

ck to the wall, a glass of wine in front of her. She had chosen a dark green dress that a

. There was no business talk here, no agenda-just the two of th

er voice warm but guarded. "

chair to sit down across from her. "I

r a long breath, she spoke. "I know this isn't exactly a typical dinner invitation," she began, her

weight that made him uneasy, though he masked it with a ca

han you let on. You've built an empire, but there's a part of you that's

n't expected her to be so direct, so perceptive. It was one thing to talk about busi

e defensive despite his best efforts. "I'm not

hat's the problem, Mr. Blackwood," she said quietly. "You think you're fine, but you're not. Y

se something in her voice, something in the way she said those words, made him feel like she h

ing to waver. He wanted to argue, to push her away, but a part of him

need to stop pretending you don't need anything or anyone. No one can build an empire

ing for? What was she really offering? Was this about un

after a long pause, his voice low. "But it's exhausting.

table. The touch was unexpected, gentle, and it sent a shock

e said softly. "I just want you to let so

t. The tipping point. The moment where everything could change. Where

his instincts and his desire for something more raged within hi

inged with uncertainty. "I don't know if

f understanding, of patience, of acceptance. "That's

der allowed himself to believe that may