Chapter 24 Buried Secrets The city skyline shimmered under the moonlight as Isla stood by her office window, her fingers wrapped around a glass of wine. The adrenaline from the board meeting still coursed through her veins. She had wonCaldwell was outbut the victory felt strangely hollow. A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. She sighed, placing her glass down before opening the door. Youre working late, he observed, stepping inside. She leaned against the desk, arms crossed. Not in the mood for small talk. What do you want? He smirked but didnt push. I found something. Thought youd want to see it. He handed her a folder, and as she flipped it open, her heart skipped a beat. Inside was a set of documentsfinancial records, hidden transactions, names she recognized but never expected to see together. Caldwell wasnt working alone. Her stomach tightened. Where did you get this? Nolan hesitated. She narrowed her eyes. Youre being vague. Its better if you dont know, he said. Isla exhaled sharply. I dont like being kept in the dark, Nolan. His gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. Trust me on this. She hated the word trust when it came to him. But for now, she let it go. The next morning, Isla wasted no time. She called an emergency meeting with her legal team, laying out the evidence. The transactions pointed to an offshore account linked to an unknown entity. We need to trace this, she instructed. Find out whos behind it. Her lead investigator, Sarah, nodded. Well get on it. As the team dispersed, Isla remained seated, staring at the documents. Something wasnt adding up. Caldwells betrayal was expected. But the depth of the conspiracy ran deeper than she had thought. And that meant more danger. By evening, Isla found herself at an upscale bar, nursing a drink as she waited. Her contact arriveda woman in a sharp navy suit, eyes calculating. You have thirty minutes, the woman said, sliding into the booth. Isla pushed a file across the table. Tell me what you know. The woman flipped through it, her lips curving into a smirk. Interesting. But this isnt the whole picture. Islas patience thinned. Then give me the rest. Then the woman leaned forward. The offshore account? Its tied to someone close to you. A chill ran down Islas spine. Who? she demanded. The womans smirk widened. Your call. She slid a number across the table before standing. When youre ready for the truth, dial it. And then she was gone. Isla stared at the number, dread curling in her stomach. Someone close to her was involved. And she wasnt sure she was ready to know who. In a romance-themed observation show, several participants undergo a series of interactions and conflicts filled with love, misunderstandings, and power struggles. In the end, one couple rises to over...