Chapter 25 The Cost of Secrets The number sat on Islas desk like a ticking time bomb. For the past hour, she had stared at it, debating. The woman at the bar had made it clearsomeone close to her was involved in the offshore account scandal. But who? A knot tightened in her stomach as she picked up her phone. She dialed. A voice finally answered, smooth and impassive. You took longer than I expected. Islas fingers clenched around the phone. I dont like games. Who are you? A soft chuckle. Names dont matter. What matters is that youre asking the right questions. Her patience wore thin. Cut the cryptic act. Whos behind the offshore account? A pause. Someone you trust. Her chest constricted. Give me a name. The line went dead. Isla slammed her phone down, her pulse roaring in her ears. This wasnt just about Caldwell anymore. It was about betrayal. And she had no idea who was pulling the strings. The next morning, Isla walked into the office with an unreadable expression, concealing the storm brewing inside her. She needed answers, and she needed them now. Sarah, she called as she reached her office. Her investigator appeared instantly, a folder in hand. We traced the offshore transactions. The primary link is She hesitated. Islas stomach dropped. Sarah exhaled. Someone within our own company. And… She slid the folder across the desk. Islas hands trembled slightly as she flipped it open. Her breath caught. Nolan Whitmore. The room spun. No, she whispered. Sarahs voice was careful. I triple-checked. His name is linked to multiple financial moves connected to the offshore account. Isla snapped the folder shut. This doesnt make sense. Had Nolan been playing her all along? Or was there more to this than what it seemed? That evening, Isla found herself standing outside Nolans penthouse. She wasnt even sure how she got thereher body had moved on autopilot, her mind consumed by betrayal and unanswered questions. She knocked once. The door opened almost immediately, and there he was. Nolan took one look at her face and sighed. You found out. Anger boiled in her chest. So, its true? He ran a hand through his hair. Its not what you think. She shoved the folder against his chest. Then explain. He didnt take it. Instead, he held her gaze. Her pulse quickened. Then where? A shadow passed through his eyes. Somewhere no one can hear us. A chill ran down her spine. Because for the first time, she wasnt sure if she could trust him anymore. 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...