Chapter 27 A Game of Deception Islas pulse thrummed as she stood across from Nolan, the weight of his confession still settling in. She had spent so much time trying to piece together the puzzle, only to realize she had been missing a critical piece all along. But now, it was right in front of her. And it changed everything. Youre telling me, she said slowly, her voice controlled despite the storm inside her, that you planted your name in Caldwells transactions… just to bait them? Nolan met her gaze evenly. I needed access. She folded her arms. And what exactly did you find? His silence stretched a beat too long. Her stomach tightened. Finally, he spoke. Theyre laundering money through shell companies, routing it through international accounts to keep it untraceable. But thats not the worst part. A sinking feeling settled in her chest. What is? Theyre not just hiding money, Isla. Theyre hiding people. Her breath hitched. People? He nodded grimly. Theres a human trafficking operation buried under all the financial cover-ups. Thats why theyre so desperate to keep their transactions clean. If the right people dig deep enough, it all unravels. The room seemed to shrink around her. This wasnt just corporate corruption. This was something far worse. And youve known this? she whispered. For months, he admitted. But I didnt have proof. Not enough to take them down. Thats why I needed to stay close. A sudden realization struck her. Thats why you brought me in. Nolans expression hardened. I needed someone who could find the cracks in their system. Someone I could trust. She let out a bitter laugh. Trust? You let me believe you were the one behind all of this. I had to, he said, stepping closer. If they thought you trusted me, they wouldnt see you as a threat. Isla clenched her jaw. So, what now? Nolan reached for another file on his desk and handed it to her. Inside were documents, transaction histories, and She stopped cold. Photographs. Of children. Her fingers trembled as she flipped through the pages. This… she murmured, her voice breaking. Nolans voice was steel. This is why we cant lose. Isla swallowed hard, pushing aside the horror clawing at her. She had spent years rebuilding herself. Now, she had a chance to do something that truly mattered. She lifted her gaze to Nolan. Then lets take them down. His eyes darkened with resolve. 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...