Isabelle's POV "I don't understand... why do you want to work there?" Camille asked, looking a little incredulous when she found out I was now August's secretary. "I don't want to stay home doing nothing," I replied. It was only half the truth, and judging by the look on her face, Camille knew there was more behind it. But it wasn't time to tell her yet. My cousin had been somewhat depressed these past few days. The theft accusation at the nightclub would be cleared up soon, but she'd lost her job, and since news traveled fast, it would be difficult for her to find another position at the same level. "What did you tell your mother?" I asked, changing the subject. "I made up an excuse. I told her it was time for a change of scenery. In the end, she was happy because now I'm home at night. It's not even really a lie... once all this is over, I'll actually need a change of scenery. Then I can start sending out resumes without worrying about my criminal record." "I'm sorry abou

Isabelle's POV I hadn't expected to be nervous on my first day at work, but as we approached the building, my stomach twisted. August kept looking at me strangely. I could tell he wanted to ask questions, to make sure I knew what I was doing. I intended to explain everything soon, but he'd probably think I was crazy. In fact, if I told him everything that was going through my head, he'd have no doubt I was insane. I walked into the company with the practiced confidence of someone who knew exactly where she was going. It was a lie. Once again, I found myself questioning my ideas and plans, none of which had produced the results I'd expected so far. But this time, it had to work. The reception area was busier than I'd imagined. Some faces were curious, while others were clearly indifferent. I smiled at the receptionist, who returned a polite smile before handing me a temporary ID badge. I rode up with August, still in silence. On his floor, they'd set up a desk for me. As s

Isabelle's POV With a week of work under my belt, I had already settled into the company's routine and August's routine. Maria still watched me with suspicion, but at least during that first week, I had managed to show her that I was more than just the boss's wife. Professionally and in our day-to-day interactions, I was on the same page as her. Little by little, I started learning people's names, getting closer to different groups, and moving among them, always keeping an ear out for gossip, especially anything involving the board. Of course, everyone clammed up whenever I approached, and no one in their right mind would gossip with me. The ideal target was someone opportunistic enough to sell information for money or favors. Diana had given me a few important names, but I needed to proceed carefully. I had to move naturally, without looking like someone who was hunting for information. Still, by the end of my first week, I decided to seek out Karina, Caesar's secretary. Acc

Isabelle's POV My stomach was still churning when I stopped in front of the low, gray building of the pretrial detention center. I'd sent my sister there, and I couldn't stop myself from feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. Finally, I'd brought Karen down the way she deserved. Before seeing her, I was searched. My purse, documents, and phone were all handed over, all recorded. One officer checked my name against a clipboard while another explained the rules in a monotone voice: no physical contact, limited time, and any change in tone would end the visit. I nodded silently. I didn't need to touch Karen. There would be no hugs. I doubted there was any feeling left between us at this point besides anger and resentment. The visitation area was small and looked makeshift, with plastic chairs and tables. Other women were there, some speaking quietly, others crying. An officer stood against the wall with his arms crossed, watching everything. Karen was escorted in, wearing clothe

August's POV John had managed to get information about Karen and Carl's case, but putting the whole puzzle together required a lawyer. And not just any lawyer. Someone extremely well connected, capable of accessing confidential information. Karen and Carl were still represented by the same attorney, although it was obvious that arrangement wouldn't last much longer, considering the direction the case was taking. The main charges were extortion, theft of information, and money laundering. Everyone knew they'd been doing this for years, but there had never been concrete evidence. Now, however, the situation was different. A wealthy businessman had been blackmailed, and everything had been clearly and explicitly documented, directly linking Carl and Karen to the scheme. There were documents, bank accounts in both their names receiving the payments, transfer records. They both claimed they were innocent. Karen said she didn't know anything about those accounts, but the information