Isabelle's POV

Marcus Aurelius didn't like being caught off guard. I knew that before I even walked through the office door. Men like him built empires on control and predictability. Nothing unsettled them more than something that didn't go according to plan.

The element of surprise was my best weapon.

The secretary announced me, giving me a curious look before making the call. I declined the chair and waited standing. That was part of the plan too. August didn't know I was in the building