The Possesive Alpha

chapter 17

Isabelle's Perspective

The car ride was silent. Luca’s eyes stayed focused on the road while I stared outside, my thoughts running wild. I still couldn’t believe I was in New York… stuck with my kidnapper. No one would believe me if I told them. Who would think a successful businessman, charming and well-established, would kidnap someone? They’d think I was joking. I was lost in my thoughts when Luca’s deep voice broke the silence. "Isabelle, listen to me." His tone was serious. "This meeting is very important to me. If you do anything stupid, you will regret it. Every year, they arrange this ball where the most powerful businessmen from around the world gather. So, stick by my side. Don’t leave me. Otherwise, you won’t like what I’ll do to you. And one more thing—don’t disrespect me in front of them. Don’t even think about gathering attention because, in that ballroom, I am the most powerful man. So think before you speak." I clenched my fists and ignored him, turning my face to the window.

Who the hell does he think he is? Giving me a stupid speech like I’m going to obey him. If he doesn’t want me to get attention, then that’s exactly what I’ll do. "I said, do you understand what I’m saying, Izzy? Stop ignoring me!" His voice was sharp, and his grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Don’t make me stop the car. Give me a damn answer." Bark, all you want, asshole. "Yes, I understood," I said coldly, not even glancing at him. Luca sighed deeply, frustrated. "God, you’re so annoying sometimes, Izzy." "Then let me go if I annoy you so much," I shot back, glaring at him.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Never. Not in your dreams." I rolled my eyes. "In your dreams, asshole." As we drove further, we passed by my apartment. The lights were off. My heart ached, and tears burned in my eyes. I wanted to see Jess. I wanted to hug her. But this asshole would never let me. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the ballroom. It was grand, filled with rich, important people. Before stepping out, Luca leaned towards me. "Remember, Izzy—act smart if you don’t want a punishment." I swallowed hard. I hated the way he spoke, always threatening, always controlling. He stepped out and handed the car keys to the valet, then walked over to open my door. He reached for my hand, and I took it reluctantly, not wanting to risk anything. As we entered, the air smelled of expensive perfume, and the chandelier above cast a golden glow across the room. Elegant guests sipped champagne while murmuring in low voices.

"Good evening, Luca," a familiar voice said. I turned to see the same guy from the last party—Eric. "Yes, Eric. What the hell are you doing here?" I blurted. Luca shot me a look. "Izzy, keep quiet. He’s my right hand. He attends every meeting with me." He motioned towards the guards standing around the ballroom. "And look around. My men are everywhere. So don’t try anything." I swallowed, my gaze flickering across the room. And that’s when I saw them. Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Jessica’s parents. My stomach dropped. What were they doing here? I quickly scanned the room, searching for Jess. But she wasn’t here. My mind spun with questions. How did Luca know them? Did they know what he had done to me? "Earth to Isabelle," Luca’s voice pulled me back to reality. I blinked and realized Eric was gone. Luca smirked. "Do you want to greet them?" "L-Luca… how do you know them?" I stuttered. His smirk deepened. "Stone and I do business together. Now you see, your loved ones are under the same roof as me. Be careful."

"Greetings, Mr. Knight!" Jessica’s father approached us. My breath caught in my throat. "Mr. Knight, it’s an honour to have you at our event." Luca gave a polite nod. "Thank you for inviting me, Stone." Mrs. Stone turned to me, her eyes lighting up. "Isabelle? Is that you?" Before I could respond, she pulled me into a warm hug. "My dear, you didn’t come to visit us! How are things in New York? Are you and Jessica enjoying college?" I froze, my gaze darting to Luca. He was watching, waiting for my answer. "Mom! There you are! I was looking everywhere for you!" Jessica’s voice rang through the room. My head snapped towards her. She gasped, her eyes widening. "Isabelle?! Oh my god! When did you come back?" She threw her arms around me, and I hugged her tightly. Tears pricked my eyes. "I missed you so much, Jess," I whispered. She pulled back, frowning. "If you missed me, why didn’t you call? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back? And who is this?" She motioned towards Luca. I hesitated.