***Threads of Malice***
The sun was setting over the city, casting a golden glow on a charity gala hosted by Carrington Enterprises. Elegance was in the air, and the city's elite gathered for an opulence evening.
Amidst the chatter and champagne, Olivia Grant was a woman on a mission. A mission is driven by jealousy and revenge against Alex and Amy.
She felt a surge of intrigue when she spotted Isabella, a woman she hadn't seen before, engaged in warm conversation with Alex. Olivia, calculating and poised, saw an opportunity.
Approaching Isabella, she feigned interest in a casual introduction.
"Forgive me for intruding," Olivia said with a practiced smile, "You must be a friend of Alex's? I'm Olivia Grant, a business associate of Alex's."
Isabella, unsuspecting and friendly, greeted Olivia warmly.
"Yes. It's lovely to meet you, Olivia."
"You seem to be quite close to Alex," Olivia remarked, her eyes narrowing.
"I must admit, I'm a little surprised I haven't seen you around before."
Isabella laughed, a touch of warmth in her voice.
"Oh, Alex and I go way back to our college days. We were apart for so long and just recently reunited. It's been wonderful catching up with an old friend."
Olivia's eyes flicked to where Alex was standing, and she observed how he looked at Isabella, the care in his eyes. A pang of jealousy twisted inside her, but she concealed it with a practiced smile.
"It's clear that you two have a deep connection. Perhaps even more than friendship?" she said, her voice dripping with insinuation.
Isabella blushed slightly but did not confirm Olivia's assumption.
"We have a strong bond, yes. He's a dear friend."
Olivia's mind was working, connecting dots and weaving a new narrative.
"Perhaps we should get to know each other better, Isabella. We seem to have a lot in common."
Isabella hesitated but finally agreed. They found a quiet corner, away from the bustling crowd. Olivia's eyes sparkled with faux interest as she asked,
"So, Isabella, what brings you back into Alex's life? It must be a fascinating story."
Isabella looked a bit uncomfortable, her eyes searching Olivia's face.
"Well, Alex and I were very close many years ago. We were even engaged, but things didn't go as planned, and we were separated."
Olivia's eyebrows shot up, her interest piqued.
"Engaged? That's quite a story. How did you find each other again?"
Isabella smiled, a distant look in her eyes.
"It was Alex and his friend, Amy, who found me. They've been so kind, taking care of me and my children. It's a blessing, really."
"Amy?" Olivia said, feigning surprise. "You know Amy as well?"
"Yes," Isabella replied, her eyes lighting up.
"She's been wonderful, helping me get back on my feet. It's clear she and Alex have a special connection. I'm glad he has her as a friend."
YOU ARE READING
Hearts Within
Romance"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern. "This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere." Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied. "I'm just doing my job...
