Chapter 4My Husband Is The Rival

After signing the papers, I disappeared into the high-security labs of DM BioTech. I ignored every call from Alex, every text from the Harts. I stayed until the first phase of the clinical trials was locked.

When I finally emerged, I found a scene I didn't expect. The Harts and Alex were standing in the lobby of the DM Research Center, looking frantic.

I had given orders to blackball both families. Why were they here?

I turned to take the side elevator, but Alex spotted me.

"Isabel!" he roared, charging across the lobby. He grabbed my arm and shoved me against the wall. My head cracked against the marble, and my ears began to ring. "I knew it! You’re the one blocking Lucy’s spot in the trial!"

I didn't have the energy for this. I tried to pull away, but he pinned me harder.

"The Harts already wired you a million dollars as a settlement! What more do you want? Why are you trying to kill her?" He was shaking with rage. "Lucy needs to be part of this research team to get priority access to the trial drug. Her heart can't wait. Do you really want her blood on your hands?"

Lucy was leaning weakly against my mother, playing the frail victim to perfection. I knew her medical history—she had a murmur, but it wasn't the death sentence she was pretending it was.

"This project is a joint venture between DM and Hart Pharmaceuticals," Alex spat. "Who do you think you are? You claim you don't want anything from the Harts, yet here you are, clinging to a research position just to spite her. You’re pathetic."

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my face. "One phone call from me, and I’ll have you fired. You’ll be lucky if you can get a job as a school nurse when I’m done."

My assistant, Sarah, came running over, looking horrified. "I am so sorry, Dr. Hart—I mean, Ms. Sterling. I didn't know they would force their way in."

Alex misinterpreted her apology. He turned to Sarah, sneering. "You're damn right you're sorry. Get your boss, Anna, down here in ten minutes. If I don't see her, Cross Holdings pulls every cent of investment from this project."

My mother stepped up, her face twisted in a mask of self-righteousness. "And tell her if Isabel isn't gone by tonight, the Harts are pulling out too!"

Lucy watched me, a tiny, triumphant smile tugging at her lips. She thought she had won. She thought money and influence could buy her a seat at a table she hadn't earned.

But they didn't realize that I wasn't just a researcher. I was the reason they were even in the building.

Sarah stood frozen. Alex growled, "What are you waiting for? Call Anna!"

I held up a hand to stop Sarah. "Let him."

Alex pulled out his phone, his eyes fixed on mine. "Fine. Watch your career die, Isabel."

He hit the speed dial.

A second later, a clear, crisp ringtone echoed through the silent marble lobby.

It was coming from my pocket.