Isabella's POV
The truth hits me like a sledgehammer to the chest while I'm reviewing Marcus's security report thirty minutes before our emergency meeting with Tanaka. The patterns he's uncovered are so obvious in hindsight that I'm furious at myself for missing them.
"Damien." My voice comes out tight with shock and rage. "Look at this."
He's adjusting his tie in the mirror, preparing for what we thought would be damage control negotiations. But the document I'm staring at changes everything.
"The European attacks," I continue, my hands shaking slightly as I point to Marcus's findings. "Every single one can be traced back to companies that have lost market share to Cross-Sterling over the past two years."
"Competitors hitting back?" Damien moves to read over my shoulder, his body heat and familiar scent doing nothing to calm my racing pulse. "That's not exactly shocking."
