Chapter 1 Billionaire's Scandal

• For the past few weeks, Maximilian Blackwood and his fiancée, Isabella Fontaine, had been tirelessly preparing for their engagement party. Both the Blackwood and Fontaine families were equally excited to celebrate their children’s union.
• “You know, Max really adores you,” Alicia, Isabella’s best friend, said with a warm smile. “I hope to find someone like him someday.”
• “You will, Alicia. Someone even better,” Isabella reassured her, squeezing her hand.
• Alicia chuckled. “I can’t wait for tomorrow—I want to see Max’s reaction when he sees you in that dress.”
• Isabella beamed, her excitement barely contained. “I just want everything to be perfect.”
• “It will be, as long as you don’t stress yourself out beforehand.”
• “I know, I know,” Isabella sighed. “I just need to drop by the company real quick. I want to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
• Alicia groaned. “Isa, can’t you leave work for one day? Max can handle it.”
• “I won’t stay long,” Isabella promised. “Just a quick check-in.”
• When Isabella stepped into Maximilian’s office, his sharp gaze met hers immediately. “Isa, what are you doing here?” He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’re supposed to be resting, not running around before our big day.”
• She smiled, walking up to him. “I was at my father’s office and figured I’d stop by to see your handsome face.”
• Maximilian sighed, pulling her into his arms. “You never listen.” His fingers brushed against her hair. “Take the day off—for me.”
• Isabella kissed his cheek. “I’ll head back now. See you later, love.”
• As Isabella exited the building, lost in thoughts of her engagement, she nearly collided with someone.
• “Happiness seems to be clouding your vision, huh?” a familiar voice teased.
• She looked up to see Adam Francisco, Maximilian’s best friend, smirking at her.
• “Adam,” she greeted. “I should watch my steps more carefully.”
• He placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. “Now, that almost sounded like an apology. What kind of monster do you think I am?”
• Isabella rolled her eyes with a smile. “It’s been a while since I saw you. Where have you been?”
• Adam leaned against the wall, his dark raven hair falling over part of his face. “Busy searching for a bride since the one I had my eyes on was snatched right from under my nose.” His smirk deepened. “Or don’t you want me to get married too, Isa?”
• She raised an eyebrow. “One would think you and I had something going on and I was stolen from you.” She tilted her head playfully. “Tell me, what kind of bride do you want? I can find one for you.”
• “Drop it, Isa.” Adam’s voice lowered. “How about a drink? A last toast for an old friend?”
• “I should be heading back,” Isabella hesitated.
• “Just one drink,” Adam coaxed. “Come on, indulge me.”
• With a small sigh, she relented. “Fine. One drink.”
• Adam took Isabella to one of his father’s private wine shops. The place was unusually empty.
• “Quiet tonight,” Isabella noted, sipping her wine.
• “I made a reservation. No interruptions,” Adam said smoothly.
• Her brows furrowed slightly. “Why the privacy?”
• He chuckled. “Think about it—a fiancée to Maximilian Blackwood, seen having drinks with his best friend late at night. What do you think people would say?”
• Isabella rolled her eyes. “Please. We’re friends. It’s nothing scandalous.”
• Adam swirled the wine in his glass, watching her. “Of course, Isa.”
• A sudden dizziness washed over Isabella. She pressed a hand to her temple. “I feel… strange.”
• Adam’s lips curled into a smirk. “Relax, Isa. Just drink up, and I’ll take you home.”
• Her vision blurred as she finished the wine. When she tried to stand, the world tilted.
• “Come on,” Adam murmured, placing a firm hand on her waist as he led her out.
• Instead of taking her back to her hotel, Adam drove her to his apartment. Once inside, he carried her into his bedroom, laying her down gently. His fingers traced her face before he reached for her phone and powered it off.
• A wicked smile played on his lips as he began unbuttoning her dress. “I told you, Isa,” he whispered, “if I can’t have you… neither can he.”
• The Next Morning
• Maximilian arrived at Adam’s apartment in a hurry, knocking on the door with force. He had been trying to reach Isabella all night, but her phone had been off. Worry gnawed at his chest, and the uneasy feeling that something was wrong refused to leave him.
• After a few moments, the door opened, revealing Adam, dressed casually in a robe, his hair slightly tousled.
• “Max,” Adam greeted with a lazy smirk. “What brings you here so early?”
• Maximilian’s sharp gaze swept over him. “Where’s Isabella?” His voice was controlled, but there was an edge to it.
• Adam leaned against the doorframe. “Still asleep. You should’ve called before barging in.”
• Ignoring him, Maximilian pushed past and stormed inside. His heart clenched when he spotted Isabella lying unconscious on the bed, wrapped in nothing but the sheets.
• His entire body tensed. “What the hell is this?” His voice was low and dangerous.
• Adam shrugged. “Isn’t it obvious? We spent the night together.”
• Maximilian’s hands curled into fists as he strode toward Isabella. He gently shook her. “Isa, wake up,” he urged.
• Isabella stirred, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes. The moment her gaze met Maximilian’s, confusion clouded her expression. She tried to sit up, only to realize her state of undress.
• “What…?” Her voice was hoarse, and her head pounded. “Max…?”
• Adam chuckled. “Morning, sweetheart.”
• Isabella’s face paled as she looked between the two men. “What’s going on?”
• Maximilian’s jaw clenched. “That’s what I’d like to know.”
• “You don’t remember?” Adam asked, feigning concern. “We had a good time last night.”
• Isabella’s breath caught. “No. That’s not possible. I—I was just having a drink…”
• Maximilian stepped back, his heart hammering. His mind screamed at him to trust Isabella, but the sight before him—the way she was lying in Adam’s bed, the satisfied smirk on Adam’s face—sent a wave of fury crashing through him.
• “Tell me the truth, Isabella,” he said, his voice tight. “Did you sleep with him?”
• Tears welled in her eyes. “Max, I don’t remember anything! You have to believe me!”
• Adam sighed dramatically. “Come on, Isa. No need to be shy now.”
• Maximilian’s fists clenched at his sides, his breathing ragged. The betrayal he felt was suffocating.
• Isabella reached for him desperately. “Max, please—”
• But he stepped back, his gaze cold. “I need some air.” Without another word, he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
• Isabella’s chest tightened as she turned to Adam. “What did you do to me?”
• Adam simply smiled, picking up his glass of whiskey. “Isn’t it obvious, darling?”
• Tears spilled down Isabella’s cheeks. She had to prove her innocence.