Chapter 3 Billionaire's Scandal

• As Adam walked out of the engagement hall, Isabella’s heart sank. Her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the fabric of her dress. Adam was unpredictable, and that terrified her.
• “I’m here with you, Isa. Relax,” Maximilian murmured, his warm hand covering hers.
• She forced a nod, pasting a smile on her face as guests approached to congratulate them. But no matter how hard she tried, Adam’s presence lingered like a dark cloud in her mind.
• By the time the party ended, it had already made headlines. Social media was flooded with pictures of the grand engagement, but behind the glamour, Isabella’s mind was a whirlwind of fear.
• Maximilian noticed her unease as they got home. “Are you okay?” he asked, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
• “I don’t know how I feel.” She exhaled shakily. “I’m happy… but I’m scared too.”
• “Scared of what?” His voice hardened. “Adam?”
• Isabella hesitated before nodding. “He caught me off guard today. He hurt me, Max. He hurt both of us, and I don’t know what he’s planning next.”
• Maximilian’s jaw clenched. “Adam is a bastard. Whatever he’s up to, I’ll handle it. You don’t have to be afraid.”
• Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen before answering. “Hello?”
• A slow, mocking chuckle greeted him.
• “Congratulations on your engagement, Maximilian Blackwood. What a man you are,” Adam sneered.
• Maximilian’s grip on the phone tightened. “How dare you, Adam? How dare you touch Isa? I regret the day I ever called you my best friend!” He slammed his fist on the table, making Isabella flinch. Sensing her fear, he quickly softened. “I’d never hurt you, love.”
• Adam’s laughter rang through the speaker. “All this anger for me? You should be directing it at your loose wife-to-be. Tell me, Max—what kind of woman spreads her legs so easily?”
• Rage flooded Maximilian’s veins. “You sick bastard! I know what you did to her. You’ll pay for it. Or have you forgotten that your family’s company is at my mercy? One word from me, and it’ll be reduced to dust.”
• A beat of silence passed before Adam chuckled again. “Company? Please. I couldn’t care less. But you and your precious fiancée? You’re both at my mercy.”
• Maximilian’s stomach twisted with unease. “What the hell are you talking about?”
• “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.” Adam’s voice dripped with amusement. “But since you’re so impatient… tell me, Max—what will the world say when they see naked pictures of your darling fiancée?”
• Maximilian’s blood ran cold. He turned to Isabella, his expression demanding answers. “What?”
• Isabella lowered her head, guilt and shame washing over her face.
• Adam’s voice came again, laced with mockery. “Your cupcake looked so good, I just had to take some pictures for later. Nothing personal.”
• The call ended with another cruel laugh.
• Maximilian stood frozen for a second before slamming his phone down. “He has pictures of you? Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice wasn’t angry—just desperate. “Isa, this isn’t good.”
• Tears welled in her eyes. “I—I didn’t know how to tell you. I was ashamed.”
• Maximilian cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Look at me. This is not your fault. You hear me?”
• She nodded, but her expression remained haunted. “I don’t know how I got into this mess, Max… or how I’m going to get out of it.”
• “Come here.” He pulled her into his arms, his lips capturing hers in a slow, reassuring kiss.
• Their movements grew more urgent as hands explored, as fears melted away—at least for a little while. For now, nothing else mattered.
• The next morning, Alicia arrived.
• “How was last night?” she asked, eyeing Isabella carefully.
• Isabella sighed. “Adam called Max. He… he has pictures of me, Alicia. And he threatened to leak them.”
• Alicia feigned surprise. “Oh my God. What did Max say?”
• “He told me to trust him. He’s going to handle it.”
• Alicia offered a small, reassuring smile. “Then relax, Isa. Trust him.”
• She stood to leave, but the moment she stepped outside, her phone was already in her hand.
• “He’s not afraid,” she hissed into the receiver. “They’re too damn relaxed.”
• “So what do you suggest?” came the voice on the other end.
• “Release the pictures.”
• A slow chuckle. “Consider it done.”
• Maximilian wasn’t wasting time. While Adam plotted his next move, he was already pulling strings. He needed evidence—proof that Adam had drugged Isabella and taken advantage of her.
• But Adam was one step ahead. He was prepared to leak the pictures that night.
• Unfortunately for him, he never made it that far.
• As Adam left his penthouse that evening, a tall man approached him.
• “Mr. Adam?”
• Adam arched a brow. “Depends. Who’s asking?”
• The man smiled. “My name is Alex. Isabella sent me.”
• Adam’s smirk widened. “Isabella Fontaine?”
• “Yes, sir.”
• Adam hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. Lead the way.”
• They walked through the parking lot toward a sleek black SUV. Just as Adam reached the door—
• A sharp blow struck the back of his head.
• Darkness.
• When Adam woke up, he was tied to a chair in a dimly lit room. A dull ache pulsed in his skull.
• “Where am I?” he muttered, struggling against the restraints.
• “That,” came a familiar voice, “is for hurting my Isa.”
• A fist collided with Adam’s jaw, sending his head snapping back.
• He coughed, spitting blood onto the floor. “Damn, Max. Your punches have improved.” He grinned despite the pain. “Are we working out together now?”
• Maximilian’s face was a mask of fury as he grabbed Adam by the collar. “You have no idea how much I want to kill you right now.”
• Adam smirked. “So why don’t you?”
• Max’s grip tightened. “Because that would be too easy.” He let go, shoving Adam back into the chair. “You’re going to rot in here. And you will pay for what you did to her.”
• Adam laughed, wincing at the pain in his ribs. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
• Maximilian turned to Alex. “Keep an eye on him. And if he even breathes wrong, break his damn face.”
• Adam grinned. “You might want to hurry home, Max. What if something happens to Isabella while you’re busy playing hero?”
• Maximilian didn’t respond—just landed one last punch before storming out.
• Back home, Isabella’s phone buzzed with a notification. She picked it up, her heart stopping as she read the message.
• “They’ll be released tonight.”
• Her hands shook as she opened the attached file—her own naked pictures staring back at her.
• Her breath hitched.
• “Oh my God.”