Isabella~
"Are you Jordan Lucas?" I couldn't help but doubt the man standing before me as I stared at him.
"Bella, please be quiet," Xavier squeezed my hand tightly to silence me. I felt the tension radiating from his grip. The icy expression on his face upon seeing Jordan Lucas told me everything. This was undoubtedly Jordan, confirmed by Xavier's cold eyes. Yet something felt off. Jordan didn't resemble a gangster. His face looked far too innocent for someone involved in such deep crimes.
"You can use your power to fool anyone, Jordan, but a thick layer of lies can not conceal the truth for long." Xavier's voice cut through the tense air as his eyes blazed with anger. The rage simmering inside him was clear, and I saw his hatred ignite further when Jordan responded with a beaming smile.
"That's true," Jordan began, his smile widening. "And I think it's impressive that you discovered the truth, thanks to your ex-wife." His eyes met mine, not with lust as I feared, but with a storm of anger and frustration. The tension between us thickened as his gaze lingered.
"She is not my ex-wife; she is my lawyer." Xavier's jaw clenched, his words sharp.
The intensity in his voice took me by surprise. Why was he so triggered when Jordan called me his ex-wife? We didn't have a personal relationship, so why did he feel the need to correct Jordan? Confusion welled up inside me as I glanced at Xavier. What was this? Why did he care how Jordan referred to me?
"It's intriguing to see her in the role of your lawyer," Jordan's brows furrowed as his grin returned. He was playing a game, and he enjoyed every moment of it.
"Tell me, Miss Luis, why did you travel so far to look for me?"
I stiffened at his question. The way he addressed me directly, skipping over Xavier, sent chills down my spine. What was his motivation for acting so amiably toward me? What was he playing at?
"Why did you kill Alicia?" I seized the opportunity, unwilling to waste any more time. If he wanted a game, I'd play it too, but I wasn't going to be toyed with. My voice held steady, even though I felt the weight of the guards' guns aimed at us, ready to shoot at Jordan's signal.
"Bella, please be quiet. Let me handle it," Xavier urged, squeezing my hand harder, trying to keep me from pushing further.
"Why should I remain silent, Xavier?" I pulled my hand away from his, my voice firm. "Let me question him; that's the sole reason we've come this far."
The fear simmering inside me—the unknown city, the armed men surrounding us, the way Jordan's eyes darkened—threatened to take over, but I wasn't about to let it. My belief in the truth was stronger than my fear. I met Jordan's gaze head-on, refusing to back down.
Jordan laughed softly. "Miss Luis, I appreciate your directness. Unlike Xavier, who often draws me into his words, you don't waste my time." He gestured toward a set of garden chairs, inviting us to sit. "Come, let's sit and talk."
I followed his lead, sitting across from him as Xavier silently took his place beside me. Jordan leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs casually.
"If you already know that I killed Alicia, I'm confident you'll soon discover why I did it."
"Not now, but I will soon find out," I replied, my eyes never wavering from his face.
Jordan smiled, impressed by my confidence. "That's fantastic, but what assistance do you require from me?"
"I want to know why you trapped Xavier in this murder case," I folded my arms across my chest, refusing to back down.
"What exactly do you want?"
Xavier, visibly upset, remained silent as I continued my interrogation. He looked like he was struggling with the conversation, but I ignored his discomfort. This was my moment to uncover the truth.
Jordan's eyes flared with anger as he studied Xavier's face. "Because he messed with me and my late father—and because he kept dragging me into court cases for the past decade—I want him to pay for his mistakes."
"And what punishment do you want for him?" I pressed on, unwilling to let Jordan's fury intimidate me.
"I want him to endure the same pain and suffering he caused me," Jordan snarled, standing abruptly. His calm demeanor shattered, replaced by pure, unfiltered rage. "No lawyer in the world can get him out of jail; he will die behind bars. He won't pass away quickly—oh no, he will beg for death."
Even though I was shaken by his sudden outburst, I continued. "Why did you choose to involve him in this murder case when you could kill him at any time?"
"Bella, stop!" Xavier pleaded, standing up as well, his voice filled with concern. I could feel the tension radiating from him, but I pressed forward.
Jordan sneered. "Because he takes immense pleasure in the legal system. He thinks he can secure justice with his law degree. I plan to show him that no amount of evidence will save him. He'll be executed for a crime he didn't commit."
The confidence with which Jordan spoke shook me. He wasn't just challenging Xavier; he was challenging the entire legal system—and me directly.
"I'm sorry for your heartache, Mr. Lucas, but your wish to see him in prison will not come true." My anger boiled over, and I stood to face him. "I will not only prove his innocence in court but also expose you as Alicia's true killer."
Jordan's rage suddenly dissolved into a chilling smile. "Miss Luis, it will be enjoyable to play with you in court."
"Jordan, don't drag her into this," Xavier begged, desperation clear in his voice.
Jordan chuckled darkly. "Xavier, you're fooling yourself if you think she's not already involved. She has a deeper connection to you than you realize." He gave a menacing laugh, walking toward the house. "I'll see you in court, Miss Luis."
Before I could respond, Jordan disappeared into his home, leaving us standing there. What did he mean by "deeper connection"? His words echoed in my mind, confusing and unsettling me.
I looked at Xavier, who stood behind me with a defeated expression. It didn't matter what Jordan had said—I was now more determined than ever to prove Xavier's innocence.