Right now, the only person who could help her was Benjamin Gomez.

Benjamin was a force to be reckoned with-he had made a name for himself abroad, thriving on his own before returning home in a blaze of glory.

These days, the Gomez family was already considering Benjamin as their next

successor.

A flicker of conflict crossed Isabella Austin's eyes.

She had never replied to any of his messages, but she knew deep down: if she reached out, Benjamin would never turn her away.

And Benjamin's connections overseas ran deep. The organizers of the competition were foreigners—maybe, just maybe, he could sway them.

But Benjamin was obsessive. His possessiveness bordered on madness, especially when they were abroad; back then, his relentless need for control had left her completely defenseless.

When she tried to break things off, Benjamin had gone so far as to threaten suicide.

Their history was something she could never speak of openly. Most damning of all was that one incident...

If the Lane family ever found out, it would turn her life upside down.

She already had the Lane family now. She had Andrew Lane, Dennis, and a perfectly good life.

Benjamin was unhinged. He didn't fear Andrew Lane-if anything, he was jealous of him.

If she really asked Benjamin for help, there was no way he'd let her go. The

peaceful, ideal life she'd built would be shattered, her past dragged into the light.

But right now, she had no choice. There was no one else.

After what felt like forever, Emily Blair finally dialed Benjamin's number.

He answered on the very first ring.

A low, shaky breath came through the line, Benjamin's voice thick with incredulous joy. "Isabella? You're calling me? You actually called?"

"Is it really you, Isabella? Is it really you? God, I've missed you. I've missed you so much..."

Isabella flushed, biting her lip. "It's me, Benjamin."

He let out a long sigh. "I knew you still thought about me. I knew you still cared, didn't you?"

Isabella pressed her lips together, her voice low and urgent. "That's not important right now. I'm in trouble. Can you help me?"

On the other end, Benjamin's tone sharpened instantly. "What happened? I'll be there right away."

With just a few hurried sentences, Isabella told him everything-holding nothing back.

Benjamin knew who she really was. He always had.

That was the only reason she felt any comfort.

Benjamin loved her all of her. He accepted her flaws, her jealousy, even her darkest secrets. Back when they were overseas, it was Benjamin who first suggested finding someone to boost her reputation, just to help her get ahead. That was why Isabella could confess everything to him, without shame.

Her voice softened. "Benjamin, I know you've got connections abroad. Just talk to the sponsors, ask them to let this go. It's not a big deal. You've always helped me before-remember?"

Benjamin gave a soft, almost satisfied laugh. "Why aren't you asking Andrew Lane for help? Isn't he your husband now?"

Isabella gritted her teeth. “You know why, Benjamin. Don't play dumb.”

He chuckled. “So you still trust me more than him, right?”

"Yes. I trust you most,” Isabella replied instantly. "So, will you help me?”

But Benjamin said, "I might. But what's in it for me?"

"You... What's gotten into you?" Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "You never used to ask for anything in return."