Page 4 of Blackwell Manor: A Lesson in Submission

“Isabella.”

Elias’s voice.

A sharp, commanding cut through the moment.

Isabella jerked back, pulse hammering. She turned toward the door—

And there he was.

Standing in the library entrance, watching them.

Watching her. Watching Lillian.

The look in his eyes was deadly calm, but his posture was stiff, his jaw tight.

He had seen everything.

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Elias’s Silent Warning

For a long moment, no one spoke.

The tension in the room crackled, unbearable, and Isabella knew—she knew—she had just crossed into something dangerous.

Slowly, Lillian smiled, amused, unbothered. As if she enjoyed the show.

“Elias,” she purred, stepping away from Isabella as though nothing had happened. “You’re home early.”

He didn’t respond.

His gaze was on Isabella.

Heavy. Dark. Calculating.

And she couldn’t move.

Her knees were locked, her hands frozen against the desk, her body still buzzing from Lillian’s touch, from the lingering heat of her breath against her skin.

Something stirred in Elias’s gaze—something deep, dangerous, possessive.

Isabella felt it.

And then, without a word, he turned and walked away, his footsteps slow, deliberate, disappearing down the hall.

Only when he was gone did Isabella finally exhale, her lungs burning, her fingers gripping the desk so tightly her knuckles ached.

Behind her, Lillian chuckled.

“Oh, darling,” she murmured, her voice dripping with sweet, sinful delight. “I think he likes you.”

Isabella’s heart slammed against her ribs.

She was in deep, deep trouble.

And she wasn’t sure she wanted to get out.

Chapter 3 – The Private Dinner

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