“You asked who I was,” he said, releasing my hands and straightening his suit as if nothing had happened. “Hello, Isabella Carter—Alexander Hayes at your service.”

I stared at him. Then I laughed—loud, uncontrollable, completely unladylike. “Alexander Hayes?” I gasped between breaths. “The CEO of Hayes Energy? So now you’re an imposter too? That’s impressive.”

He didn’t react. Just watched me, expression blank.

When my laughter finally died, he dipped his head slightly, almost mockingly polite.

“We’ll meet again soon, Isabella,” he said softly.

A chill ran down my spine. “Is that a threat?”

His lips curved faintly, something dark flickering in his eyes. “A promise.”

He turned to leave, voice drifting back over his shoulder.

“I hope you’ll be ready for your new reality.”

I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding. “What are you talking about?”

He didn’t stop.

“Forget it,” he added, “No amount of preparation will get you ready for what’s coming.”