The name change had been just the beginning of my transformation. I’d altered my appearance too—hazel contacts that changed my distinctive green eyes, subtle makeup techniques that reshaped my features, a sophisticated wardrobe that screamed confidence.
My hair was still long and dark, but I wore it differently now—sleek, professional styles that Isabella Garrett could never have afforded.
I looked like a completely different person.
I was a completely different person.
Chapter Eight
Isabella’s POV
Two weeks in Virginia, and I was already drowning in meetings.
Back-to-back negotiations with potential partners. Due diligence reviews that lasted until midnight. Conference calls with Zurich that started at ungodly hours because of the time difference. Interviews for key positions. It had been my idea to Alexander to establish a new market in the U.S., not only to tap into the U.S. market, but because most of our clientele was in the U.S. However, it was not my idea to establish this new office in Virginia. But I saw his reasoning behind it. Virginia was a good market—strategically positioned near Washington D.C., with strong business incentives, a growing tech corridor, and easy access to both East Coast and international clients. The task was exhausting, but if anyone was up to it, it was me, because whatever I set my mind to, I made sure it flourished.
I’d barely had time to breathe over the last fourteen days, let alone think about the ghosts lurking in this city.
Which was exactly how I preferred it.
Tonight, though, was different. Tonight was the annual Tech Innovators Gala. It was the kind of event where deals worth hundreds of millions were made over champagne and careful conversation. Whereevery tech CEO, venture capitalist, and industry leader who mattered would be in attendance.
Alexander had insisted I go, show them Crane Internationale was a force to be reckoned with in the American market.
So here I was, standing in front of the full-length mirror in the penthouse I’d rented upon arrival to Virginia. It was a two bedroom, one for me and one for Adele, though Adele always slept in my room.
I adjusted the dress I had on, the one I’d intentionally purchased with the intent to make a statement. I thought of it like an “I’m back, bitches” kind of dress.
It was a yellow silk dress that clung to every curve of my body before flowing to the floor. It was backless, with a neckline that was just shy of scandalous, and a slit that rode up to my thigh.
I’d paired it with diamond earrings and black heels that added three inches to my height. My dark hair was swept into an elegant updo that showed off the dramatic back of the dress. And my makeup, though minimalistic, was bold and powerful to elevate the sharpness of my features.
I looked like I’d been born to this life instead of clawing my way into it. Isabella Garrett could never have afforded this dress, could never have carried herself with this kind of confidence.
But Estelle Crawford? She owned it.
“Woah…you look beautiful, Mommy,” Adele gasped as she stumbled into my room holding her teddy. “You look like Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast.”
I turned away from the mirror, meeting her awed gaze with a smile. “Princess Belle, huh? That’s a bit of a stretch now, isn’t it?”
She shook her head. “Princess Belle’s dress is yellow just like yours, and you did your hair the way she did when she was going on that date with the beast.”
“Oh, did I?” I chuckled. “I had no idea.”
“Do you have a date tonight, Mommy?”
“What?” My eyes widened. “Oh no, Adele. I’m attending a gala. It’s for business.”
“Will you come back in time to read me abedtime story?”
I nodded. “Before eight, I promise.”
She nodded with a smile. “Nanny Sarah said we are going to watch Finding Nemo. She’s already setting up the DVD.”
I crouched in front of her and smoothed her wavy black hair. “That’s good.”
I’d hired a nanny who would look after Adele while I was away at work and also guide her through age-appropriate learning activities.
I’d had to evaluate and cross-evaluate before settling on Sarah Miller, a part-time college student. She was diligent, respectful, and most importantly, she got along well with Adele.