Roman shrugged, his gaze never wavering. "Business is business. And in the end, everyone got what they wanted. The IPA got rid of a threat—the unethical practices of your family have been exposed and terminated, I gained new technology, and you…you’re free from the shackles of that legacy. You got your freedom, something you've always desired."
Every word that spilled from his lips deepened the furrows on my forehead, and I had to remind myself to keep my breathing even, lest my agitation show.
Isla's face was a painting of mixed emotions—shock, anger, and a hint of sadness. Her family's legacy, one she'd been so passionate about preserving in her parents’ honor, had been sacrificed in this elaborate game. To see her so devastated made my insides churn with fury.
"You never cared for anyone but yourself."
Roman's sharp gaze met mine, and I could sense the calculating nature behind those cold eyes. "It was necessary.” His voice was almost soothing. "A necessary sacrifice. You should be thanking me. I was able to free Isla from the chains of her family's expectations and deliver her into your arms."
I growled, my patience wearing thin. "Enough of this. You have done enough damage. Stay away from her."
"We'll see about that. We’re still business partners, after all." Roman smirked, his arrogance apparent. “Especially since her grandfather is no more.”
“What do you mean, ‘no more’?” Isla asked, frowning. “We signed the merger contract. He has no rights to either company anymore.”
Roman’s cocky demeanor deflated, his face appeared apologetic. “Your grandfather had a heart attack during the evacuation. He’s no longer with us.”
Isla frowned, but I could sense a great whirlpool of emotions from her through our bond.
“I’m sorry, Isla,” I whispered, kissing her forehead as I pressed her harder against my side.
“There’s no need to be sorry,” Isla replied, glaring at Roman. “While I can’t say that I don't feel sad about his passing, the truth is, he was no longer the man I had looked up to. Ever since my parents were assassinated, he became someone I didn’t recognize anymore. It was always about the legacy, keeping power and wealth, and never about family.”
“What do you want us to do with his body?” Roman asked, gently. “You’re his next of kin.”
“Cremation,” she replied swiftly, as if she’d thought about it before. “Use his ash to make a cremation diamond. His body can become the one thing he cared about—wealth and legacy.”
Roman raised an eyebrow. “Do you want the diamond to be set into jewelry?”
“Have them make a ring…but I don’t know if I would ever wear it.”
“Understood.” Roman nodded. “I’ll see to it. Will you be attending the ceremony before you leave Earth?”
Isla’s head snapped toward me. “We’re leaving Earth?”
“Yes, tomorrow.” I sighed, shooting a glare at the human male. “I was going to tell you. I was granted leave. I’d like to spend my time getting to know you in a vacation pod the IPA has purchased for us on my home planet, X’thyrl.”
“Purchased?” Isla tilted her head.
“The IPA has compensated you for the damages done to your property,” Roman explained. “And for looking after an IPA commander. You've been awarded IPA citizenship and a credit chip, into which I'll deposit money from our company's profits.
"I was telling the truth when I said my goal was to create a sanctuary for IPA citizens, outside of the Atlantis base." He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I know I kept you in the dark about some things, and I understand you may hate me for it, but I will keep our agreement. I will run both companies, and you will be paid through the IPA credit system. I understand what I've done and what you've gone through. I understand if you hate me. But I really hope that one day we can work together to help bring about peace between humans and the rest of the IPA…no matter what planet you're on."
“I don’t hate you,” Isla replied, laying her head against my chest as she stared at Roman’s vidcall. “But I need time to adjust. I do wish to continue our platonic business relationship moving forward.”
“I understand.” Roman nodded and grinned. “I will take care of everything Earthside, and make sure your grandfather’s ceremony and diamond are taken care of.”
“I’ll have to deal with the estate sometime, too.”
“I have just the team of lawyers who can help you,” Roman offered. “I can put you in contact with them. You might be able to work something out so you don’t have to return to Earth to sign anything.”
“Really?” Isla’s eyebrows shot up.
“Yes, really,” Roman replied. “Everything is either signed by blood drop, e-sign, or an eye/fingerprint combo scan.”
“I will make sure she has access to the long-distance communicator to keep in contact with you,” I added. “Whatever it takes to make this process easier.”
“I can't believe I'm heading to an alien planet,” Isla muttered, wistfully.
