It had been a long day for Isabella. She'd learned almost nothing from her classes, too preoccupied with her dinner with Klaus. She hoped to finally get some answers about her breakup with Ray. When evening came, she'd gotten ready and stood hesitantly in front of Klaus's door. She thought about turning back, but her determination won out. She knocked.
Klaus opened it almost immediately, dressed casually and elegantly, with a charming smile.
"Good evening, Isabella. Please come in."
She went in, and he led her into the living room. A set table, two glasses of wine, a carefully prepared meal. She stood for a moment.
"Listen, Klaus... I didn't come for dinner. I came for the truth."
He paused, clearly a little surprised.
"Wow... so direct? Come on, just one drink at least." Let's enjoy the evening for a bit, shall we?
She gave in, taking a sip of the wine.
"Then talk," she asked firmly.
"Will it change anything?" he asked, playing with his glass.
"Maybe. Maybe it will save my relationship."
"So you're still thinking about getting back with Ray?"
"Yes, I told you, Klaus. I love him. And I always will. I've told you that a thousand times."
Klaus looked down, his expression somber.
"I'm sorry."
"No," he said slowly. "I'm the one who's sorry."
She suddenly felt a strange heaviness in her limbs. Her eyelids were getting heavier. Her body was going numb. She felt dizzy.
"Klaus... I... I feel...
Her legs buckled.
"What…" she stammered.
But already, her vision was blurring.
Meanwhile, at the bar, Gale stood alone at the counter, pensive. Diana arrived, noticing he was troubled.
"What's wrong? You've become very pensive these past two days."
Gale smiled weakly.
"And you, very cheerful. Why?"
"Because I'm confident. Soon, Klaus will be mine."
Intrigued, Gale frowned.
"What makes you think that?"
"Klaus implied that Ray and Isabella's breakup was just a misunderstanding. So, during the pack meeting, I told Isabella." Now she'll lead the investigation, she'll fix her relationship... and I'll have Klaus.
Gale froze. He understood then. This breakup, this game... it was calculated. He stood up abruptly.
"You're saying Klaus told you this?"
"Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"
"No... nothing. I'm just happy for you; you deserve the best."
He pretended he had an urgent call, apologized, and hurried out. Once in the car, he accelerated, his heart pounding.
"I know you did this on purpose, Klaus. But I won't let you do it."
And at Klaus's, Isabella was slowly slipping into unconsciousness, while her host remained silent, an unreadable gaze fixed on her.