Chapter 10 A Strategic Move The verdict was in. The board had made their decision, and Isla knew this moment would define everything. She sat at the conference table, her hands folded neatly in her lap, but her heart pounded like a drum. Nolan sat across from her, his expression unreadable. The board has voted in favor of moving forward with our proposal, one of the senior executives announced, scanning the room. However, there are conditions. A murmur swept through the room. Isla remained poised, waiting for the inevitable catch. Miss Turner, you will be required to work alongside Mr. Whitmore as co-leads on this project to ensure a smooth execution. The board believes a balance of oversight is necessary. Islas jaw tightened. She had fought for this deal with everything she had, and now she had to share control? She shot a glance at Nolan, whose smirk barely concealed his satisfaction. He knew this would be a challenge for her. Still, she couldnt afford to lose her composure. Understood, she said coolly. The meeting adjourned, and as the executives filed out, Nolan remained seated. Looks like well be seeing a lot more of each other, he mused. She gathered her documents. Dont mistake proximity for partnership. He chuckled. I wouldnt dream of it. But lets be honest, Islayou and I? Were two sides of the same coin. She met his gaze, unflinching. Then lets hope we dont end up flipping it. The following days were a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and power plays. Isla had always thrived in high-pressure situations, but working so closely with Nolan was testing her limits. He was strategic, calculatedevery move he made felt like part of a grander scheme. During a late-night session in the office, Isla poured over spreadsheets while Nolan leaned back in his chair, watching her. Youre overanalyzing. She didnt look up. And youre underestimating the risks. He exhaled, standing to pour himself a drink from the bar cart. You know, we used to make a great team. She glanced at him, her expression unreadable. We were a disaster. He smirked. A productive disaster. She shook her head, focusing back on her work. Thats the past. This is business. Then lets talk business. He slid a folder across the desk. I did some digging. Our competitor isnt just interested in the dealtheyre trying to poach one of our key partners. If they succeed, this entire project could fall apart. Isla skimmed the contents, her pulse quickening. So, whats your plan? He leaned closer. We play offense. We solidify our contracts before they make their move. She nodded. Ill handle the negotiations. And Ill handle the counterstrike. Their eyes met in mutual understanding. This wasnt about the past anymore. This was about winning. The next morning, Isla arranged a private meeting with their at-risk partners. She presented a revised contract, one that offered better incentives and stronger collaboration terms. Her arguments were compelling, her delivery flawless. By the end of the meeting, the partners were on board. You drive a hard bargain, Miss Turner. She smiled. Thats why you hired me. As she left the meeting, her phone buzzed. Tell me you have good news, he said. Signed and sealed. Your turn. That evening, they met at a high-profile industry event, a place where deals were made in hushed conversations over champagne. Nolan led her to a secluded corner where their competitors representative was deep in discussion with an investor. Isla tilted her head. Whats the play? Nolan smirked. A little persuasion. He approached with effortless charm, steering the conversation while Isla observed. It was a dance of influence, one that Nolan executed with precision. Within minutes, the investor was reconsidering their options, and the competitors plans began to crumble. As they walked away, Isla glanced at him. I hate to say it, but that was impressive. He grinned. Ill take that as a win. They had won this round, but Isla knew the real battle was just beginning. And she was ready for it. In a romance-themed observation show, several participants undergo a series of interactions and conflicts filled with love, misunderstandings, and power struggles. In the end, one couple rises to over...