Chapter 13 The Crossroads The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Isla sat at the head of the conference table, her fingers interlocked as she stared down the board members who had just cast their votes. The verdict was in, but the room remained silent, every set of eyes shifting between her and Nolan, waiting for a reaction. She could feel her pulse in her throat, but she kept her expression neutral. Years of navigating high-stakes business meetings had trained her to mask emotions, to project an air of unshakable confidence. She exhaled slowly before speaking. So, she said, her voice even, we move forward. One of the senior board members, an older man with silver hair and a scrutinizing gaze, cleared his throat. We move forwardconditionally. The vote was close. There are still concerns. Concerns? Isla repeated, arching a brow. We just secured the most lucrative deal this company has seen in a decade. What could possibly still be a concern? Nolan, sitting beside her, shifted in his seat. He had been oddly quiet throughout the entire deliberation, letting her take the reins as she fought for their position. Now, however, his silence carried weight. The silver-haired board member sighed. Your partnership. A flicker of understanding passed between Isla and Nolan, though neither let it show. My partnership? she echoed, feigning ignorance. Another board member, a woman in her late fifties, leaned forward. You and Mr. Whitmore have a complicated history. While we respect your expertise, we need assurance that personal matters will not interfere with business. Isla straightened. You have my assurance. The work speaks for itself. Words are one thing, the woman replied. We need proof. Nolan finally spoke. What kind of proof? The board exchanged glances before the silver-haired man answered. A probationary period. Three months. If during that time we see no complications, your position remains intact. If we see… complications, well reconsider. A slow smirk spread across Islas lips. Complications, meaning? Disruptions. Emotional conflicts. Anything that suggests your history with each other is affecting your judgment. Isla exhaled through her nose, a slow, measured breath. Understood. Youll get your proof. Nolan caught up with Isla in the hallway after the meeting. You handled that well. She didnt stop walking. I always do. Its just a test, you know. They want to see if we can work together without it imploding. She glanced at him. Can we? A muscle in his jaw tensed. Can you? She stopped, turning to face him fully. I dont have the luxury of letting emotions get in the way. Unlike you, I dont have a legacy to lean on if things go south. His expression darkened. Thats what you think of me? That I have it easy? She tilted her head. Havent you? You of all people should know better. But admitting that would mean acknowledging things she wasnt ready to confront. It doesnt matter, she said finally. Three months. We keep it professional, we prove them wrong, and we move on. Nolan studied her for a long moment. Then, he nodded. Three months. Later that evening, Isla sat on the couch in her apartment, nursing a glass of wine and staring at the city lights through the window. The probationary period was an annoyance, but not an insurmountable one. She had faced bigger challenges. Her phone buzzed. Ava: Heard about the vote. Drinks to celebrate? Isla smiled slightly. Isla: Not much to celebrate yet. Ava: You got what you wanted. Thats something. She hesitated before replying. Isla: Well see. A knock at the door pulled her attention away from the screen. She frowned. Standing up, she crossed the room and peeked through the peephole. Her stomach tightened. She opened the door, leaning against the frame. You really need to stop showing up unannounced. He held up a small, black folder. I figured youd want to see this. What is it? He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, setting the folder on her coffee table. An updated financial projection. After todays meeting, I had the team run new numbers. Isla closed the door, eyeing him suspiciously. And you couldnt have emailed this? He smirked. Wheres the fun in that? She exhaled, shaking her head, but took the folder and flipped it open. The numbers were promisingbetter than she had expected. She frowned. These are adjusted projections for if we increase overseas distribution? He nodded. Its a risk. But it could push our revenue margins beyond expectations. She looked up. Its a big risk. Youve never been afraid of risks. She held his gaze for a beat longer than she should have before looking away. I need time to review. Take all the time you need, he said. Just not too much. Were on a clock now. She nodded. A heavy silence settled between them. Isla set the folder down and folded her arms. Anything else? Or are you just here to disrupt my night? Nolan chuckled. I wouldnt dream of it. She rolled her eyes. Then leave. He studied her again, something unreadable in his expression. Then, with a slow nod, he headed for the door. Good night, Isla. She didnt respond. Instead, she listened to the door close behind him and let out a breath she hadnt realized she was holding. Three months. She could handle three months. Couldnt she? The following weeks were a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and late-night revisions. Isla kept her head down, focused on proving herself beyond any doubt. She refused to let the board question her competence. But Nolan was a problem. Not because he wasnt capablehe was. Infuriatingly so. But because every interaction, every moment spent in his presence, threatened to unravel the careful distance she had built. It was in the way he watched her when he thought she wasnt looking. In the quiet moments when their conversations shifted from work to something more familiar. It was dangerous. And it all came to a breaking point on a Wednesday night. They were in the office, going over the final proposal for a major investor. The city lights glowed against the glass walls, the office empty except for the two of them. Isla rubbed her temple, exhaustion creeping in. We should wrap this up, she muttered. Nolan exhaled, leaning back. You should get some rest. She shook her head. Isla Dont. He was quiet for a long moment. Then he stood, moving around the desk until he was next to her. Too close. She turned to face him, and for the first time in weeks, she saw something unguarded in his eyes. What are we doing? he asked quietly. Her throat tightened. Is that all? She swallowed hard, stepping back. It has to be. He studied her, then nodded. Three months. She exhaled. Three months. But as he walked away, she wasnt sure if she had convinced him. Or herself. 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...