Chapter 15 Shifting Tides The boardroom was hushed, filled with the kind of silence that carried the weight of unspoken calculations. Isla sat poised, hands folded neatly on the polished mahogany table, waiting. Across from her, Nolan leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together, watching the proceedings with an expression that revealed nothing. The verdict was in. One of the senior board members cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses before speaking. After careful consideration, the board has reached a decision. The proposal has been accepted. A murmur rippled through the room. Isla felt her spine straighten even further, keeping her expression composed despite the surge of triumph rushing through her veins. She had done it. Against the odds, against every whispered doubt and skeptical glance, she had secured the deal. Congratulations, Ms. Sinclair, the board member continued, offering her a respectful nod. Your presentation was… compelling. We expect great things from this project. Nolans lips quirked, but he said nothing. Isla simply nodded, accepting the acknowledgment with quiet confidence. Thank you. I wont disappoint. As the meeting concluded, executives stood, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. Isla felt the weight of Nolans gaze lingering on her, a silent challenge brewing in his stormy blue eyes. Once the room had emptied, he finally spoke. You surprised them. She met his gaze. That was the point. He chuckled, a low, appreciative sound. You enjoyed that, didnt you? Isla smirked, gathering her notes. What can I say? I like winning. His eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. Youve always been good at it. The moment stretched between them, taut with tension neither was willing to address. Finally, Isla broke it by turning toward the door. I have work to do. Unless theres something else? Nolan hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking his head. For now, thats all. She nodded and walked out, the click of her heels echoing down the corridor. The battle was far from over, but todaytoday was a victory. That evening, Isla sat on her balcony, a glass of wine in hand, watching the city lights shimmer below. The adrenaline from the meeting still thrummed in her veins, but beneath it was something deepersatisfaction. Her phone buzzed beside her. A message from Ava. Ava: You did it. Knew you would. Drinks this weekend? Isla smiled, typing back quickly. Isla: Absolutely. Youre buying. Ava: Fair. Ill bring extra wine. Celebrate properly. As she set the phone down, another message popped upthis time, from Nolan. Nolan: Well played today. Lets discuss the next steps. Dinner tomorrow? She hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Accepting meant more time with him, more opportunities for him to try to get under her skin. But declining would only give him the upper hand. With a deep breath, she typed back. Isla: Fine. But its just business. His reply came almost instantly. Nolan: Of course. She exhaled, taking another sip of wine. The game was shifting, and she needed to be ready. Let the next round begin. 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...