Chapter 2 A Clash of Wills The tension in the office was suffocating. Isla stood tall, her arms crossed as she waited for Nolans response. He was used to having the upper hand, to controlling every situation with calculated precision. But this time, she wasnt playing by his rules. Nolan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished desk. Youre right. I need you. Isla arched a brow. She had expected him to resist, to deny it outright. But his honesty caught her off guard. Go on, she said, careful to keep her tone neutral. He slid a document toward her. I want you to oversee a project. One of our major partners insists on working with someone they trust, and They trust me? Isla let out a dry chuckle. How ironic. The woman you discarded is now the only one who can save your precious deal. Nolans jaw tightened. Its business, Isla. And youre the best person for the job. She picked up the document, skimming through the details. The project was high-profile, tied to a multimillion-dollar investment. If she agreed, it would place her right at the heart of Whitmore Enterprisesback in the world she had once left behind. Back in Nolans orbit. I assume theres more to it, she mused, flipping through the pages. Nolan hesitated. Youll need to attend events, work closely with me, and represent the company in negotiations. Isla let out a slow breath. So, you want me to clean up your mess while playing the role of your trusted associate? I want you to do what you do best, he countered. Their eyes locked, the weight of the past pressing between them. Isla knew she had a choicewalk away and let him struggle, or step back into the fire and prove that she was more than just his discarded wife. A slow smile formed on her lips. Ill do it. Nolan exhaled, but she wasnt done. She leaned forward, placing her hands on his desk. But lets be clear about one thingI dont take orders from you anymore. His gaze darkened, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. She turned on her heel, walking out of the office without another word. Let the game begin. Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...