Chapter 21 Shadows of the Past The city lights flickered through Islas window as she sat at her desk, poring over documents that could change everything. The stakes had never been higher, and she knew that every move she made from this point forward would determine her fate. A knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She hesitated before standing, already knowing who it would be. When she opened the door, Nolan stood there, his expression unreadable. He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, his gaze scanning the room before settling on her. We need to talk. She crossed her arms. About? Nolan sighed, running a hand through his hair. The boards decision isnt as final as you think. Her brows furrowed. Meaning? Meaning, theres someone pulling strings behind the scenes. Someone who doesnt want you to win. Isla felt a cold chill run down her spine. She had expected resistance, but this was different. Do you know who? He hesitated, then nodded. A rival firm. Theyve been working to undermine you from the start. Her jaw tightened. And why am I just hearing about this now? Because I didnt have proof until now. He handed her a folder, his fingers brushing hers briefly before he pulled away. She flipped it open, scanning the contents. Emails, transaction records, and reports that pointed to deliberate sabotage. Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to stay composed. This changes things, she said finally. Nolan nodded. Yes, it does. And if we dont act now, youll lose everything. She set the folder down, meeting his gaze. Then we fight back. The next morning, Isla arrived at the office earlier than usual. Every step she took was calculated, her mind focused on the battle ahead. She called an emergency meeting, bringing in her key allies and laying out the situation. We have evidence that the competition is actively trying to sabotage this deal, she began, watching the reactions around the table. I wont let that happen. One of the executives, a sharp-eyed woman named Valerie, leaned forward. How do you plan to counter this? Isla tapped the folder in front of her. By exposing them. Murmurs spread through the room, but no one objected. They all knew what was at stake. By the time the meeting ended, a strategy was in place. Isla stepped out of the boardroom, her phone buzzing with a new message. Nolan: Are you ready for this? She smirked, typing back quickly. Isla: More than ever. The press conference was held later that evening. Cameras flashed as Isla took the podium, her heart steady, her resolve unshaken. Tonight, I want to address the rumors surrounding our latest deal, she began, her voice calm yet firm. We have uncovered attempts to undermine our progressattempts that will not go unanswered. She laid out the facts, presenting the evidence with precision. Gasps rippled through the audience as the full scope of the sabotage became clear. By the time she finished, there was no doubt left. The battle wasnt over, but she had just taken the upper hand. As she stepped away from the podium, Nolan was waiting in the wings, watching her with an unreadable expression. You handled that well, he murmured. She exhaled, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. Its not over yet. No, he agreed. But you just made your move. Lets see how they respond. She nodded, her mind already three steps ahead. Because this was just the beginning of the endgame. 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...