Chapter 22 Behind Closed Doors The city skyline shimmered in the distance as Isla stood on her balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Below, the streets of Manhattan pulsed with life, but her mind was elsewheretrapped in the whirlwind of everything that had happened in the past few weeks. She had taken risks, played the game with calculated precision, yet something told her that the most dangerous part was still ahead. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned, already suspecting who it was. With a sigh, she walked to the door and pulled it open. As expected, he stood there, his expression unreadable. Youre not going to stop showing up unannounced, are you? she asked, leaning against the doorframe. Not when you keep letting me in, he replied smoothly. She rolled her eyes but stepped aside, allowing him inside. He walked in, his presence filling the space as he casually removed his jacket and draped it over the chair. I assume youre not here for small talk, she said, crossing her arms. No, he admitted, meeting her gaze. I came to warn you. Her brows furrowed. Warn me? He nodded. Theres more going on than you realize. The board isnt just questioning your leadershiptheyre looking for a way to push you out completely. She scoffed. Let them try. Nolan stepped closer. Isla, this isnt a joke. If you dont play this right, theyll bury you. She held his gaze, unshaken. I dont scare easily, Nolan. Thats what worries me, he murmured. She turned away, walking toward the window. The reflection of the city lights danced across the glass, mirroring the storm brewing inside her. She had worked too hard to let anyone take her down. Whos leading the charge? she asked, her voice calm but laced with steel. Richard Caldwell, Nolan answered. Hes convinced that bringing in an outside consultant will give the company a stronger future. Consultant, she repeated, her lips curling into a smirk. Let me guesssomeone conveniently aligned with his interests? Exactly, Nolan confirmed. Isla exhaled, turning back to face him. Then Ill handle it. He studied her for a long moment. How? She tilted her head. Youll see soon enough. The next morning, Isla walked into Whitmore Enterprises with her head held high, exuding confidence that left no room for doubt. She wasnt going to play defenseshe was going to control the board before they had a chance to control her. As she entered the conference room, she was met with wary glances from several board members. Richard Caldwell sat at the far end of the table, his expression smug. She took her seat, placing her files on the table with deliberate precision. Lets get started, shall we? Caldwell cleared his throat. Before we begin, Id like to bring forth a matter of concern. Isla arched a brow. By all means. He adjusted his tie. Given the challenges weve faced, I believe its in the companys best interest to bring in an external strategist to evaluate the project. An external strategist, Isla repeated, her voice measured. And who exactly do you have in mind? A woman entered the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Islas breath caught for a fraction of a second before she masked her reaction. Sophie Langley. An old rival. A woman Isla had outmaneuvered in the past. Sophie smiled, her expression oozing with faux professionalism. Its good to see you again, Isla. The feeling isnt mutual, Isla replied smoothly. Caldwell ignored the tension and continued. Langley has years of experience in high-stakes negotiations and corporate restructuring. I believe shell offer valuable insight. Isla leaned back, steepling her fingers. Insight, she mused. Or an opportunity to undermine me? Sophie chuckled. Paranoia doesnt suit you, Isla. And betrayal doesnt surprise me, Isla shot back. Nolan, who had been observing the exchange, finally spoke. This isnt a discussion we should be having in hypotheticals. If Sophie is joining the project, lets see what she has to offer. Isla gave him a sharp look but said nothing. She would deal with this her way. Hours later, Isla paced her office, her mind running through her next move. Sophie Langley was dangerousnot because she was smarter, but because she was ruthless. Caldwell had chosen her for a reason. A knock interrupted her thoughts. This time, she didnt need to guess who it was. Nolan stepped inside, his gaze unreadable. You handled that well. Spare me the compliments, she muttered. What do you want? He shut the door behind him. To know your plan. She smirked. Wouldnt you like to know? His jaw tightened. This isnt a game, Isla. No, its not. But I still intend to win. His eyes darkened. Then dont underestimate her. I never underestimate anyone, Isla countered. He exhaled. Be careful. She watched as he left, his words lingering. Careful wasnt in her naturebut calculated? That was a different story. The following week, Isla made her move. She arranged a private meeting with a few key board membersthe ones who werent entirely in Caldwells pocket. She laid out her strategy, proving why bringing in Sophie was unnecessary. By the time the next board meeting arrived, Isla was ready. Caldwell, ever the opportunist, leaned forward. Before we continue, Id like to hear Ms. Langleys assessment. Sophie stood, her confidence unshaken. After reviewing the current structure, Ive concluded that significant changes need to be made. She clicked a button, and a slide appeared on the screenone that detailed a restructuring plan. A plan that involved Islas role being diminished. Murmurs spread through the room. Isla remained still, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she stood. Thats an interesting perspective, she said, walking to the front of the room. But its flawed. Sophie arched a brow. Oh? Isla clicked another button, and new slides replaced Sophies. Heres what you failed to considerprofit margins, brand positioning, and contractual obligations. She turned to the board. If we follow Sophies plan, we lose key partnerships and risk financial instability. Caldwells face darkened. Thats A fact, Isla interrupted. Sophie narrowed her eyes. You came prepared. I always do. One of the senior board members cleared his throat. I think Islas points are valid. Perhaps we should reassess. Caldwells jaw clenched, but he nodded. Isla smiled, knowing she had won this round. But she also knew this wasnt over. As she left the meeting, Nolan caught up with her. That was impressive, he admitted. She smirked. Did you doubt me? No, he said softly. But I think they did. She glanced back at the conference room. Then I guess I just reminded them who theyre dealing with. Nolan chuckled. You really dont back down, do you? Never. He studied her, something unreadable in his gaze. Then lets see how long you can keep this up. She smiled. As long as it takes. Because in this game, there was only one optionwin. 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...