Chapter 4 The First Move Isla sat across from Nolan in her dimly lit living room, the soft glow of the lamp casting long shadows along the walls. She held the wine glass in her hand, swirling the deep red liquid, her eyes locked onto Nolans with calculated ease. He was watching her, reading her just as she was reading him. It was a game they had played before, but this time, the stakes were different. She took a slow sip, savoring the dry bitterness before finally breaking the silence. So, tell me, Nolan. Whats your real reason for being here? Nolan leaned back into the couch, his fingers lazily tracing the rim of his own glass. I thought I made it clearI wanted to celebrate. Isla let out a soft laugh, setting her glass down on the coffee table. You never do anything without a reason. So lets cut the pretense. What is it that you really want? He studied her for a moment before exhaling. I want to make sure youre serious about this. About working with me. She tilted her head. You dont trust me? I dont trust anyone, he admitted. But I need to know you wont back out halfway. Isla tapped her fingers against the glass, considering her words carefully. I agreed to this because I know my worth. I dont need you to trust me, Nolan. I just need you to stay out of my way. He smirked, shaking his head. Still as sharp as ever. She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. And youre still as arrogant as ever. But Im not the woman you left behind, Nolan. I play to win now. A flicker of something passed through his gazecuriosity, intrigue, or maybe even a hint of regret. But Isla didnt care. She had already decided she wouldnt let him break her again. Nolan finished his wine and set the empty glass down. Then lets see if you can handle the pressure. Isla smiled. Oh, I can handle a lot more than you think. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, a silent declaration that the real game was only just beginning. 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 ...