Chapter 5 The Unspoken War The next morning, Isla arrived at Whitmore Enterprises dressed in a sleek, dark blue pantsuit that accentuated both her confidence and authority. She refused to let herself feel small in this placenot anymore. As she walked through the lobby, heads turned, whispers buzzing through the air like static. Let them talk. She had a job to do. She stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. As the doors slid shut, she exhaled slowly, steadying herself. Working with Nolan again meant constantly being on guard, but she refused to let him get under her skin. Not this time. When the elevator doors opened, she was met with a familiar faceLiam Carter, the companys Chief Operating Officer. His expression was unreadable, though his sharp green eyes flickered with something akin to curiosity. Isla Turner, back in the lions den. Didnt think Id see the day, Liam remarked, falling into step beside her as she walked toward Nolans office. Neither did I, she replied smoothly. But business is business. Liam chuckled. Just be careful. You know how he is. She gave him a sidelong glance. I know exactly how he is. And thats why Im not worried. Before Liam could respond, Nolans office door swung open, revealing the man himself. He looked as composed as ever in his tailored suit, his expression impassive. Without hesitation, she stepped inside. The office was exactly as she rememberedpristine, intimidating, and exuding power. She moved to the chair across from his desk but didnt sit. I reviewed the project details, she said, crossing her arms. Ill need full access to the team and resources. If Im going to fix this mess, I wont have you micromanaging me. Nolan leaned back, studying her with that infuriatingly unreadable expression. You assume Id interfere? She smirked. I know you. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, with a slow nod, he gestured to the chair. Sit, Isla. Lets talk about your strategy. She hesitated before lowering herself into the seat, her gaze never leaving his. The game had begun, and she was ready to play. By midday, Isla was in the conference room with the key players for the project. The tension was palpablesome people looked at her with skepticism, others with mild curiosity. But she wasnt here to make friends. She stood at the head of the table, flipping through the presentation slides with effortless confidence. This project is weeks behind schedule, and at this rate, the company stands to lose millions. That changes now. One of the senior managers, Eric Monroe, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. And what makes you so sure you can turn this around? She met his gaze evenly. Because I dont fail. A murmur ran through the room, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nolan watching her with quiet amusement. Let him watch. She had nothing to prove to him. Over the next hour, she laid out a revised timeline, restructured roles, and assigned clear objectives. There was pushback, of course. Eric and a few others questioned her decisions, but she countered every argument with solid reasoning. When the meeting ended, Nolan approached her as the others filed out. You handled that well. Did you expect otherwise? she shot back, gathering her notes. His lips quirked slightly. Not at all. But some of them might. She glanced up at him, her expression unreadable. Then theyll learn soon enough. Nolans eyes darkened slightly, but he said nothing more as she turned and walked away. Later that evening, Isla found herself at an upscale networking event, another requirement of the job. Dressed in an elegant black dress, she moved through the crowd with practiced ease, exchanging pleasantries and making key connections. This was the world she had once been part ofand now, she was reclaiming it on her own terms. She was in the middle of a conversation with a potential investor when a familiar presence approached. She knew who it was before she even turned around. Enjoying yourself? Nolans voice was smooth, laced with something she couldnt quite place. She faced him, raising an eyebrow. Im here to work, not to enjoy myself. He smirked. You always were all business. She took a sip of her champagne, her gaze unwavering. And yet, thats exactly why you need me. His expression shiftedjust for a secondbut she caught it. He knew she was right. Before he could respond, another voice cut in. Nolan, you didnt tell me Isla was back. The woman who had been the source of Islas heartbreak. The one Nolan had chosen over her. Seeing her now, dressed in an expensive red gown, her hand resting possessively on Nolans arm, Isla felt… nothing. Sophies smile was all polite venom. It must be strange, working together again. Isla returned the smile, her confidence unshaken. Not at all. Ive learned to compartmentalize. Sophies lips twitched slightly, but before she could respond, Nolans phone buzzed. He glanced at it before meeting Islas eyes. I need to take this. Without another word, he walked away, leaving Isla and Sophie alone. The tension between them was almost suffocating. Sophie leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. You can play your little power games, Isla, but lets be honestyoull never truly be back in his world. Isla tilted her head, unfazed. Oh, Sophie. Youre still under the impression that I want to be. She took one last sip of her champagne, then turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Sophie standing there with a frozen smile. Isla had no interest in fighting for Nolans attention. That part of her life was over. But she wasnt naiveSophie wasnt just here to make conversation. And something told her that the real battle was only just beginning. As Isla stepped onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air, she heard footsteps behind her. She didnt need to turn to know it was Nolan. You handled that well, he murmured. She exhaled, glancing at him. I dont engage in pointless battles. He studied her for a long moment. Then what battles do you fight? She turned fully to face him, her expression calm but unwavering. The ones worth winning. Their eyes locked, and for the first time, she saw something in his gaze she couldnt quite name. Maybe it was regret. Maybe it was something else entirely. But it didnt matter. Because this time, Isla wasnt playing to win him back. She was playing for herself. And she never lost. 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 ...