Chapter 7 Lines in the Sand The city was alive with the pulse of late-night traffic as Isla stepped out of the car. The towering glass structure of Whitmore Enterprises loomed before her, a testament to the empire Nolan had builtand the one she was now being pulled back into. As she walked through the lobby, the security guard gave her a nod. Late night, Miss Turner? She forced a smile. Something like that. The elevator ride was silent, but her thoughts were anything but. Every step she took in this building reminded her of the past, of the woman she had been before Nolan shattered her trust. But she wasnt here to dwell on old woundsshe was here to win. When the elevator doors opened, she found Nolan already in the conference room, reviewing documents under the dim glow of a desk lamp. He didnt look up as she entered, merely gesturing toward the seat across from him. Youre late, he remarked. She dropped her bag onto the table. I wasnt aware we set a time. His lips curled slightly, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. Isla pulled out her laptop, opening the financial reports she had spent the last few hours analyzing. Ive gone through the numbers. There are gaps in the projections your team prepared. He leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together. She turned the screen toward him, pointing to the highlighted sections. Your risk assessments are based on outdated market trends. If we proceed with the current strategy, well be leaving millions on the table. Nolans gaze darkened as he studied the figures. And your proposed solution? She slid another document forward. We renegotiate. Push for revised terms that reflect current projections, or we restructure the investment plan. He considered her for a long moment before nodding. Impressive. She crossed her arms. I didnt come back to be impressive, Nolan. I came back to be irreplaceable. A slow smirk played on his lips. The next morning, Isla stood in front of the mirror in her apartment, fastening a delicate silver bracelet around her wrist. Her phone buzzed with a message from Ava. Ava: Are you surviving, or should I come rescue you? Isla: Im surviving. Ava: Call me if he does anything stupid. Actually, call me either way. Smiling, Isla slipped the phone into her purse and headed out. The day ahead would be another battle, but she was ready. The boardroom was buzzing when she arrived, executives murmuring among themselves as they prepared for the next round of negotiations. As she took her seat beside Nolan, she felt the weight of every gaze in the room. They were watching her, judging her, waiting for her to prove she belonged here. She met Nolans eyes briefly before turning her attention to the documents in front of her. Lets begin. The meeting was intense, filled with counterarguments, projections, and the ever-present undercurrent of corporate power plays. But Isla held her own, countering every challenge with precise calculations and sharp rhetoric. By the time the meeting ended, the doubts surrounding her had begun to dissipate. As the executives filed out, one lingeredEthan Carrington, a senior partner known for his ruthless business acumen. He extended a hand to Isla. Impressive work today, Miss Turner. Whitmore Enterprises is lucky to have you. She shook his hand firmly. Thank you, Mr. Carrington. Ethan turned to Nolan, his expression unreadable. I look forward to seeing how this partnership unfolds. Once they were alone, Nolan exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. You handled that well. Isla smirked. Surprised? Not in the least. He studied her, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Join me for dinner tonight. We have more to discuss. She hesitated, but then nodded. But dont think this means were friends. He chuckled. Wouldnt dream of it. That evening, Isla arrived at an upscale restaurant, where Nolan was already waiting. The moment she stepped inside, she felt the shiftthe subtle reminder that this wasnt just a dinner. This was another move in their ongoing game. As she took her seat, Nolan poured them both a glass of wine. To new beginnings. She raised her glass but didnt drink. To clear boundaries. His gaze sharpened. Afraid of blurring the lines? She met his stare head-on. I know exactly where the lines are. The night stretched on with discussions of the project, strategies, and careful negotiationsnot just in business, but in the unspoken dynamics between them. When the check arrived, Nolan reached for it, but Isla placed her hand over his. I can pay for myself, she said firmly. He smirked, withdrawing his hand. Of course. As they stepped outside, the city lights casting a golden hue over the streets, Nolan turned to her. You really have changed. She tilted her head. And you havent. A silence stretched between them, filled with old wounds and new challenges. Finally, Nolan nodded. See you at the office. She watched as he walked away, the weight of the evening settling in her chest. No matter how far she had come, one thing was clearthis was only the beginning of the battle. And she intended to win. 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 ...