Chapter 1: The Business Sharks Shadow

Leaning back in her chair, Isla Lawson watched the wavering cursor on her screen disparaging her lack of focus. Though it hung heavily in her thoughts, her history was the one she couldn't quite escape, not the current campaign she was working on. Her last email to the board stayed with her. Noah Vincent was the name she hated to say aloud at the root of it all; the takeover that almost ruined her career felt as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.

She massaged her temples, trying to ignore the thought. She told herself that was ridiculous. Here were her new job and her life. Light-years from the corporate jungle she had left behind, she was a budding fashion company marketing manager. Her coworkers' unorganized whisper penetrated the office, the hum of the coffee makers, and the faint thrum of pop music streaming in from the design floor. This was safe; it energized even. Still, Noah's shadow hovered like a shark stalking just under the surface.

Earth to Isla! Evan Monroe's voice stabbed her dream. She looked up to see him smiling and an eyebrow raised at her door. Clutching two cups of coffee aloft like a peace offering, he wore one of his trademark flamboyant suits—a clash of floral and stripe pattern that somehow worked.

Hey, sorry Isla said; try to smile.Not lost in action; just in contemplation.

Evan spun a cup in front of her as he danced into her office. "Missing in ideas or in war? Your staring at that screen seemed more like your global dominance plotting.

" Funny you say that," Isla replied, appreciatively sipping the coffee. "I was thinking of someone who practically produced the handbook on it."

Evan's eyes sprang to life with identification. "Ah, even from distance, the famous Noah Vincent strikes once more." He rested a palm very deliberately on his heart. "Will the villain ever be absolutely destroyed?"

Isla burst a real laugh, a small relief of the coiling stiffness in her chest. Savoring the warmth and sipping her coffee, she said, "if only it were that easy." The taste was smooth, with just the perfect degree of bitterness—a reminder that some things, even the small pleasures, could be precisely ideal.

Evan slipped to the corner of her desk and crossed one leg over the other. About world dominion, have you seen the news lately? According to rumors, Mr. Vincent is circling another digital company maybe in search of artificial intelligence.

Naturally he is, Isla said, rolling her eyes. The man lacks a halting system. He seems taught to eat and conquer.

"Sounds like a bad Bond villain," Evan commented. "except with better suits."

"Way better suits," Isla replied, sighing. She couldn't overlook Noah's flawless sense of style for all the resentment she harbored. He could grab attention in any room with just a glance; his tailored clothing cut through the crowd like a razor.

She discounted the idea, bitterly berating herself for ever giving it thought. More than a thorn in her side, Noah Vincent had virtually destroyed her career in the acquisition that rocked her former company. Clearly intelligent, driven, and relentless—a lethal mix that had left her scrambling to gather the shards of her career.

Evan said, finger snapping, "Okay, back to reality."We have that pitch to examine; if we fail to wow them, our next big client probably will pass by our hands.

Appreciative of the distraction, Isla sat up more straight. "Right," said Allow us to start straight forwardly.

As they went over the slides, assessing data, sharpening photos, polishing every detail, Isla was gently entering the rhythm that came effortlessly to her. These were the times she most felt like herself—that of the strategist living on creativity and challenge. Noah Vincent's shadow was just that—that which shadows us. Here, Evan at her side and the buzz of innovation all around, she was her own, competent, intact person.

But as the day went on the past rushed in like a tide she could not contain. Her mind saw her final argument with Noah as though it were a scene from a film she had watched way too often. Across the polished boardroom table, his crystal blue eyes had matched hers, testing her behavior. Grinning, that unpleasant, knowing smile that said he had already won would have shown. And he had in a way too.

Evan answered, " Hey," gently pushing her arm. "Where this time would you like to go?

She ruefully smiled and replied, "nowhere good."

For a moment he looked at her, the wicked spark softening. "You know, you should stop fighting that one. You are not here right now.

She said, "I know," the words more automatic than heartfelt. Still, releasing go is not easy.

Rising in a phony toast, Evan said, "It never is." Here's to trying, though.

To trying, Isla said, clinking her cup to his. That would be plenty right now.

The workplace emptied slowly as the sun dipped below the horizon, and the sky turned pink and gold. Isla tilted back and stretched her arms above her head. The presentation was as perfect as it could have been, and she felt that old buzz of excitement mixed with nervousness. She lived for a kind of buzz, the thrills of work.

From the doorway, a voice mumbled "Still here, Lawson?"

Isla's heart halted for a beat then started twice faster. She raised her head and saw Noah Vincent, the man who had haunted her thoughts and career for longer than she would have admitted, framed by the soft glow of the corridor lights.

"Vincent," she said, her voice strong even as exhilaration shot through her body. " To what does the pleasure owe me?"

He walked into the room, his eyes like a predator measuring its territory absorbing every detail. Just felt I would like to check in. It has been a long time.

Under her breath, she murmured, "Not long enough," but his smile told her had heard.

Always quick with the comebacks, he said, delight flashing in his eyes. I overlooked that regarding you.

She asked, "Is that so?," lifting her chin. "Because I really remember you saying my 'quips're were a waste of company time."

He laughed, a sound that turned her stomach over against will. "I did mention that, didn't I?

She turned her gaze down. "What do you want, Noah?" begged

"Direct for business, straight forward I like that, he said, leaned against her desk as though he belonged there. Fresh and understatedly spicy, his scent surrounded her like a memory she wanted to forget. "I hear you are building rather a reputation here."

"Good to know you're keeping tabs," she said, sarcasm tumbling over every word.

"Always," he answered with a vague gesture. Furthermore, I have a suggestion.

Isla closed her eyes still more narrowly. Not what I had anticipated this was. Nothing you have to offer grabs me.

"Not even if it's a deal that would make your business more known and improve it?" Though his voice was laid back, the difficulty she too often knew gleamed in his eyes.

Her better judgment begged against it, but a spark of research started. Noah had always been a master at playing his cards, hence if he were here, he most likely expected more than a friendly chat. But having learned from the best—him—she was not going to be outmatched this time.

"Spit it out," she said, crossing her chest with her arms. I listen.

Noah leaned forward, their separation increasing less. "Let's just say we have an opportunity here that demands for our teamwork. Whether or whether you find attractive.

Loaded with meanings, the words hung in the air. Isla kept a blank face while her heart hammered. This was the last thing she needed, even if the chance to at least prove herself, to beat Noah at his own game, was too alluring to totally discount.

Pushing off the desk and turning to exit, he said, "think about it." "I will get back to you."

As his shadow disappeared down the corridor, Isla felt the weight of the conference sink across her. To help her unwind, she long-sipped from the half-empty cup of coffee Evan had handed her.

"Look like the past isn't done with me yet," she added.

She also knew one thing for sure: the real game was just beginning as the office went silent.