Chapter 5: Crossroads of Ambition

Long shadows on Isla's desk filled with notes from the Noah conference and papers sprang from the dawn light flooding her office. She was still processing their conversation, the way he had stoked old memories while planting the germ of a new, maybe revolutionary union. The only sound in the still room was her absently clicking pen.

A sudden knock on the door took her from her thinking. Evan arrived, his perfect smile a jarring juxtaposition to her thoughtful silence.

Good ammon, sir. You seem like someone who just marched across a war and lived to tell the tale, setting a cup of coffee front of her with a flourish.

Not far off, Isla remarked, smiling as she sipped. She felt the sour warmth and found some brief comfort. And about the good mindset, what is it? Have you happened across the lottery?

"Nope, but I did hear that a certain Noah Vincent's crew has extended an olive branch," Evan said, eyebrows wiggling. According rumors, they want to collaborate with us.

Isla looks from her coffee in all directions. " What particularly did you hear?"

Evan bent in, lowering his voice as though they were planning against the walls. " Word is, they proposed this early today. wonderful money, wonderful ideas, and clearly a complement to your "brilliant strategic mind," he said, punctuating his remarks with air quotes.

Her eyes furrowed and she chuckled. "Flattery will not get them anywhere."

Evan teased, "Oh, I don't know," while seated on the edge of her desk. Tenacious is he. To be very honest, you do find a demanding work interesting.

Challenge is a great thing, in fact. Not quite so much is a tangential dance with the devil. She sighed and went back into her chair. Working with Noah again made her skin itch. It was the painful knowledge he had acquired under her skin, not merely the memory of how near they had come to outmaneuvering one other last time.

"Well, if it helps, this morning I already pictured him in socks and sandals," Evan said.

Isla laughed; the pressure in her chest only marginally eased. Always helpful, Evan.

"ANYtime, Isla." Are you going to tell me what happened last night at that tiny reunion? Or have I to buy it from you?

"Anyway, bribes seem like Her eye sparkling with teasing, she said, "I sure you can do better than that." Her phone buzzed with an arriving email before she could reply more specifically. Her stomach flipped as she read the subject line, Proposal for Cooperation - Noah Vincent, Vincent Corp.

Evan watched her from curiosity to concern. I think that's what it is.

Yes, Isla said, her voice cut as she opened the email. The phrases sprang off the screen—short, assured, and seasoned with the slight charm Noah so very obviously possessed. I know you value integrity and imagination. Both agree to this collaboration. Let us personally meet to go over more. N.

Evan peeped across her shoulder and squinted at the TV. "Wow, he even emails like those in a movie teaser. I almost heard the dramatic music.

She remarked, tapping her fingers on the desk. He does She knew she had to be smart; so, she saw him personally and balanced the prospective advantages against the risks. But then she started to grit her teeth, thinking of Noah staring at her with that recognizable, irritating smile.

Evan turned his head to look at her tilted. " What then is the plan? We are going to charge into battle or hold the line?

"Battle," she replied, the word seeming both exciting and terrible. Still, as per my terms.

Her heels clicked on the immaculate floor as Isla walked into the restaurant, the afternoon sun slanted through the large glass windows. She spotted Noah sat at a corner table, his posture sloppish but eyes sharp as they found hers. He stood as she arrived, a smile tugging at his lips.

ISLA. Usually on time, he whispered and extended a hand. She moved away from it and nodded coolly from across from him.

Let us cut right beyond the civility, Noah. Leaning back in her chair, she questioned what this partnership consists in and why she should even give it some thought.

His smile got wider and more unbroken. "Directly to the point." I omitted mentioning you.

"Is this where I ought to bring up missing you too?" She shot back, her voice edged teasingly.

Noah laughed; his eyes never left hers. No, but knowing you still have that spark is fascinating.

Let us now focus. She said, hardly touching the table. " What's your pitch?"

He hunched forward with gleaming eyes. Isla, the industry is changing. swift. We need speed, originality, and sustainability. We have tools; your company has the vision. Taken together, we could rethink how the fashion industry is run.

She raised an eyebrow to allow the words slink by. She could give him that; it was fascinating. She was not about to reach out her hand though.

She asked, "And what do you get out of it?" folding her arms. Beyond mere bragging privileges.

He said merely "victory," but the weight in his voice made her stop. She was raised with a competitive edge; this was something more basic. Nearly delicate.

She said, austerely, "Well, I wouldn't want to deny you of that". But I'll need more than just lovely words to convince me.

Sliding a folder across the table, he replied, "I thought you might." It featured projections, contracts, and figures. the writings. Still, when she flipped over it she felt a mix of respect and caution. Noah had handed in his homework.

Slinking back with that ancient smirk, he said. Are we going to talk about terminology or keep swapping stinging comments? since I have time to do this today.

She laughed even though she understood better. You could stake me right here. Let me first clear one point: Noah: I am not here to save you.

His expression softened just for a moment. Perhaps not. You might, however, just save us both.

The conversation was fast-fire banter, strategic sparring, and times when Isla found herself almost liking the game once again. Nearly nearly. As the conference drew to close, Noah leaned one last time.

"Think about this, Isla." He observed, in a solemn manner, "this could be the beginning of something major."

Rising and saying, "I will," she said "But don't think I won't be seeing every motion you do."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," he continued, his annoying smile returning.

As she went, the air between them buzzed with unsung words and unsettled questions. The offer appealed, the stakes more than ever, and the past impossible to overlook. Still, she was clearly not the same woman Noah first came into her life had been.

Outside, the city throbbed with life, oblivious with the clash of aspirations underway. Isla felt the weight of all—the opportunities, the risk, the excitement. Her present crossing point could change everything.

She also knew that this was only the beginning when the sun dropped below the horizon.