Chapter 6: The Unexpected Meeting

The huge ballroom of the Lexington Hotel was a showpiece of art deco splendor, filled with the most important people from the city clothed in costly attire. The delicate illumination produced by the chandeliers above creates an almost perfect environment, much like in a theatrical scene where every actor awaited their cue. Isla Lawson entered the room changing the silver bracelet on her wrist; her outfit sparkled in the faint light. She sensed Evan's soothing presence by her side; tonight would be immensely benefited by his continuous smile.

"So do you suppose Noah will show up or is he already hiding like some sort of corporate Dracula in the shadows?" Evan muttered, tilted near enough for just Isla to hear.

She giggled softly and turned her head forward. If I knew Noah, he is already watching.

Likes. That might be either rather beautiful or rather scary.

" Both," she answered.

They nodded and waved hello over the sea of known faces. Isla saw the air change, a subtle signal she she was no longer alone in her area. She watched Noah Vincent across the room, near a gathering of business leaders, his presence demanding attention even from a distance. His eyes briefly locked hers, a flicker of identification passing between them before his usual smile appeared.

" Bingo". Shivering, Evan said, seems like your Dracula noticed you. "Are you good or do I have to deflect him with my glittering wit?"

"I'm fine, but stay close," Isla said, sipping champagne to try to mask her quick pulse. She understood tonight was really important. The stakes were high hence any error may upset the balance in ways she was not prepared for.

Noah left his group and started walking toward her. Evan grabbed the opportunity to huncher in and say, "Brace yourself." The shark is circling quite slowly.

Isla graced with a forced smile. I will bite back if he bites.

Rising his glass in a phony salute, Evan said, "Atta girl," then vanished to speak with a well-known fashion editor, giving Jessica just enough time to meet Noah alone.

"Isle," Noah replied, his voice as silk. Dark and analytical, his eyes tracked from head to toe, lingering just long enough to throw her off. You look... ready.

One eyebrow arcing in challenge, she asked, "prepared?" Not sure if that's a complement or a secret threat.

"Could not it be both?" His smile became more prominent, and he leaned in just enough to provide private space for their conversation. "I expected not to see you here tonight."

"I'm full of surprises," she remarked, in a tone that readily matched his. "But I might say the same of you. Are you come to wow the audience or find your next buy?

Why not both? Eyes never leaving hers, he drank from his cup. About surprises, have you thought about my advice?

"Subtle as always, Noah," she said, drinking still another glass of champagne. Her balance came from the liquid fearlessness, but Evan's eyes across the room caught the spark of entertainment that really anchored her. Once more lifting his glass, he mouzed; You understood?

Uninterested in her teasing, Noah answered, "I like to think I'm efficient." And I figured we shared values about efficiency.

Isla said, "I appreciate many things, but that doesn't mean I trust them," her voice falling to a murmur he alone could have heard. Perhaps you?

Their obvious conflict was clear-cut, and for a single second the surrounds appeared to fade into a monotonous hum. Noah's expression transformed; the smile softened into something more intelligent, almost curious.

At last, he answered, "I wouldn't expect you to," his voice tinged with something she couldn exactly identify—regret. Admnuation Before she could think about it, Evan showed up by her side, his timing exactly as always.

He said with too polite exaggeration, "Am I interrupting, or can I borrow Isla for a moment?" Still, the shine in his eyes suggested he knew exactly the moment he was upsetting.

Noah straightened, his eyes fluttered between the two of them then turned back on Isla. "We'll continue this later," he said with promise.

Turning away, Isla remarked, feeling both relief and expectation: "I'm sure we will."

Evan whistled low the instant Noah vanished from earshot. " Well, that was rather strong." Should I be worried that right in the middle of this glittering party you two were going to start a corporate duel?

"Not yet," Isla said at last exhaling a breath she had not been aware of holding. Still, have backup just in case.

They chuckled, the tension dissolving like a tide retreat from the shore. It seemed like any other night—business blended with pleasant conversation—for a fleeting moment. But the weight of Noah's comments and the unspoken problems between them stayed like a shadow reluctant to be passed over.

As the evening dragged on, Isla began to stare at Noah and found he was behaving the same. Every movement measured, every glance a reminder of the game they were both playing; it was a silent dance of strategy and research. There were high stakes; neither was ready to yield ground.

Before nighttime was over, Noah returned to her this time inviting.

"There's a dinner tomorrow night, exclusive, just a handful of industry leaders," he said, the casuality of his voice betrayed by the fire in his eyes. "Come" Let us apply conversational language.

"TerMS?" Again, she replied, resisting the smile that pulled at her lips. "Is this the way you are asking me out?"

He laughed gently and quite honestly. In such case, would you say yes?

She yelled back, "Not a chance," but her eyes gleamed with challenge. I will still be there, though.

"Good," he said, back off but not before leaning one last time. "I wouldn't want to undertake this without you, Isla."

Evan sidestepped, raised an eyebrow, leaving her with more questions than answers walking away.

"Did the huge, bad wolf then invite you to his den?"

Unable to stop the faint smile growing, Isla said, "Something like that."

With feigned fervor, Evan remarked, "Oh, this is going to be fun." His hands came together. "Remember, I'm still your hype man even in a confrontation."

"Noted," she said, laughter bubbling up even if the suspense stayed under the surface.

Not knowing that two adversaries had just defined the parameters of a fresh confrontation, the chapter finished as the room hummed with discussion. And when Isla left the event, a mix of fear, excitement, and something very else, the expectation of what was to come hung thick in her chest.