Chapter 2

Against the skyline, the Blackwood Corporation towered like a shining steel and glass stronghold. Xander Blackwood's stronghold on the city was evident from the street below, where it appeared unbreakable. Isabella saw the building as the stronghold she would enter, but to most, it represented his accomplishment. She would take him down from within its confines.

With a fleeting glimpse of herself reflected in the glass, Isabella stood in front of the enormous revolving doors. She smoothed down the lapels of her blazer and adjusted it before entering. With the gentle buzz of activity in the background, the refreshing lobby air hit her like a wave.

She felt as though she was travelling over a chessboard with each step she made in the direction of the lift. She would take a serious step today. She was having a negotiation with a top executive at Xander, one that would, if it went well, integrate her into the organisation. Once inside, she would work it out from the inside out.

Her thoughts became more focused as the elevator rose, and she practiced all the points she intended to say. Her first move was crucial in this deal. She was aware, though, that Xander wouldn't leave something this significant up to chance. He would be observing.

As the doors opened to reveal the executive floor, the lift chimed. Her heels dug into the luxurious carpet as she entered the hallway. Her pulse quickened as the doors to the meeting room opened, guided by a young assistant.

I saw him there, Xander Blackwood.

It had not been his scheduled event. She felt the realisation as strongly as an electric shock. He was a mute observer, not a participant in this. As she walked into the room, she felt his gaze on her, a weight she hadn't quite expected.

A seductive voice called out, "Miss Monroe," from across the table. It belonged to Daniel Shaw, one of the executives Xander trusted the most. He pointed to the chair across from him, his expression bland and impenetrable. There have been encouraging tidings regarding your project. I'm hoping you're prepared to dazzle.

Grinning, Isabella slid into the chair with a sense of ease she wasn't entirely sure she had. "I'm sure you'll find what I've got to offer... captivating.

Her eyes darted to Xander, a quiet but commanding presence at the far end of the table. Though he had not yet spoken, he kept his gaze fixed on her. She sensed the intense examination in his eyes, as though he were attempting to reveal what was underneath her calm exterior.

I hope you succeed, she thought. Nothing that I wouldn't want you to see will be there.

Isabella turned back to Daniel and said, "Let's get right to the point." She slid a stylish tablet across the table after taking it out of her bag. "This represents your luxury division's future. A concept that combines the exclusivity that Blackwood's clients desire with state-of-the-art technology.

Daniel raised an eyebrow as he cast a quick glance at the television. He appeared curious but wary. "Continue."

Isabella leaned forward, speaking in a calm, assured tone. Our in-house system will completely change the way your customers perceive luxury. The journey is just as important as the product. Every consumer connection is now personalised using this technology, catered to their needs even before they are aware of them.

She stopped to give her words time to register. Imagine being aware of a customer's preferences the instant they enter one of your establishments. Recognise their preferences and provide them with just what they require before they even ask. Luxurious living redefined.

For a little period, the room was silent as the weight of her proposal lingered.

Daniel glanced to Xander, who continued to seem neutral. Though his expression was expressionless, Isabella could sense the cogs in his head turning. She sensed that he was curious.

"It's a bold assertion," Daniel at last remarked. "Why are you so certain it will work?"

Isabella grinned more broadly. We've already tested it on a small number of well-known customers. The outcomes exceeded our anticipations. This is a guarantee, not a guess. Additionally, I'm giving Blackwood Corporation the only authority to use the system.

Daniel folded his arms and sat back in his chair. She could see the wheels spinning in his mind as he considered it. But it was not he who made the important decisions. It was Xander.

At last, Xander broke his silence and stated, "Exclusive rights." He had a rich, soothing voice with a hint of sharpness. He spoke like a man posing a challenge rather than a man asking a question. That's a daring proposal. What's in it for you, though?

With her heart thumping in her chest, Isabella met his eyes. She had practiced all potential angles and was ready for this. She fought to maintain her composure and stay calm under the intense scrutiny of his predatory gaze, which seemed to pierce through her every thought. It felt as though he was patiently biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment when she would make a mistake or slip up, revealing any hint of vulnerability.

With a flawless response, "I think strategic partnerships are strong." "With Blackwood's connections and money, we can expand this system internationally. If it is successful, it will solidify Blackwood Corporation's standing as a leader in high-end innovation. Being a part of something that alters the game is what I desire.

For a while, Xander remained silent, his eyes fixed on hers. Then he leaned back in his chair, gently tapping the armrest with his fingertips.

"And if it fails?"

Isabella said without hesitating, "It won't." "Because I never give up."

A thin smile, devoid of any warmth, twisted Xander's lips. "Miss Monroe, confidence can be a dangerous thing."

Defying his advances, she maintained eye contact. "The wrong person can also be underestimated."

The tension between them was palpable for a brief while. Isabella felt the weight of the room bearing down on her, and Xander's intense inspection was like a spotlight shining on her. She didn't flinch, though. She was too far gone to back down now.

Xander nodded at last. We'll take a closer look at the suggestion. If it lives up to your expectations, we'll move forward.

Not quite; it was not a victory. However, that was a positive move. She had both their and, more significantly, Xander's attention.

She felt his gaze on her again as she grabbed her belongings and got ready to leave the room. She had sown the seed, but he had proven resistant to persuasion. It would not be long before it developed into something she could actually utilise.

As Isabella left Blackwood Corporation, she allowed a little, content smile to creep into her face. This was only the start. She was in, and before long she would have all she needed to defeat him.

But one thing stayed with her as she left: Xander Blackwood was not a man to be taken lightly. She would need to exercise even more caution because he was keeping a tight eye on her. There was no going back now that the game had started.