Isla’s POV

Sinclair Enterprises wasn’t just a company—it was a battlefield. And right now, Isla was stepping into enemy territory.

The boardroom meeting had confirmed what she suspected—Victoria Langley was making moves, and they weren’t small ones.

Sitting at her desk, Isla scrolled through financial reports, her eyes sharp as she dissected the numbers. There had to be a pattern. Victoria wouldn’t risk unauthorized transactions unless she had a bigger plan.

“Digging through company secrets already?”

Grayson’s voice slid over her like silk and steel. Isla didn’t look up.

“I thought you hired me to fix things,” she replied smoothly. “That’s what I’m doing.”

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest. The suit he wore was perfect, as always, but something about his stance felt… tense.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Isla.”

She finally met his gaze. Dark. Intense. Guarded.

“Why?” she challenged. “Because I’m looking into Victoria?”

His jaw ticked. That was all the answer she needed.

“Interesting.” She leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping against the desk. “You’re worried.”

“I don’t worry.” His voice was cool, but the flicker in his eyes said otherwise.

She tilted her head. “Then why are you here?”

A muscle in his jaw clenched. Grayson Sinclair didn’t like being questioned.

Before he could answer, her phone buzzed. A blocked number.

Frowning, she answered. “This is Isla Carter.”

A beat of silence. Then, a low, unfamiliar voice.

“Stop looking where you don’t belong.”

The line went dead.

Isla stared at the phone, her pulse pounding.

What the hell?

Grayson was watching her, eyes narrowing. “Who was that?”

She hesitated, debating whether to tell him. But then she saw something unexpected in his expression.

Concern.

And that’s when it hit her.

He knew exactly how dangerous Victoria could be.

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Grayson’s POV

Grayson prided himself on control. In business, in life—especially when it came to emotions.

But watching Isla’s face pale after that phone call? Something in him snapped.

He pushed off the doorframe and closed the space between them. “Who was it?”

She shook her head. “No name. Just a warning.”

His temper flared.

Victoria was moving faster than he thought. And now, she was sending threats?

“This isn’t a game,” he said, voice low. “Whatever you think you’re doing—Victoria won’t let you win easily.”

Isla straightened, fire returning to her eyes. “I don’t lose easily.”

Damn it. Why did she have to be like this?

Determined. Stubborn. Completely intoxicating.

His fingers twitched at his sides. He needed to step back.

Needed to stop thinking about how the soft glow of the office lights made her look dangerous and beautiful at the same time.

But then Isla took a step forward. “You’re protecting her,” she accused.

His brows furrowed. “I’m protecting this company.”

“Bullshit.” She was too close now. “You know what she’s doing. And you’re letting it happen.”

His patience snapped.

One second, there was space between them. The next? There wasn’t.

Grayson moved fast—too fast. He backed her up against the desk, caging her in with his hands on either side.

Her breath hitched, but she didn’t look away.

“Watch yourself, Isla,” he murmured. “You’re making enemies.”

Her lips parted slightly. The tension was suffocating.

But Isla? She didn’t back down. Instead, she tilted her chin, a slow smirk forming. “So are you.”

And damn it all—he liked it.