Isla’s POV

The moment Isla stepped out of the elevator, she knew something was off.

The energy in the office was different—tighter, heavier, as if people were waiting for something to happen. Whispers floated between employees as they hurried past, barely concealing their curious glances. It didn’t take a genius to figure out who they were talking about.

Her.

Or rather, her and Grayson.

She exhaled, squaring her shoulders as she walked toward her office. After the confrontation with Victoria, she should have expected the aftermath. Power plays in the corporate world didn’t just happen behind closed doors. They had ripples—silent ones that could turn into waves if not handled correctly.

And Isla Carter didn’t drown.

She had barely settled at her desk when her assistant poked her head in, looking slightly panicked.

“Ms. Carter, Mr. Sinclair wants to see you. Now.”

Of course, he did.

She gathered her composure and made her way to his office, ignoring the burn of a dozen watchful eyes. The second she entered, Grayson was standing by the window, his back to her, his jaw set tight. The air between them was thick, charged with something unsaid.

“You’re late,” he muttered.

“For what?” Isla crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. “A reprimand? Because if so, you should probably know by now that I don’t respond well to those.”

Grayson finally turned, his stormy gaze locking onto hers. “Victoria isn’t someone you play games with, Isla.”

“Then it’s a good thing I wasn’t playing,” she shot back.

His lips pressed into a thin line. “She’s going to retaliate.”

“I know.”

His brows furrowed, as if he wasn’t expecting that answer. “And you’re not concerned?”

“Of course, I’m concerned.” She took a step closer, lowering her voice. “But if you think I’m going to cower because Victoria Langley doesn’t like me asking questions, then you clearly don’t know me at all.”

Something flickered in his gaze—respect, frustration, something deeper. But before he could respond, his phone buzzed.

Victoria.

He didn’t answer, but the tension in his jaw spoke volumes.

This wasn’t over.

---

Victoria’s POV

Victoria smirked as she set her phone down. She hadn’t expected Grayson to pick up, but she knew the message had been received loud and clear.

She had been watching. And waiting.

And she wasn’t done yet.

Leaning back in her chair, she glanced at the file in front of her. Isla Carter was impressive—she would give her that. But power wasn’t about strength alone. It was about strategy. And Isla had made one fatal mistake.

She had underestimated Victoria Langley.

A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as she picked up her phone again, dialing a familiar number.

“It’s time,” she said smoothly. “Let’s see how well Isla plays under pressure.”

---

Grayson’s POV

Grayson knew he was walking a dangerous line.

Victoria was playing her game, Isla was refusing to back down, and he was stuck in the middle of two women who didn’t know how to quit. And damn it, he admired that about Isla. But admiration wasn’t going to keep her safe.

As he paced his office, he knew one thing for sure.

Victoria was going to make her next move.

And this time, Isla wouldn’t see it coming.