CHAPTER FOUR

An Unexpected Alliance

Nicole traced the delicate brushstrokes of Rachel's latest painting, though her mind was elsewhere—on the next move, the next deal, the next threat to neutralize.

Rachel, ever perceptive, watched her closely. "So, are you going to tell me what's going on in your mind and also between you and the hot Tyler Winslow?"

Nicole arched a brow. "I wasn't aware there was anything to tell."

Rachel smirked. "Pleaseee. You think I haven't noticed? You don't entertain people without reason, and yet you've been in the same room as him more than once."

Nicole's expression remained unreadable. "Tyler is… useful."

Rachel crossed her arms and a raised brow. "That's not an answer Nicky."

Nicole sighed, as if indulging a minor's curiosity. "We've found common ground."

Rachel's interest sharpened. "Which means?"

Nicole's gaze darkened slightly. "It means I know how to navigate men like him."

Rachel tilted her head. "Just like Anthony?"

Nicole's expression cooled instantly. "Anthony was a mistake."

Rachel studied her, as if weighing whether to push further. "You never really talked about him."

"There's nothing to talk about," Nicole said, voice controlled. "I played the game. He played back."

Silence stretched between them before

Rachel finally nodded. "And Tyler?"

Nicole smirked, standing. "Tyler is a different kind of game."

She checked the time and reached for her coat. "I should go."

Rachel leaned against the table. "Just… be careful okay. Men like Tyler don't make deals without strings."

Nicole met her gaze, unwavering. "Then I'll make sure I'm the one holding the strings."

—

Outside, the night air was crisp as Nicole stepped toward her car. Her phone buzzed.

Unknown Number.

"Meet me. Eclipse. 8 PM. Alone."

No name, no pretense. But she knew only one man could be this precised.

Tyler.

—

Nicole entered Eclipse at precisely 8 PM. The restaurant was a quiet symphony of wealth—low murmurs, crystal glasses clinking, power moving beneath the surface. No entry without status.

Tyler was already waiting. His presence commanded attention, but Nicole refused to offer any reaction.

He stood as she approached. "Nicole."

She slid into the seat opposite him, gaze steady. "Tyler."

He watched her, searching for something. She gave him nothing.

"I have a proposal," he said finally. "A business deal that benefits us both."

Nicole leaned back, unimpressed. "You assume I'm interested."

Tyler smirked. "I assume you like winning."

She tilted her head slightly, as if weighing his words.

"Tell me something I don't know."

He chuckled, but there was an edge to it. He wasn't used to working for someone's attention.

"The Melbourne name carries power," he admitted. "But power means enemies. I have resources you don't. You have access to something I need."

Nicole's expression didn't shift. "And what makes you think I'd hand you that access?"

Tyler's smirk didn't waver. "Because you know leverage when you see it."

She watched him, searching for cracks in his composure. There were none.

"What's the real play here, Tyler?" she asked, voice cool. "Because I don't do charity. And I certainly don't do blind trust."

His jaw tensed slightly. Good. He was realizing she wouldn't be easy to read, let alone manipulate.

"It's a merger," he admitted. "One that puts us both at the top."

Nicole took a slow sip of her wine, letting silence stretch.

"Your offer is tempting," she finally said, voice smooth. "But temptation isn't enough."

Tyler's smirk returned. "Then what is?"

Nicole set her glass down with a deliberate click. "Assurance. Control. A guarantee that when the dust settles, I'm not standing in your shadow."

His expression didn't change, but she saw it—the flicker of respect in his eyes.

"Then let's negotiate," he said.

Nicole smiled. "Now you're speaking my language."

—

As she drove home, her mind was already calculating. Tyler Winslow was a shark. But so was she.

The difference? She knew how to win without showing weakness.

And this time, she had no intention of losing.