nwosuchisom_nicole

When business tycoon Tyler Winslow meets enigmatic heiress Nicole Melbourne at a high-stakes gala, their lives become irreversibly entwined. Despite their whirlwind romance, their love is tested by the reappearance of Tyler's childhood sweetheart, Clara Chem, and the cunning Andrew Bond.

As Tyler and Nicole navigate the treacherous landscape of family dynamics, business rivalries, and hidden agendas, their bond grows stronger. But will their love survive the secrets and lies threatening to tear them apart?

ETERNAL BOND

Meeting with Edward Melbourne

Emma stepped into the office, her usual professional demeanor intact, but there was something else—hesitation.

"Nicole, your father wants to see you."

Nicole's fingers stilled over her keyboard. A cold, calculated mask slipped over her features.

Edward Melbourne never called unless it benefited him.

"Set up a meeting," she instructed coolly, barely looking up. "Tell him I'll be there in a minute."

Emma nodded but smirked slightly. "Sure thing, boss."

As the door shut behind her assistant, Nicole exhaled slowly.

What does he want this time?

A Battle of Wills

Edward Melbourne's office was a manifestation of power—rich mahogany furniture, expensive paintings, and a lingering scent of aged whiskey. The man himself sat behind an imposing desk, his sharp gaze already locked onto her as she stepped in.

"Nicole," he greeted, his voice smooth yet commanding.

She didn't bother with pleasantries. "You wanted to see me, Father?"

Edward leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "I've made a decision."

Nicole's spine straightened slightly, though she gave nothing away.

"We're solidifying ties with Winslow Enterprises," he continued. "And you will make that happen, personally."

Nicole's lips curled into a slow, unimpressed smile. "The deal is already signed. What more do you expect?"

Edward's eyes gleamed with something sharp. "More than a contract, Nicole. I want you to get close to Tyler Winslow—make him trust you. Make him want you."

"You want me to seduce him?" she asked, voice void of emotion.

Edward didn't even flinch. "Call it… securing an alliance."

Nicole tilted her head slightly, as if considering. But inside, her blood ran cold.

Edward's jaw tightened. "Excuse me?"

Nicole leaned forward, placing both hands on the desk, meeting his gaze head-on.

"I run Melbourne Enterprises—not you. And I don't trade myself like a bargaining chip. Not for you. Not for anyone."

Edward let out a quiet chuckle. "You think you have a choice?"

Nicole's smile was lethal. "I know I do."

For a long moment, father and daughter locked eyes in silent warfare.

Then Edward sighed, shaking his head. "You really are my daughter."

"Then you should know better than to try and control me."

His expression darkened. "I built this empire, Nicole. You may sit on the throne, but don't forget whose name put you there."

A veiled threat. Subtle, but undeniable.

Nicole's nails lightly tapped against the desk. "I haven't forgotten, Father. I just don't fear you."

Edward studied her for another long moment before finally rising to his feet. "We'll see about that."

Without another word, he strode past her, leaving behind only the weight of his presence.

Nicole remained standing, staring at the spot where he'd been.

Edward Melbourne never walked away without a plan.

And that was the real threat.

CHAPTER TEN