Chapter 102: The Leverage

Chapter 102: The Leverage
Ethan Caldwell leaned back in the plush chair opposite Nicole, his expression a mix of curiosity and admiration.

Her penthouse office was a testament to a fastidious mind: lots of sleek lines, muted colors, and exuded powerfulness.

He studied her for a long moment before breaking the silence.

"I know this was your doing," Ethan said coolly with an air of intrigue.

He slithered a crumpled newspaper across the desk, the bold headline announcing news of Taylor Fury's shocking retention as CEO of Taylons Enterprises.

Nicole picked up the paper, her manicured fingers tracing the headline.

A faint smile played on her lips, but it wasn’t the one Ethan expected.

Instead of triumphant glee, her expression carried a hint of amusement.

“You’re wrong,” she said, setting the paper down with deliberate care. “I had nothing to do with this.”

Ethan furrowed his brows, his face a picture of a scowl. "Come on, Nicole. You really think I am supposed to believe that? Who else is going to benefit from keeping him in that position?"

Nicole didn't bat an eyelid as she held his gaze. "Sometimes, Ethan, things aren't as they appear. This wasn't my move."

She wished Ethan could've known she could do better than that.

Ethan sat forward, elbows on desk. "Then who?"

Nicole smiled more widely but spoke in an icier tone: "Does that make any difference? What you need to ask is what follows."

Ethan narrowed his eyes while gazing into her face. "You're changing the subject, I think." He smirked slightly. "But I'm good with it. What is it?"

Drumming her fingers lightly on the desk, her thoughts elsewhere, she said only softly, "Patience."

She adjusted in her seat and continued.

“The bank’s visit to Taylor… that’s only the beginning. Let’s wait and see how he handles the pressure.”

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re ruthless.”

Nicole’s smile faded, replaced by an icy resolve. “Not ruthless,” she corrected. “Focused. There’s a difference.”

The weight of her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Ethan looked almost unsettled.

He had always found Nicole so relentless, but now something was different, something had chipped off all the rough edges, making her sharper and without any place for weakness.

The door to the office opened, and Leo stepped inside. His tall figure filled the room, and Ethan could see why he commanded respect with his very presence.

He had a brief glance in Ethan's direction before fixing on Nicole.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked curtly.

Ethan sensed the tension in the air. He stood up, nodded at Leo politely. "I was just leaving."

Nicole glanced briefly at Ethan, her eyes warm with gratitude. "Thanks for coming over, Ethan. I'll keep you posted."

Ethan paused a moment before leaving the room, passing by Leo with a sidelong glance.

The door closed behind him. Leo turned to Nicole, his face stern.

"What's wrong?" Nicole asked, nodding at him to sit. "You look distressed."

Leo waved aside the invitation. "Why have you been avoiding my calls?" he said roughly. "I called, texted, even had Collins remind you to get back to me. Nothing."

Nicole shrugged and sank down into her chair. "It's not like I'm being deliberately obtuse, Leo. Work has been overwhelming recently."

"Work?" Leo's voice cut up an octave, and frustration was there. "Or revenge? Let's face it, Nicole. This isn't about building an empire. It's about destroying someone."

Nicole's eyes narrowed. "And if it is? You knew what I was doing when you decided to get involved. Don't pretend this is some kind of revelation."

The muscles in Leo's face relaxed slightly, but the sternness didn't let up. "I knew you were determined, I liked that about you. But this obsession.... can't you see it's destroying you? It's turning you into someone else."

Nicole rose to her feet and faced him head-on.

"Don't lecture me, Leo. You don't know anything about losing everything, about your life being shredded and reduced to nothing but ashes. This is my fight, and I'm finishing it my way."

Leo's jaw clenched. His eyes scoured hers for the spark of the woman he had loved.

"You are better than this, Nicole," he whispered softly. "Or at least, I thought you were."

A softer expression crossed her face for a moment before the defiance masked it again. "If you don't like it, you're free to walk away."

Her determination was fierce, but nothing changed about her feelings for Leo. But Leo was scared, scared of losing the woman he had come to love.

Leo's frustration boiled over. "Maybe I should," he said coldly. "But don't expect me to be here when you finally realize you've gone too far."

Nicole's heart constricted, but she wouldn't let that show. "If that's what you want, then go," she said, her voice level with the maelstrom inside her.

He stared at her for a long time, and his emotions fought on his face. Then, without another word, he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The sound echoed through the office, leaving Nicole alone in the heavy silence.

For a moment, she stood frozen, her hands gripping the edge of the desk.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain composure.

This was what she had chosen. This was the path she had to walk, no matter the cost.