Episode 8: The First Move
339 Words
Leah wasted no time. The moment she returned to her office, she gathered her team, laying out a revised strategy that would ensure she won this bet.
“We’ll start with a controlled market release,” she instructed, pointing at the projections on the screen. “If we secure a strong hold locally, we’ll expand within three months—not before.”
Her team nodded in agreement, confident in her plan. Leah was always methodical, calculating, precise. She didn’t gamble—she strategized.
But she knew Nico. He wouldn’t just sit back and wait.
And she was right.
Later that day, as she left the office for a quick coffee break, she found him leaning against the wall near the elevator, scrolling through his phone.
“You’ve been busy,” he remarked, not looking up.
Leah crossed her arms. “Unlike some people, I don’t waste time.”
Nico finally looked at her, his expression unreadable. “That’s what I like about you.”
She ignored the way her pulse reacted to those words. “Are you going to stand there all day, or are you actually working on your plan?”
His smirk deepened. “Oh, I already made my first move.”
Her stomach twisted. “What did you do?”
Nico slid his phone into his pocket. “Let’s just say… I might’ve fast-tracked an international partnership.”
Leah’s eyes widened. “You—”
“I told you, Leah.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You play it safe. I play to win.”
Heat surged through her, a mix of frustration and something else she refused to acknowledge.
She squared her shoulders. “Then let’s see who wins, Alvarez.”
Nico’s smirk remained, but his eyes darkened with something dangerous.
“Oh, I’m counting on it.”
The elevator doors opened, and Leah stepped inside without another word.
As they closed, she exhaled sharply. Nico had already made his move.
Now it was her turn.
And she had no intention of losing.
- Writer
