Page 35 of Fractured Faceoff

What scared me the most was thatI was actually considering his proposition at all. The idea of aligning myself with Jared against Ava felt wrong on so many levels. But the thought of continuing as we were—Ava pulling strings and me playing puppet—felt even worse.

I sighed, shoving my laptop into my bag with more force than necessary. Could I really trust Jared? His motives seemed pure enough—his love for Ava undeniable—but our shared history was complicated and fraught with tension.

My phone buzzed again. Another text from Brody. I didn't even look at it this time, stuffing the device into my bag along with everything else.

As I locked up my office and headed for the exit, my mind was still tangled in knots. The pros were enticing: freedom from Ava’s manipulations, a chance at my own form of revenge with Brody, maybe even some justice for all the years of emotional turmoil she’d put us through.

But the cons loomed large: potential fallout that could ruin relationships forever, the risk of playing into Jared’s hands if his intentions weren’t as noble as they seemed, and worst of all—the possibility that I’d lose myself in this vendetta.

Standing by my car, keys in hand, I took a deep breath. The decision felt monumental, and yet, time wasn’t going to stop for me to make up my mind.

Chapter 10

Jared

Ileaned against the wall outside Isla's office, hands stuffed into my pockets. The hallway echoed with the distant hum of office chatter and the occasional ring of a phone. Isla was still inside, packing up her things, her silhouette moving against the frosted glass of the door.

The plan formed in my head sounded logical, even smart. Pretending to date each other could solve both our problems. For her, it could deflect unwanted attention from Brody's scandal; for me, it would give Ava a reason to break things off with Kash. At least it would piss her off. But I had to play it cool, not come off as desperate or overeager.

The door clicked open, and Isla stepped out, balancing a stack of files and her oversized purse.

"Hey," I said, pushing off the wall. "Need a hand?"

She glanced up, surprised but not displeased. "Jared? What are you doing here?"

"Just thought we could talk," I replied, taking a couple of files from her arms. "Got a minute?"

I glanced around, ensuring no one else lingered nearby. "Have you thought about my proposal?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

Isla let out a breath, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Look, Jared, I don't know?—"

"Isla," I cut in smoothly, "hear me out. This benefits both of us. You get a break from the Brody mess and can keep your head low for a bit. And for me... well, it gives Ava a nudge to rethink her choices."

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly contemplating.

"Think about it," I continued, leaning in slightly. "You know how Kash treats Ava. He's not right for her. And Brody? The man’s career is hanging by a thread after what you caught him doing. Well, it will be if people find out, and you know I can make that happen. I do have a way with words, after all. This could give you some peace, at least until the storm blows over."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t interrupt.

"We don’t have to make it look too serious," I said. "Just enough to make them both question their choices."

I could see the gears turning in her head, her brow furrowing as she mulled over my words.

"Look," I offered, sensing an opening. "Let's go out to eat and come up with a plan that works for both of us. I'm buying."

She hesitated again, eyes darting to the files in her hands as if they held the answers she sought. Finally, she looked up at me, fierce determination flashing in her eyes.

"Fine," she said. "Let me just file these and we'll go."

I smirked, the victory sweet on my tongue. "Take your time."

I watched Isla as she moved aroundthe office, filing the documents that had been in her arms. She had a way about her, something understated but captivating. Not in the same striking manner as Ava, who could command a room with a single glance. Isla was different. More subtle. Like a quiet melody that lingered long after the song ended.

Her dark blonde hair fell in soft waves around her face, catching the light just right as she worked. She tucked a strand behind her ear, a small, almost absent-minded gesture that drew my attention. Her eyes, focused and intent, scanned each paper before slipping it into place. There was a grace to her movements, an efficiency that hinted at a mind always several steps ahead.

She wore a simple blouse and skirt, professional yet flattering. The way she carried herself made it clear she didn't need flashy clothes or heavy makeup to feel confident. She was naturally alluring, with an aura of quiet strength and resilience that pulled me in.

I found myself imagining what it would be like to be with her. To share more than just these fleeting moments of conspiracy and strategy. It wasn’t just about Ava anymore, or Kash, or even Brody’s mess. I wanted to know Isla better, understand what made her tick.

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