Page 13 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

"Kai's covering for me." He leaned against the shelter's support beam with casual grace. "I couldn't miss the momentous arrival, could I? Besides, someone needs to make sure you survive the first encounter."

Despite his teasing tone, Lila recognized the gesture of friendship. Marcus had appointed himself her unofficial protector since her arrival on the island, his own history of corporate burnout creating natural empathy for her healing journey.

"I appreciate the concern, but I think I can manage one executive." She twisted the cap off her water, taking a long drink.

"Not just any executive." Marcus pulled out his phone, quickly checking the screen before pocketing it again. "Our upcoming guest made the Wall Street Journal's list of 'Most Intimidating Business Leaders' three years running. There are YouTube compilations of her dismantling journalists who ask unprepared questions."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Have you been Googling her all morning?"

"Research," he corrected with a grin. "Know thy opponent and all that."

"She's not an opponent, Marcus. She's a person who's built walls so high she's forgotten there's anything beyond them." Lila's voice softened with genuine compassion. "That kind of isolation must be exhausting to maintain."

Marcus studied her with a mixture of admiration and concern. "You really do see the best in everyone, don't you? Even after everything with Sophie, you still lead with empathy."

The unexpected mention of her ex sent a brief ripple through Lila's composure. "Maybe because of Sophie, not despite her," she replied thoughtfully. "Understanding how someone can be brilliant and accomplished yet emotionally unavailable helped me recognize the pattern elsewhere."

"Fair point." Marcus straightened as the distant sound of rotor blades became audible. "Show time. Want me to stick around for moral support?"

Lila shook her head. "First impressions matter. Too many people might feel overwhelming."

"Your call." He squeezed her shoulder. "Group dinner at the staff beach tonight if you need to decompress afterward. I expect full details on her response to paradise."

With a final encouraging smile, he departed down the path that led back to the main resort, leaving Lila alone as the helicopter's distinctive shape appeared on the horizon. She took a deep breath, centering herself in the moment. This wasn't about her own nervousness or preconceptions; it was about creating space for whatever Serena needed, whether she communicated those needs or not.

The wind picked up as the Solara Island helicopter approached, whipping Lila's loose dress around her legs and tugging strands of honey-blonde hair from her braid. Rather than fight the elements, she surrendered to them, allowing herself to embody the flexibility and adaptation she hoped to encourage in her newest client.

The aircraft circled once before beginning its descent, giving its passenger a panoramic view of the island. Lila wondered what Serena might be thinking as she observed her temporary sanctuary from above. Would she see the beauty or merely calculate the isolation from her power base? Would she recognize the opportunity or resent the imposed retreat?

The helicopter settled onto the pad with practiced precision, its rotors slowing but not yet stopping as the pilot completed his landing checks. Through the tinted window, Lila caught her first glimpse of movement—a slim figure in dark clothing, head bent over what was almost certainly a phone, squeezing in final communications before reception disappeared.

Lila straightened her shoulders and moved forward as the door slid open. The helicopter's downdraft created a final swirlof wind around her as she approached, her welcoming smile firmly in place despite the dust and debris.

Serena emerged from the aircraft with the practiced efficiency of someone accustomed to transitions. Unlike most guests who often appeared disheveled after the long journey, she looked remarkably composed—tailored linen pants crisp despite hours of travel, silk blouse unwrinkled, hair secured in a perfect French twist that hadn't surrendered a single strand to the helicopter's turbulence.

Only the subtle shadows beneath her eyes and a barely perceptible tightness around her mouth betrayed the accumulated fatigue of international travel.

Her gaze swept the landing area with swift assessment before settling on Lila. Even prepared by photographs, Lila found herself momentarily struck by the intensity of those piercing blue eyes—evaluative and penetrating, taking her measure in an instant.

"Ms. Frost," Lila called over the diminishing rotor noise, moving closer with extended hand. "Welcome to Solara Island. I'm Lila Skye, your wellness guide during your stay."

Serena accepted the handshake with cool efficiency. Her grip was firm but brief, establishing contact without inviting connection. "I assume there's transportation to the accommodations? This heat is rather excessive." Her voice carried the crisp precision of someone accustomed to immediate response.

"Of course. Your villa is prepared and waiting." Lila gestured toward the path where a small electric cart stood ready. "It's a short ride through the gardens. Would you prefer to rest or would you like an orientation around the resort facilities?"

"Rest won't be necessary. A brief orientation followed by reviewing whatever schedule has been proposed would be most efficient." Serena's gaze had already moved past Lila tosurvey the surroundings, cataloging her new environment with analytical thoroughness.

"We've prepared some suggestions based on your assistant's input, but your time here is yours to shape,” Lila clarified gently.

Something flickered briefly in Serena's expression—surprise, perhaps, or skepticism. "I find that unlikely, given the circumstances of my arrangement."

The response confirmed what Lila had suspected. Serena viewed this retreat as an enforced exile rather than an opportunity. Building trust would require acknowledging that perception rather than denying it.

"I understand this visit wasn't entirely voluntary," Lila acknowledged as they walked toward the waiting cart. "But that doesn't mean your experience here needs to feel like a sentence to be served. Solara Island offers structure for those who want it and freedom for those who don't."

Serena's sidelong glance carried a hint of reluctant interest beneath the skepticism. "A diplomatic response."

"An honest one." Lila smiled, helping the pilot load Serena's luggage into the cart's rear compartment. "The island tends to give people what they need, sometimes in unexpected ways."

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