Page 18 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

"Enough to create a foundation for our work together," Lila replied diplomatically. "Professional habits, preferences, and general health concerns. Nothing inappropriately personal."

Something in her tone hinted at professional boundaries that Serena found oddly reassuring. This wasn't gossip or intrusion; it was practical information gathered for a specific purpose.

"I see." Serena returned her attention to the schedule, using the document as a shield against the unsettling sense that Lila saw more than Serena intended to reveal. "This sunrise yoga session tomorrow. What exactly does it entail?"

"Basic stretches and movements designed to release tension and increase circulation," Lila said, moving to sit across from Serena at her silent gesture. "Nothing mystical or demanding. Just a way to start the day with awareness."

"I have limited patience for chanting and spiritual nonsense."

A smile flashed across Lila's face. "No chanting, I promise. Though I can't guarantee the sunrise won't inspire a certain appreciation for natural beauty."

Serena made a noncommittal sound, continuing to review the schedule. "I notice several water activities here."

"The resort can provide anything you need," Lila assured her. "There's a fully stocked closet in your bedroom with various sizes of equipment and additional clothing. All complimentary."

Serena recalled the walk-in closet she'd briefly assessed earlier, dismissing its contents as irrelevant. "I packed adequate workout attire, though I didn't anticipate needing snorkeling gear."

"The equipment is professional grade," Lila said, a hint of amusement warming her voice. "Though your designer workout clothes will be perfectly fine for yoga. The sunrise sessions don't require any special gear."

The subtle hint of challenge in Lila's tone wasn't lost on Serena. She'd spent her career being underestimated by men who thought a woman in Louboutins couldn't understand network security protocols. She wasn't about to be outmaneuvered on a yoga mat by someone in flowing linen.

Serena closed the folder with decisive finality. "I've reviewed your proposals and find them generally acceptable, with certain modifications."

She pulled a pen from the table's centerpiece and began making precise annotations on the schedule—shifting times, extending work periods, and eliminating several activities that seemed particularly pointless.

Lila watched without comment as Serena essentially rewrote the carefully crafted schedule. When she finished, Serena slid the folder back across the table, a challenge in her eyes.

To her surprise, Lila simply opened it, reviewed the changes, and nodded. "These adjustments work well. I appreciate your willingness to engage with the process."

The absence of resistance was oddly deflating. Serena had prepared for an argument, marshaling logical counterpoints against expected protests. Lila's easy acceptance left her with energy that had nowhere to go.

"You're not going to defend your original schedule?" she asked, unable to keep a hint of suspicion from her voice.

"The schedule exists to serve you, not the other way around," Lila replied simply. "Your input makes it more effective, not less."

Lila tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the gesture unexpectedly distracting. Serena found her gaze lingering on the graceful line of Lila's neck before she forced her attention back to the matter at hand.

"There's one more thing," Lila continued, seemingly unaware of Serena's momentary distraction. "The island operates on natural rhythms rather than artificial schedules. You'll find that rigid timetables sometimes need to yield to weather, tides, or unexpected opportunities."

Serena's expression must have betrayed her displeasure at this concept because Lila added quickly, "Most guests find itliberating rather than limiting. There's a difference between lacking structure and allowing flexibility within structure."

"I've found that 'flexibility' is often code for disorganization," Serena countered, rising from her chair to signal an end to the conversation.

Lila stood as well, gathering the folder with unhurried movements. "Perhaps. Or it might be adaptation to changing conditions, a quality I suspect contributed significantly to your success in a rapidly evolving industry."

The observation was astute enough to give Serena pause. She'd built Frost Innovations by anticipating shifts in technology that competitors missed and by pivoting when necessary while maintaining core principles.

"An interesting perspective," she conceded, the closest thing to agreement she was willing to offer.

Lila moved toward the door, pausing on the threshold where ocean breeze carried the subtle scent of night-blooming jasmine into the villa. "I'll meet you at Whisper Cove tomorrow at five-thirty, then. Unless you'd prefer to cancel?"

The question contained no challenge or expectation, just a simple request for clarification. Somehow, that made Serena more determined to follow through.

"I'll be there," she confirmed. "Assuming I can locate this beach on the resort map."

"It's marked with a blue dot," Lila explained. "The path starts just beyond the large banyan tree east of your villa. You can't miss it."

Something about her assured confidence compelled Serena to add, "I'm an early riser. I might arrive before the scheduled time."

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