CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: IT'S MY GAME

The boardroom was steeped in silence, the tension so thick it clung to the air like smoke. Isabella’s bold proposition still hung over the table, and the board members were exchanging cautious glances—uncertain, curious, and some visibly intrigued.

Natalie crossed her legs smoothly, hands stretched forward on the table, a soft smile curving her lips. She wasn’t threatened. She was entertained.

If only Isabella knew that the game was hers, and she controlled what happened.

From her position, Natalie could feel Rafael's eyes resting on her, like niddles that almost pricked her skin.

After a long, weighted pause, she finally spoke, her voice smooth as silk and laced with just enough sweetness to cut.

“Well,” she said, eyes drifting to Isabella, “you should do whatever you feel is best. I’m only here because Rafael asked me to help.” She looked around the table. “But if you all feel like her idea is the best, then we go with it. After all, we are all want what's best for the company." 

Her tone was gracious, every word dripped with confidence and something unreadable—an expert move, enough to make Isabella’s jaw clench but not enough to call her out directly.

The board members nodded slowly, swayed by Isabella’s pitch and eager to take the cleaner, quicker route. Within minutes, the decision was made—they would proceed with Isabella’s cybersecurity contact.

"How soon can you contact this guy? Because we need to move quickly." One of the board members dared to throw the question at Isabella.

Isabella, ecstatic, looked onto Rafael, she needed to see that look that showed he was impressed, she wanted to see his lips stretch in admiration for her. But her disappointment grew when she noticed his eyes still resting on Natalie, like he was trying bro uncover a secret.

"By this time tomorrow," she began, "I should have contacted him. He would start at once" 

"I guess the meeting is over, then." Natalie announced as she began to gather her things calmly.

Both Rafael and Isabella watched her every move. Isabella watched to see disappointment painted in her face, but to her dismay, through all of it, she could only see elegance and a calm demeanour. 

Rafael looked on, not because he wanted to see her disappointed, but he was still trying to get used to her features. His eyes focused mainly on her bracelet. He has hosted board meetings with Alina present, the feeling of deja vu created only by Natalie's imposing presence on the table grew with every passing moment.

The other board members has begun to stroll out of the board room, one after the other.

Natalie stood gracefully, a small smile decorated he face, almost invisible, but clear enough to be noticed by anyone looking close enough.

"I will take my leave." She announced to nobody in particular. 

Her heels echoed through the almost empty board room as she walked, almost too loud, maybe because it was announcing her retreating.

Outside the boardroom, Emma Swansea was already waiting, tablet in hand, expression unreadable but alert as always. The two fell into step, heels tapping in sync across the polished marble floor.

"I have taken care of the business." She told Natalie in almost a whisper.

Natalie's smile grew wider. "You are so competent, what would I have done without you?" 

Just as they neared the car, Rafael’s voice called out from behind. “Natalie.”

She paused and turned, catching Rafael's gaze, almost unprepared. Her heart did a wild summersault inside her chest, almost threatening her balance.

 She turned to Emma and murmured almost breathlessly. “Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”

Emma gave a short nod and continued toward the car.

Rafael approached, his expression tight with frustration and something else—that Natalie could hardly place her hand on. His hair had moved from neat and glossy that it had been initially and had been slightly messed with, maybe because he kept running a hand over it.

“I’m sorry,” he said as he approached her. “About Isabella. I mean she is...” his words trailed off 

“It’s fine,” Natalie interrupted, her voice calm, cool. “She’s trying to protect something she cares about. We all are.” Sue pressed her red lips together, her smile stretched a little further than it should, but Rafael ignored it.

He searched her face, but she offered nothing more than that serene smile.

“I’m part of this now, Rafael. A full member. And no matter who disagrees, I’ll always stand for what’s right for the company.”

Of course, she would have no objection to Isabella's submission, it was all part of the plot. A plot she has meticulously drafted out.

She shifted her gaze subtly, eyes catching something—or someone—in the distance. Isabella stood not far off, watching them, arms crossed. Her jaw tightened.

Natalie gave Rafael a knowing look.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me—I have another appointment.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away, her presence lingering like perfume in the air.

Rafael watched her leaving and a strange air overcame him, something he only remembered from two years ago.

It was different from the usual déjà what he would feel around her, it was something else, something strange that he wouldn't dare name.

 As if he shouldn't be letting her walk away, as if he was watching her slip away from his hands, like someone in his past that he has let slip away like this.

If only he had been a little more cautious, if only he had chosen the right way to handle things, maybe, just maybe, he would not have lost her.

A strange heaviness in Rafael's heart accompanied the feeling, and was only slightly lifted when he felt a hand slip into his.

"Rafael?" Isabella's voice floated into his ear. "Are you okay?" 

Rafael blinked rapidly. Natalie's car was just pulling out of the driveway and was smoothly navigating it's way to the express.

Isabella followed his gaze and down her anger.

"Should we leave? Or you would rather stay here and watch Natalie's car drive away?"