Chapter 7: Close Quarters.

The next few days were filled with back-to-back meetings, project deadlines, and the constant stress of maintaining her firm's reputation. Isla buried herself in her work, hoping to block out thoughts of Jin Woo. Despite her best efforts, he seemed to infiltrate her mind at every turn.

After the networking event, Jin Woo's suggestion of collaboration had stayed with her. She couldn't help but wonder what he was playing at—was he sincere or was this another strategy to throw her off balance?

Isla paced around her office, trying to make sense of it all. Just as she was about to dive into another proposal, Mason knocked on the door and entered.

"Ms. Han, we've received a rather unusual request," Mason said, placing a folder on her desk.

Isla raised an eyebrow, taking the folder. "What kind of request?"

"It's from Mr. Kang's firm. They've requested a joint presentation for a project proposal next week. Apparently, the client is interested in seeing how well both firms work together," Mason explained.

Isla's heart sank. A joint presentation? With Jin Woo?

"Are you kidding me?" she muttered, flipping through the proposal documents. "We're supposed to compete, not team up."

Mason shrugged, a sympathetic smile on his face. "Seems like Mr. Kang is keen on the idea of collaboration."

Isla slammed the folder shut, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Of course, he is. This is his game, Mason. He's trying to make me look incompetent or force me into a partnership I didn't ask for."

Mason hesitated before responding, his tone careful. "Or maybe he's genuinely interested in working together. You did say it's important to adapt and stay open to new strategies."

Isla glared at him but couldn't ignore the logic in his words. Collaborating with Jin Woo would force her out of her comfort zone, but it could also be an opportunity to show the client her versatility.

She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Fine. Let's do it. But I'm not letting him take the lead on this."

---

The following week, Isla found herself in the conference room with Jin Woo, preparing for the joint presentation. The atmosphere between them was thick with unresolved tension as they set up their materials.

"Try not to sabotage me," Isla muttered under her breath as she arranged her slides.

Jin Woo chuckled softly, clearly amused by her sharp remark. "Sabotage? Why would I do that when we're supposed to be partners?"

She shot him a cold look. "Because you thrive on competition. This is just another way for you to one-up me."

Jin Woo placed a hand over his heart in mock sincerity. "Isla, you wound me. I thought we were past all that."

"Yeah, right," she replied, rolling her eyes.

Despite her irritation, she couldn't help but notice the way Jin Woo's expression softened, as if he were genuinely trying to ease the tension between them. The playful banter they shared had always masked something deeper, but she wasn't ready to explore that.

As the client entered the room, Isla forced her focus back to the task at hand. This was her chance to prove her worth, even if it meant sharing the stage with Jin Woo.

The presentation started smoothly, with Isla leading the discussion on her firm's strengths and the innovative approaches they could bring to the project. Jin Woo chimed in seamlessly, adding his insights without stepping on her toes.

To her surprise, their dynamic during the presentation was… effortless. The rivalry that had once defined their relationship seemed to fade away as they worked in unison, each complementing the other's ideas. Isla found herself momentarily forgetting her frustration with Jin Woo, impressed by how naturally they collaborated.

When the presentation concluded, the client seemed thoroughly impressed. They praised both Isla and Jin Woo for their combined vision and innovative strategies.

"Well, that went better than I expected," Jin Woo said as they packed up their materials, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Don't get cocky. It's not over yet," Isla replied, though her tone lacked the usual bite.

"I have to admit, we make a pretty good team," Jin Woo said, his voice softer now, almost as if he were testing the waters.

Isla looked at him, her defenses wavering for just a moment. "I guess we do. But don't think this means I'm letting my guard down around you."

Jin Woo raised his hands in mock surrender. "I wouldn't dream of it."

---

Later that evening, Isla returned home feeling conflicted. The day's events had left her questioning everything she thought she knew about Jin Woo. Their rivalry had defined their relationship for so long, but now, the lines were starting to blur.

She poured herself a glass of wine and sat by the window, watching the city lights twinkle in the distance. The memory of their easy collaboration lingered in her mind, and for the first time, she wondered what it would be like to work with Jin Woo rather than against him.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, snapping her out of her thoughts. She reached for it and saw a message from Jin Woo.

Jin Woo: "I have to admit, you were impressive today. Looking forward to our next challenge."

Isla stared at the message, her heart racing slightly. She wasn't used to this side of Jin Woo—the one that wasn't all about competition and ego. For a moment, she considered not replying, but something made her type back.

Isla: "Thanks. Don't think this means I'm going easy on you next time."

His response was almost immediate.

Jin Woo: "Wouldn't expect anything less."

Isla set her phone down and leaned back, a small smile playing on her lips. Maybe there was more to this rivalry than she had originally thought. And maybe, just maybe, there was room for something more beneath the surface.

---

The following morning, Isla walked into the office with renewed determination. She was prepared to push forward, both in her career and in her complicated relationship with Jin Woo. As she sat at her desk, Mason walked in with a new project file.

"Ms. Han, we've just received another collaboration request," he said, handing her the file.

Isla frowned, opening the folder. It was another joint project, this time with a high-profile client that both firms had been vying for. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and dread.

"Of course, it's with Jin Woo's firm," she muttered, shaking her head.

Mason smiled knowingly. "It seems like you two are becoming quite the dynamic duo."

"Don't remind me," Isla replied, though a part of her was intrigued by the prospect.

As she read through the project details, her phone buzzed again. Another message from Jin Woo.

Jin Woo: "Ready for round two?"

Isla stared at the message, her heart skipping a beat. This time, she didn't hesitate.

Isla: "Bring it on."