Chapter 43 : I'll be the One Left Standing

*Avery’s POV*

I stand at the window of my lavish office, staring at the cityscape below me. My eyes hold a storm of frustration and desperation as I clench my fists by my side. I can't understand why Noland refuses to give in to my advancements. We are a perfect team in the world of real estate, and yet he continues to keep me at arm's length.

I won’t admit defeat, I will make Noland see my worth.

"Think, Avery, think," I mutter to myself, pacing across the room. The sound of my heels clicking against the hardwood floor echoes through the empty space, adding to my building agitation. I know Noland is a difficult man to manipulate, but I am determined to find his weak spot.

As I pace, I recall my family's fall from grace – my brother's involvement in that damned Ponzi scheme. He was weak, vulnerable. It has driven me to become ruthless in business, to never be vulnerable again. And now, I need to use that ruthlessness to manipulate Noland.