CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

A PUBLIC DECLARATION

Tyler and Nicole's decision to go public sent shockwaves through the social circles.

Their first public appearance after the announcement of them getting together even though some people cited them together at events was at a charity gala, where they arrived hand-in-hand, radiating confidence.

The media frenzy surrounding them was intense, but Tyler and Nicole fielded questions with ease.

"Mr Winslow, how did you know Miss Melbourne was the one?" a reporter asked.

Tyler's smile was genuine. "Nicole's intelligence, compassion, and beauty captivated me. She's my partner in every sense."

A reporter faced Nicole; " Miss Melbourne, could you tell us where you met Mr Winslow and how you knew he was the one?"

Nicole's eyes sparkled. "Tyler's kindness, integrity, and sense of humor won me over. I met Tyler at a gala where I went to relax,I'm grateful to have him. "

Their love shone brighter than any spotlight and the female reporters were envious wishing they were Miss Melbourne while the males were jealous wishing they were Mr Winslow.

Clara watched from the shadows of the gala, seething in anger, jealousy... Nicole that slut who's behaving like an ice cold queen when she just goes around stealing other people's boyfriend's, that spotlight was hers... Their jealousy and envy but it was all snatched by that b*tch.

Nicholas approached, a folder in hand. "Clara, I've found something."

Clara's eyes lit up and she turned facing Nicholas. "What is it you found?"

Nicholas hesitated. "It's about Nicole's past...something that could tarnish her reputation, her relationship with a man called Andrew Bond's."

Clara's face twisted into a vicious grin. "Perfect. Let's bring her down."

But as Clara began to spread the rumors, she didn't realize Tyler had prepared for this moment.

Tyler's PR team swiftly countered Clara's attacks, highlighting Nicole's philanthropic work and business acumen which overshadowed her rumours with her online fake armies.

The public rallied around the power couple, solidifying their support, love.

As Clara's schemes intensified, a mysterious figure emerged, shrouding the Melbourne-Winslow circle in intrigue.

Alexander "Alex" Thompson, a charismatic entrepreneur, arrived in town, his eyes fixed on Melbourne Enterprises which he asked his assistant to request for a meeting with Nicole.

"Nicole Melbourne's impressive," Alex said, his voice low and smooth. "I'd love to meet her."

Tyler who met with Alexander Thompson outside Nicole's company eyed him before asking , "What business do you have with Nicole, Mr?"

Alex smiled, his gaze piercing. "Investment opportunities. Melbourne Enterprises needs fresh blood and who might you be?."

"Tyler, and you are?"

"Alexander, nice to make your acquaintance Mr Tyler Winslow " said Andrew

"You know me?"

"Who doesn't know the Tyler Winslow, the youngest entrepreneur whose name and pictures appears on Forbes list"

As they talked, they walked into Melbourne's enterprises...

As Alexander walked in with Tyler no security harassed or questioned him so Tyler sent Emma to send him to the conference room while he went to meet up with his woman...

Tyler stepped into Nicole's office, seeing the slender, beautiful, icy goddess.

A woman who melts his heart with her head lowered working, reading, and signing contracts... He fell head over heels in love with her again,

"Miss Melbourne, your boyfriend's standing here gazing at you but your work's more important?

Nicole looked up and smiled, she was lost in work so she didn't even hear the sound of her office door opening and closing nor did she know someone was standing and staring down at her...

" Welcome Mr Winslow and point of correction, you didn't tell me you were coming to see me at work"

"Why, I'm not invited ? You hurt my heart "

"Come here you, Nicole circles her arms round Tyler's neck kissing him deeply...

" I met and brought an Alexander Thompson inside your company and he's at the conference room" Tyler said

"Why didn't you say so since Ty, let's go meet him" said Nicole

As they approached the conference room, Nicole withdrew her playful nature and only kept her icy nature cause the playful part is just for Tyler.

As the conference room door was opened, Nicole saw a dashing young man sitting down. He was dashingly handsome but Tyler was more of the masculine type of beauty while Alexander had the feminine type of beauty.

As if sensing a gaze on him, Alexander looked up and Nicole, ever the shrewd businesswoman, sensed potential.

"Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr Thompson. I'm Nicole Melbourne". Nicole stretched out her hand to shake him which in turn Alexander shook her hand too.

"Nice to make your acquaintance Miss Melbourne".

"What do you want from Melbourne's enterprises Mr Thompson?"

"I came for a business partnership" said Alexander

"Tell me more, Mr. Thompson," Nicole invited.

As Alex outlined his proposal, Clara watched from the shadows, her mind racing.

"Nicholas, who is Alexander Thompson?" Clara demanded.

Nicholas's expression turned thoughtful. "A self-made billionaire with connections to influential circles."

Clara's eyes narrowed. "Useful or threat?"

Nicholas hesitated. "Uncertain. But one thing's clear: Alex Thompson's arrival will shake things up."

As alliances began to shift, Nicole found herself drawn to Alex's vision.

"Tyler, what do you think?" Nicole asked.

Tyler's expression turned guarded. "I'll reserve judgment. For now."

Nicole's curiosity about Alex Thompson grew. She invited him to a private dinner, seeking answers.

Over fine wine and cuisine, Alex revealed his vision for Melbourne Enterprises.

"Nicole, your company needs innovation," Alex said, his eyes sparkling. "I can bring cutting-edge tech and global connections."

Nicole's business instincts hummed. "What's in it for you?"

Alex leaned in, his voice low. "A share of the profits, and...a personal stake in your success."

Tyler, observing from afar, sensed ulterior motives.

"Nicole, be cautious," Tyler warned.

But Nicole's mind was racing. Alex's proposal could catapult Melbourne Enterprises to new heights.

As the night wore on, Alex's charisma and expertise won Nicole's trust.

"I'm interested," Nicole said. "Let's discuss details."

Alex smiled, triumphant.

Clara, watching from the shadows, seethed.

"Nicholas, what's Alex's endgame?" Clara demanded.

Nicholas's expression turned grave. "Alex Thompson's connected to powerful players. If he's involved, Melbourne Enterprises will become a pawn in a larger game."

Clara's frustration boiled over as Alex Thompson's influence grew. She needed a game-changer.

"Nicholas, find something, anything, to discredit Nicole and Tyler," Clara ordered.

Nicholas hesitated. "Clara, we're walking a thin line. The Melbourne-Winslow alliance is powerful."

Clara's eyes flashed. "I don't care about consequences. Destroy them."

Nicholas's search yielded a shocking discovery: a deep-seated secret from Nicole's past.

Clara pounced on the information, crafting a vicious smear campaign.

Rumors spread like wildfire: Nicole Melbourne's business success was built on deceit and corruption.

Tyler sprang into action, mobilizing his PR team to counter the attacks.

"Nicole, we'll get through this," Tyler reassured.

Nicole's expression turned icy. "I'll handle Clara myself."

Nicole's interest in Alex's proposal grew, seeing potential for Melbourne Enterprises' expansion.

"Alex, I'm intrigued by your investment plan," Nicole said. "Let's discuss details."

Alex smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Excellent. I'll send over the financials."

As they delved into negotiations, Tyler observed, his expression thoughtful.

"Nicole, are you sure about this?" Tyler asked.

Nicole's confidence shone. "Alex's vision aligns with mine. This partnership will propel Melbourne Enterprises forward."

Tyler nodded, trusting Nicole's instincts.

Clara, however, seethed at the developing alliance.

"Nicholas, we need to act," Clara urged. "This partnership will ruin everything."

Nicholas cautioned, "Clara, we must tread carefully. Alex Thompson isn't one to underestimate."

Undeterred, Clara concocted a plan.

Meanwhile, Alex revealed his strategic intentions.

"Nicole, my goal is to strengthen Melbourne Enterprises, making it a global leader," Alex explained.

Nicole's eyes widened. "Ambitious. I like it."

As they sealed the deal, Tyler's support solidified Nicole's resolve.

With Alex on board, Melbourne Enterprises soared.