*Noah's POV*
The morning sun filters through my corner office windows as I review the financial reports Scarlett compiled yesterday. The Pierce family's decline is even more dramatic than I expected. From real estate moguls to desperate loan seekers in just two years.
Perfect timing for my expansion plans.
"Sir?" Scarlett knocks on my doorframe, looking effortlessly professional in her navy suit. "I have the Bennett family proposal you requested."
I glance up from the Pierce documents. "Already? It's barely eight AM."
"I stayed late to finish it." She steps inside, closing the door behind her. "Though I have to ask - are we really considering a partnership with them?"
"Business is business, Scarlett. My personal feelings about Chloe don't dictate company policy."
"But surely you can't want to work with people who-"
"Who what? Hurt my feelings?" I lean back in my chair. "I'm not some lovesick teenager anymore. If the Bennett proposal makes financial sense, we'll consider it."
