Chapter 10: Strategy and Intimacy
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"His weakness is hubris," Jack explained, our shoulders touching as we worked late into the night. "He believes he's untouchable."
"And Mia Brown?" I asked, studying the woman's calculating smile.
"Ambitious. Ruthless. But ultimately loyal only to herself."
Night after night, we strategized until exhaustion claimed us. Once, Jack fell asleep mid-sentence, his head dropping onto my shoulder. I sat motionless, watching his face in rare repose, the hard lines softened by sleep.
Without thinking, I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. His eyes fluttered open, catching me in the tender gesture.
Neither of us mentioned it the next day.
Our complementary strengths emerged during business training. My intuitive understanding of people balanced his strategic thinking; his decisive action complemented my careful analysis.
"You're a natural," he admitted after I flawlessly navigated a simulated negotiation. "Davis never appreciated what he had in you."
"Maybe that's his greatest mistake," I replied, a slow smile spreading across my face. "And our greatest advantage."
