*Scarlett's POV*
The question hangs in the air between us, and I realize I've been dancing around the real answer. Noah deserves the truth, especially after what I just shared with him.
"No," I say softly. "That's not why I like you."
He raises an eyebrow, waiting.
I take a deep breath. This is harder than confessing my past.
"Do you remember when you first became President of Ace Corporation?"
"Of course."
"I was supposed to destroy you." The words come out in a rush. "The Bennetts hired me specifically to ruin your presidency. They wanted me to sabotage every decision you made, turn the board against you, make you fail spectacularly."
Noah's expression doesn't change, but I see something flicker in his eyes.
"But then I watched you work. Your first board meeting, you were prepared for everything. Every question, every challenge, every attempt to undermine you. You turned the room in your favor within minutes."
I lean forward, remembering that day.
