Mara arrived at Yang Studio early the next morning, her stomach twisted with nerves and determination. The familiar scent of paint, clay, and wood filled the air, grounding her. This place was her father's dream, her inheritance, her life. She didn't know how things would change now that Ryder was involved, but she was prepared for a fight.
As she walked through the gallery, she ran her fingers over the frames that lined the walls. Her father's work, her own paintings, and pieces from emerging artists they'd nurtured. This place wasn't just a business; it was a sanctuary, a space that gave artists a voice. The thought of sharing control of it with Ryder made her grit her teeth.
She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Ryder come in. His presence only hit her when she felt his gaze, unflinching and sharp, as if he'd been waiting for her to notice him.
"You're early," Ryder remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. He stood near the entrance, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, looking out of place among the studio's paint-streaked floors and cluttered easels.
Mara crossed her arms, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "I thought we'd better start early if you're so eager to help."
He smirked, a faint glimmer of something in his eyes she couldn't read. "Eager is a bit strong. Let's call it… curious."
"Curious?" She raised an eyebrow. "What's so interesting about this place to a man like you?"
Ryder stepped closer, his eyes scanning the studio, taking in the cluttered desks, the walls covered in sketches, and the faint scent of paint. "You could say it's the challenge of turning chaos into something profitable. I don't usually work with artists especially ones as stubborn as you."
Mara's gaze narrowed. "I'm not just an artist. I'm the owner of this studio, and I don't intend to let you change that."
He held up his hands in a mock gesture of surrender. "Noted. But remember, Mara, we're in this together now. We both want the same thing for the studio to succeed."
Their eyes locked, and Mara could feel the tension building again, just as it had in the courthouse. Ryder was clearly used to control, to having things his way, and Mara braced herself. She wouldn't let him bulldoze her.
"Fine," she said finally, her voice steady. "But let's be clear about something. This place has always supported the voices of struggling artists, people who never had a chance otherwise. My father built it on that principle. So if you're thinking of turning it into a bland, profit-only gallery, you can walk out now."
Ryder's expression remained calm, but she caught a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "So long as you make it profitable, I don't care how you run it," he replied. "But you'll need to adjust to a few changes. A stronger marketing strategy, for one. The place needs visibility if you want to survive."
Mara took a breath, steadying herself. She hated to admit it, but he wasn't wrong. Yang Studio's reach had always been limited, and without her father's connections, she had struggled to bring in new clients. But she wasn't about to let Ryder take credit for improving it, either.
"Fine," she said, keeping her tone firm. "Marketing. What else?"
Ryder's smirk widened, a spark of challenge in his eyes. "We're going to review the entire business structure, starting with costs. And you'll have to get used to presenting the studio in a way that appeals to… let's say, a wider audience."
Mara's stomach clenched at his words. She could already see the battles they'd have over every tiny detail. But she also knew that if she wanted to keep this studio alive, she'd have to play by some of his rules. Just as long as he remembered who was in charge.
"Anything else, Mr. Hale?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Ryder chuckled. "For now? No. I think that's enough to keep you busy." His tone softened, just slightly. "I'm only here because I see potential, Mara. Don't mistake my involvement for pity."
She raised her chin. "I never asked for pity. Or your help."
"Yet here we are." He took another step toward her, his gaze intense. "I know you didn't want this, but if you're willing to take on this partnership, I'll make sure it's worth it."
Mara's resolve wavered for a fraction of a second as she looked at him, the intensity in his eyes both frustrating and unsettling. Ryder Hale was impossible to read, and something about him made her feel more exposed than she wanted to admit.
"Good," she replied, forcing herself to stay calm. "I'll make sure you don't regret it."
He held her gaze a moment longer, and she could feel the silent challenge between them a battle of wills that had only just begun. She knew she was stepping into unknown territory, and Ryder Hale was a force unlike any she'd ever encountered.
As Ryder turned to leave, he stopped at the door and looked back at her. "One last thing. Be prepared. This arrangement isn't just about saving your studio. It's about transforming it."
Before she could reply, he was gone, leaving her in the silence of her studio, his words hanging heavily in the air. Mara took a deep breath, steadying herself. Ryder Hale had entered her world, and everything was already beginning to shift.
But she wasn't about to let him take control. Not without a fight.