CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The golden liquid swirled in Dimitri's glass as he leaned back against the luxurious leather couch in the Stavros family lounge. The grand living room of the mansion in Athens was a place of both relaxation and power plays—a space where deals were discussed over expensive champagne and the weight of their family empire was felt in every conversation.

His brothers, Alexandros and Pavlos, sat with him, each holding their own glass of the finest Dom Pérignon, their postures relaxed but their minds always calculating.

"So, you're still set on this Carter Wave deal?" Alexandros asked, arching a brow. "The girl seemed stubborn when you mentioned her the last time."

Dimitri smirked. "Stubborn, yes. But everyone has a breaking point."

Pavlos chuckled. "Or maybe you just have a way of making them reconsider."

Dimitri was about to respond when his phone buzzed on the table. His assistant's name flashed on the screen. With a slow exhale, he picked up the call, bringing the phone to his ear.

"Speak."

"Sir," his assistant's voice was crisp and professional. "I just received an official confirmation from Carter Wave Solutions. They've accepted the partnership."

Dimitri's brows lifted slightly.

Well, well. That was unexpected.

For weeks, Olivia Carter had been adamant in her refusal—so much so that he had started considering alternative routes to get what he wanted. And now, suddenly, she had changed her mind?

A small smirk tugged at his lips.

She wasn't as difficult as she pretended to be after all.

Still, the shift felt… strange. He had expected a harder fight. But then again, he always won. Whether in business or in other areas, Dimitri Stavros never walked away empty-handed.

"Understood," he said smoothly. "Prepare all necessary documents. I'll be back in New York in three days to finalize the agreement."

"Yes, sir."

He ended the call and placed the phone back on the table, his fingers tapping lightly against the glass in his other hand. His brothers watched him with knowing expressions.

"What was that about?" Alexandros asked.

Dimitri exhaled, swirling the champagne before taking a slow sip. It tasted like victory.

"Carter Wave Solutions just accepted the partnership."

Alexandros let out a low whistle, while Pavlos smirked. "That was fast. I thought she hated your guts."

Dimitri chuckled. "She still does, I'm sure. But business is business." He leaned back, his expression one of satisfaction. "She must have realized that fighting me was a waste of time."

"Or," Alexandros added, "she's playing a game."

Dimitri narrowed his eyes slightly at his brother but then shook his head. No. Olivia Carter was strong-willed, intelligent, and sharp, but she wasn't a threat. Not to him.

"She wouldn't dare," Dimitri said confidently. "This deal benefits Carter Wave too much for her to sabotage it."

His brothers exchanged a glance but said nothing.

Dimitri drained the rest of his champagne before setting the glass down. "I have two scheduled meetings when I return to the U.S. One is with Olivia at Carter Wave Solutions to go over the finer details of our arrangement."

"And the other?" Pavlos asked.

Dimitri's lips curved into a slow smirk. "A final meeting with the U.S. government officials, Carter Wave, and Stavros Energy. That will seal everything."

"And then?" Alexandros asked, leaning forward.

Dimitri's smirk deepened. "Then, Stavros Energy dominates the U.S. market."

The Stavros brothers clinked their glasses together in silent celebration, unaware of what is going to happen....