CHAPTER NINETEEN

The Carter Wave Solutions headquarters was a masterpiece of modern architecture, sleek glass panels reflecting the morning sun as Dimitri Stavros stepped out of his luxury black car.

As usual, he exuded confidence, power, and grace, the kind that came naturally to a man who had ruled boardrooms and conquered billion-dollar deals without breaking a sweat. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he adjusted his cuffs, his signature smirk already in place as he strode through the grand entrance.

He was here to finalize the partnership with Carter Wave Solutions. And to see her.

Olivia Carter.

He thought about her defiant eyes, elegant posture, and sharp mind. She had been stubborn about this deal, but in the end, he always won. Today would be no different.

His assistant, walking beside him, leaned in. "Sir, everything is set for the contract signing."

Dimitri gave a curt nod. Of course, it is.

The receptionist greeted him with polite professionalism, guiding him toward the conference room, where the board members of Carter Wave were already seated. And then—there she was.

Olivia.

She sat at the head of the table, poised, her long dark hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Dressed in a crisp white suit, she looked every bit the CEO—powerful, untouchable. But Dimitri knew better. Beneath that composed exterior was a woman capable of immense passion and fire.

And that was exactly what intrigued him.

Their gazes locked for a brief second before Olivia flashed a polite, unreadable smile and gestured for him to take his seat.

"Mr. Stavros, let's begin," she said smoothly.

Dimitri merely smirked, reclining slightly in his chair. "Let's."

The meeting unfolded as expected—presentations, negotiations, final adjustments to the contract. Dimitri watched Olivia with quiet admiration as she spoke with unwavering authority, countering points with calculated precision. She was sharp. Damn sharp.

But in the end, he got what he wanted.

The final contracts were signed, and the deal was sealed.

The board members exchanged polite congratulations before making their way out, leaving only Olivia and Dimitri in the expansive conference room.

The silence stretched between them, charged and electric.

Olivia gathered the signed documents, her fingers steady, her face unreadable. "Well, that concludes our partnership signing," she said coolly.

Dimitri leaned back in his chair, watching her with interest. "You make it sound so… transactional."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Isn't that what business is?"

Dimitri chuckled, his gaze slowly dragging from her face down to her legs, then back up.

Olivia felt a flicker of heat curl in her stomach, that same damn spark she had felt before. But she masked it, keeping her expression impeccably professional.

Still, he saw it. The slight shift in her breathing, the way her fingers gripped the documents a little tighter.

He smirked. "You don't like when I look at you like that, do you?"

Her jaw tightened, but she didn't falter. "I don't particularly care how you look at me, Mr. Stavros. What matters is that this deal is done."

Dimitri's smirk deepened. She was irritated now. Good.

He thrived off this. The push and pull. The fire and ice.

He stood up, stepping closer. Not too close, but just enough for her to catch his scent—expensive cologne, something dark and intoxicating.

Olivia inhaled sharply but didn't move. Instead, she set the documents down and met his gaze head-on. Unflinching. Strong.

"The next meeting," she said smoothly, "is in three days. The Stavros Group, Carter Wave, and U.S. government officials will all be present." She paused, then added with an almost sly smile, "Oh, and the press will be there too. You know how much they love covering your business."

Dimitri shrugged, completely unfazed. "I've been dealing with the media my whole life. It's nothing new."

He had dated supermodels, actresses, high-profile socialites—all under the scrutiny of the press. Cameras followed him everywhere. What difference did it make?

Olivia's smile remained, but there was something behind her eyes. Something he couldn't quite place.

She reached for her folder, straightening. "I'll see you then, Mr. Stavros."

Dimitri held her gaze a moment longer before nodding. "Looking forward to it, Miss Carter."

As she turned to leave, he allowed himself a final glance.

She was stunning. Gorgeous, defiant, untouchable.

And yet, he wanted to touch her.