Joxi_Jash

Synopsis:
When fiery, ambitious Isabella Carter clashes with arrogant yet brilliant Alexander Blackwood, sparks fly—but not in a good way. As rivals in the corporate world, they stop at nothing to sabotage each other. But when fate forces them into an unexpected partnership, the line between hate and love begins to blur.
Will their hatred burn into something deeper, or will their pride keep them apart forever?

From Nemises To Lovers

The Grand Royale was a fortress of power and influence, its ballroom glittering with New York's most powerful investors, CEOs, and financial moguls.

And tonight, it belonged to Alexander Blackwood.

The investor gala was designed to showcase his dominance—a move to silence doubts, crush speculation, and remind everyone why Blackwood Enterprises was untouchable.

Alexander stood near the stage, sipping his whiskey as he greeted the city's elite. His presence was effortless, commanding. He had won this round, and he knew it.

Striding through the ballroom in a sleek black dress, confidence radiating from her like a weapon. Uninvited. Unapologetic. And completely unfazed.

Lily stepped closer to him. "You want me to have security remove her?"

Alexander smirked. "No. Let's see what she does first."

Because if Isabella was bold enough to crash his event, she had a plan.

Isabella walked straight toward a small group of high-profile investors, casually picking up a glass of champagne. She could feel Alexander's gaze on her, but she refused to look his way.

"Gentlemen," she said smoothly, addressing the investors. "I couldn't help but notice how much faith you've placed in Blackwood Enterprises. But tell me—how much of his success do you think is built on actual growth… and how much on keeping his clients trapped in exclusive contracts?"

The men exchanged glances. Doubt. Just a flicker. But it was enough.

Alexander was beside her in an instant, his presence cutting through the conversation like a blade.

"Isabella," he said, his voice smooth but laced with warning. "I didn't realize you were on the guest list."

She turned to face him, meeting his gaze head-on. "I didn't realize you were afraid of a little competition."

A slow, dark smile curled on his lips. "Afraid? No. Amused? A little."

They stood inches apart, tension crackling between them like a live wire.

"You want to play this game?" Alexander murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "Fine. But remember—when I play, I don't lose."

Isabella's smirk didn't falter. "We'll see about that."

Because she hadn't come to play fair.

Chapter 28: Crashing the Party