Chapter 1 – The Promotion That Wasn’t

Ava Sinclair adjusted the crisp collar of her blouse, smoothing invisible creases on her skirt as she stepped out of the elevator onto the executive floor. Today was the day the moment she had worked tirelessly for. Five years of long hours, perfect reports, and outshining every competitor in her department had led to this: her well-earned promotion to Director of Operations.

She had received an email early this morning, summoning her to the CEO's office. Everyone knew what that meant. A private meeting before the formal announcement.

Ava exhaled, steadying herself. She deserved this. She had earned this.

Knocking once, she pushed open the door.

Adrian Blackwood sat behind his expansive desk, exuding the cold, effortless power that made his name feared in the business world. The city skyline framed him through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but even the bright morning sun couldn't soften the sharpness of his features—the cutting jawline, the unreadable dark eyes that flicked to her the moment she entered.

He didn't greet her. Didn't offer her a seat. Just leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was nothing more than a business proposition.

She ignored the intimidation tactics. "You wanted to see me, Mr. Blackwood?"

A flicker of something amusement?—crossed his face at her formal tone. But when he spoke, his words were anything but amused.

"The Director of Operations position has been filled."

Ava blinked. For a moment, the words didn't register.

"What?"

He continued as if she hadn't spoken. "Effective immediately, the role will be taken over by,

"Who?" Her voice was sharp now, cutting through his calm, detached demeanor.

His lips curved slightly. "Me."

Silence. A heavy, suffocating silence.

Ava's fingers curled into fists at her sides. He had taken it. He had stolen it right out from under her.

"This was supposed to be my promotion," she said, voice controlled but laced with barely contained fury. "I worked for this. I was next in line—"

"I changed my mind." Adrian's tone was absolute, a decision that wouldn't be reversed. You'll continue in your current position.

Her pulse thundered. This wasn't happening.

"You can't do this," she ground out. "You promoted me. You made the offer.

"And now I'm rescinding it." His gaze remained cold, impassive, as if her devastation was nothing more than an unfortunate side effect of his decision.

Ava sucked in a sharp breath. She had prepared for competition, for obstacles—but not for outright sabotage.

Her temper snapped. "This is personal, isn't it?" She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the marble floor. You never wanted me in this position. You couldn't stand the idea of me having power.

Adrian didn't even blink. "You think too highly of yourself, Sinclair."

She scoffed, shaking her head. And you think too highly of yourself, Mr. Blackwood. But you won't get away with this.

Something flickered in his expression then—interest. As if he was enjoying this.

"I already have."

Ava's nails dug into her palm. I won't let this be the end.

But before she could fire back, a sharp knock interrupted them. The office door swung open, and in walked Oliver Grant, the company's PR director, his face pale. He held out his phone. Sir, you need to see this.

Adrian frowned, taking the phone. As he skimmed whatever was on the screen, his expression darkened—his lips pressing into a thin, unforgiving line.

Ava crossed her arms. "What is it?"

Oliver hesitated before answering. "A scandal."

Her stomach dropped.

Adrian's jaw tightened, and when his gaze lifted to hers, it wasn't just cold—it was calculating.

And then he said the words that changed everything.

We have a problem, Sinclair. Congratulations you're now my fiancée.