A Game of Power

Emma stood on the penthouse balcony, the cold night air brushing against her skin. The city stretched out before her, its lights glittering like a million untold secrets.

She had been in Alexander's world for only a short time, yet it felt as though she had lived a lifetime inside these walls.

Victoria's words still echoed in her mind.

"You'll get nothing from him in the end."

Emma wasn't sure why it bothered her. She had known from the beginning that this was all temporary. She wasn't one of those women who dreamed of a fairy tale ending.

And yet…

Something about the way Alexander had looked at her earlier, the heat in his gaze, the way his voice had dropped when he told her to go to bed—

It made her wonder.

What was real, and what wasn't?

—

A Change in Plans

The next morning, Emma walked into the dining room expecting the usual silence, but instead, Alexander was on the phone, his expression unreadable.

"I don't care how you handle it," he said coldly. "Just get it done."

His voice was like steel—sharp, dangerous, and utterly in control.

Emma poured herself a cup of coffee, pretending not to listen.

When he hung up, he turned to her.

"Our flight to Italy leaves earlier than planned."

Emma blinked. "How much earlier?"

"Tonight."

She nearly choked on her coffee. "Tonight? You're giving me a few hours' notice?"

Alexander leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "Is that a problem?"

Emma scowled. "Yes, that's a problem! I haven't packed! I haven't—"

"Then pack," he said smoothly.

She narrowed her eyes. Smug bastard.

With a huff, she set down her coffee and marched out of the room.

If he wanted her ready tonight, she'd be ready.

But she'd make damn sure he knew she wasn't happy about it.

—

A Flight Too Close

The private jet was pure luxury.

Emma had never been on a plane like this before—soft leather seats, polished wood, and a fully stocked bar.

She sat stiffly, feeling completely out of place as Alexander took his seat across from her.

He was back in business mode, reading through some documents as if she weren't even there.

Emma sighed, turning to stare out the window.

She wasn't sure what was worse—his attention or his complete lack of it.

An attendant came by, offering drinks.

Emma glanced at Alexander. "Do I have to act like your doting fiancée on this flight too?"

Alexander didn't look up. "Only if you want to make my assistant uncomfortable."

She smirked. "That might be fun."

His lips twitched, but he didn't respond.

Emma sighed, leaning back in her seat.

This was going to be a long flight.

—

Unwanted Company

By the time they landed in Lake Como, Italy, the sun was setting, casting golden light over the water.

It was breathtaking.

Emma stepped out of the car, taking in the sight of the luxurious villa in front of them.

Alexander's world was another level of wealth, but even she had to admit—this was unreal.

"Try not to get lost," he murmured beside her.

Emma rolled her eyes. "I'll be sure to call for help if I fall into the lake."

He smirked but didn't respond.

Inside, the villa was even more extravagant—high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and an entire wall of glass overlooking the water.

Emma barely had time to take it in before a voice she didn't expect made her freeze.

"Well, well. Look who finally arrived."

Emma turned—and immediately gritted her teeth.

Victoria.

Of course she was here.

She stood near the staircase, dressed in an elegant silk dress, a glass of wine in hand and a knowing smirk on her lips.

Emma glanced at Alexander. "You didn't mention she'd be here."

He sighed. "I didn't know."

Victoria took a slow sip of her wine, watching them with amusement. "Relax, darling. I'm only here for the weekend. I wouldn't miss one of Alexander's business deals for the world."

Emma felt a sharp irritation crawl up her spine.

Why was Victoria always around?

Alexander's jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained smooth. "Stay out of trouble, Victoria."

She smiled. "No promises."

Emma didn't like this. Not one bit.

And judging by the way Alexander's shoulders had tensed ever so slightly—

Neither did he.

—

A Late-Night Confession

That night, Emma stepped out onto the villa's balcony, unable to sleep.

The lake stretched out before her, the water glistening under the moonlight.

She took a slow breath, letting the peacefulness wash over her.

She hadn't felt peaceful in a long time.

Footsteps.

She turned—Alexander.

He leaned against the railing beside her, his dark eyes scanning the water.

"You're awake," he murmured.

Emma huffed. "Hard to sleep when your ex keeps appearing like a villain in a bad movie."

Alexander smirked. "She does have a flair for the dramatic."

Emma studied him.

There was something off about him tonight.

He seemed… tense. Distant.

"Are you okay?" she asked before she could stop herself.

He didn't answer right away.

Then—

"You asked me before why I chose you."

Emma frowned. "Yeah?"

Alexander let out a slow breath.

"You were right. It wasn't just because you wouldn't try to keep me."

Emma's heart skipped a beat.

Then what was the reason?

He didn't look at her.

Instead, he stared out at the lake, his voice quieter than before.

"You remind me of someone I lost."

Emma's breath hitched.

She hadn't expected that.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

Who had he lost?

What had happened to them?

Before she could ask, he pushed off the railing and turned to her.

"Get some sleep, Emma."

And just like that, he was gone.

Emma stood there, staring after him, her chest tight with something she didn't understand.

Who had he lost?

And why did it feel like—

She was getting too close to a man who refused to be touched?