Chapter 3: A Clash of Wills

Rebecca's heels clicked sharply against the sleek marble floors as she made her way to the CEO's office. Each step was measured, her mind racing with thoughts of how she was going to handle the situation.

Being publicly dismissed in the boardroom had stung, but she refused to let it shake her confidence. She had worked too hard to get here. She wasn't some intern who could be easily intimidated—she was a Senior Marketer now, and she wasn't going to let Ethan Carter walk all over her.

Taking a deep breath, she stopped in front of the large mahogany doors that led to his office. The golden nameplate gleamed under the office lights:

Ethan Carter – CEO

She straightened her blazer, squared her shoulders, and knocked twice.

"Come in."

His voice was deep and commanding, sending an unexplainable shiver down her spine.

She pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Ethan Carter's office was nothing short of impressive. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across one side, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The interior was modern and sophisticated—sleek black furniture, a polished glass desk, and minimalist décor that exuded power and control.

And there he was, standing behind the desk, reviewing a stack of papers.

Up close, he was even more intimidating. His sharp jawline, neatly styled dark hair, and piercing blue eyes gave him an effortlessly commanding presence. He was the kind of man who owned every room he walked into, and he knew it.

Rebecca stood tall, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

Ethan finally looked up, his gaze settling on her with a mix of scrutiny and disinterest.

"Miss Sullivan." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit."

She hesitated for a split second before lowering herself onto the leather chair.

Ethan leaned forward, folding his hands together.

"Do you know why I called you here?" His voice was calm, yet there was an underlying edge to it.

Rebecca met his gaze, refusing to flinch. "Because I was late to the meeting this morning."

"Correct." He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Lateness is unprofessional. In this company, we value discipline and efficiency. You may be talented, but talent means nothing if you can't respect the fundamentals."

His words stung, but she refused to let it show.

"I understand that being on time is important," she said, keeping her voice steady. "And I take full responsibility for it. But dismissing me from the meeting without giving me a chance to contribute wasn't necessary."

A flicker of something—amusement?—crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"You think I was unfair?"

Rebecca clenched her hands in her lap. "I think I deserved a chance to prove myself."

For a long moment, Ethan simply stared at her. Most people probably cowered under his gaze, but she held it firmly.

Then, he smirked.

"Interesting."

She frowned. "What's interesting?"

He shook his head slightly. "Most people would apologize and leave it at that. You, however, argue your point like you have something to prove."

Rebecca's jaw tightened. "I do."

His smirk faded, replaced by something unreadable.

"Good," he finally said. "Because I don't have time for weak employees."

There was an intensity in his words that sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to look away.

Ethan stood up, grabbing a file from his desk and sliding it toward her.

"This is your next assignment," he said. "The company is launching a major campaign for one of our biggest clients. I want to see what you can do."

Rebecca hesitated before picking up the file.

"So… I'm not fired?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You think I'd fire you over one mistake?"

She blinked. "You seem like the type."

For a second, something close to amusement flickered in his eyes.

"Perhaps," he admitted. "But you don't strike me as the type who gives up easily. Let's see if you're as good as your reputation claims."

Rebecca nodded, holding the file tightly.

"I won't disappoint you."

Ethan smirked. "We'll see."

Rebecca left his office with a mixture of relief and frustration.

Ethan Carter was infuriating. Arrogant. Intimidating. But at the same time… he intrigued her.

Most people in his position wielded their power carelessly, but Ethan was calculated. Everything he did had a purpose. He wasn't just looking for employees—he was looking for people who could keep up with him.

And Rebecca refused to be left behind.

Over the next few days, she buried herself in work. The project Ethan had given her was one of the biggest campaigns Luxe Marketing had handled in months. She worked late into the night, pouring all her energy into perfecting every detail.

By the time the deadline arrived, she was exhausted but proud of what she had created.

When she presented her ideas in the next board meeting, the entire team was impressed. Even Ethan, who was notoriously difficult to please, nodded in approval.

"Not bad," he said after the presentation.

Rebecca arched an eyebrow. "Not bad? That's all you have to say?"

A corner of his lips twitched. "Would you rather I shower you with praise?"

She crossed her arms. "A little appreciation wouldn't hurt."

Ethan chuckled, the sound deep and unexpected. "You'll get it when you truly impress me."

Rebecca rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.

As much as she hated to admit it… she was starting to enjoy the challenge.

And Ethan Carter was definitely a challenge.

As weeks passed, Rebecca and Ethan found themselves crossing paths more often.

At first, it was strictly professional—meetings, strategy discussions, business dinners. But as time went on, something shifted.

Ethan started seeking her out more. He would linger after meetings, asking about her ideas. Their conversations became less rigid, more natural.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Rebecca found herself alone in the office, finishing up a presentation.

She didn't expect Ethan to walk in.

"You're still here," he said, glancing at the time. It was nearly 10 PM.

"So are you," she shot back.

He smirked, walking over to her desk. "Workaholic?"

She shrugged. "Says the man who runs an entire company."

He chuckled, leaning against the desk. "Touché."

For the first time, there was no tension between them. Just two people, exhausted from work, finding a rare moment of understanding.

Rebecca looked up at him, studying the sharp angles of his face. There was something deeper in his eyes—something guarded.

"You work too hard," she said softly.

Ethan's smirk faltered, just for a second.

"So do you."

The air between them grew thick with something unspoken.

Rebecca quickly looked away, her heart pounding.

She had promised herself she wouldn't get involved with anyone again.

But something about Ethan Carter was different.

And that terrified her.