CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2 – The Game Begins

Serena stormed out of Elias Carter's office, her pulse pounding in her ears. Every part of her screamed with frustration. The arrogance. The smirk. The way he dismissed her as if she were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

I do enjoy a challenge. Let's see if you're as persistent as you think.

His words echoed in her mind, fueling her determination. Fine. If he thought this was a game, she'd make sure she was the one who won.

The moment she stepped into the elevator, she pulled out her phone.

Serena: Meet me at The Vault in 20. It's war.

She hit send and clenched her jaw. If Elias Carter wanted to play, she'd show him exactly what she was capable of.

---

The Vault was a hidden gem in the city—an underground bar where artists, architects, and journalists gathered. Dim lighting, deep red walls, the hum of conversations blending with soft jazz—it was a place where ideas were born and alliances were made.

Serena slid into a booth where her best friend, Maya Reynolds, was already waiting, sipping her espresso martini.

Maya raised an eyebrow. "That bad?"

Serena groaned, dropping her head against the table. "Worse."

Maya smirked. "Tell me everything."

Serena exhaled sharply, straightening. "Elias Carter is every bit the insufferable corporate tyrant I expected. He barely even looked at the blueprints. He doesn't care. It's just another project to him."

Maya swirled her drink. "So… what's the plan?"

A slow smile curved Serena's lips. "I'm going to make it personal."

Maya's eyes widened. "Oh, I like this."

Serena leaned in. "He thinks I'm just an idealistic architect throwing a tantrum. But what he doesn't know is that I have the city council's ear. I have connections in the press. And I know exactly how to stir up public outrage."

Maya grinned. "You're going to turn the whole city against him."

Serena nodded. "If he wants a war, I'll give him one."

---

Across town, in a private VIP lounge of an exclusive club, Elias Carter sat with his whiskey glass in hand, watching the city lights flicker through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Serena Hayes," he murmured, swirling his drink.

He had faced ruthless competitors, aggressive shareholders, and billion-dollar lawsuits. But her? She was something else entirely.

His business partner, Nathan Langley, lounged across from him, watching with curiosity. "You look… amused."

Elias smirked. "She's entertaining."

Nathan chuckled. "Most people would be worried that she's about to turn the media and city council against you."

Elias took a slow sip of his whiskey. "Let her try."

Nathan studied him for a moment before shaking his head. "You're enjoying this."

Elias leaned back, his smirk deepening. "She thinks she's the only one who knows how to play dirty."

Nathan let out a low laugh. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Elias simply raised his glass.