Chapter 2: War at First Sight

Philadelphia's skyline was breathtaking in the early morning light, but Emma Carter barely noticed as she strode into the sleek glass headquarters of Vincent & Co. Her mind was laser-focused on one thing: securing the investment that would push her consulting firm, Carter & Associates, to the next level.

This meeting was the culmination of years of hard work. She had clawed her way up in an industry dominated by men, building a name for herself as a woman who didn't just compete—she won. Now, her firm was on the brink of an expansion that would cement her as one of the most powerful consultants in Philadelphia.

Failure was not an option.

Her assistant, Rachel, hurried to keep up, clutching a tablet loaded with meeting notes. "The investor is already here," she whispered.

Emma nodded, adjusting the cuffs of her blazer as they approached the conference room. "Good. Let's get this done."

She pushed open the door—only to come to an abrupt stop.

Sitting at the long table, looking infuriatingly comfortable, was him.

Alex Kingston.

The same arrogant man she had collided with last night.

His green eyes flicked up to meet hers, and that damn smirk returned. "Well, well," he murmured, leaning back in his chair. "If it isn't Feisty."

Emma inhaled sharply through her nose, forcing her features into a polite mask. She had faced worse opponents before—this was just another obstacle.

"I don't believe we've been formally introduced," she said coolly.

Alex chuckled, clearly entertained. "Oh, I think we have." He extended a hand. "Alex Kingston."

She didn't take it.

Of course, she knew who he was. Everyone knew.

At only 24, Alex Kingston was the Vice President of Kingston Enterprises, a firm with a near-monopoly on corporate mergers and financial takeovers. His family name carried power, but Alex had carved his own reputation—as a ruthless strategist who played dirty and always won.

He was the kind of man she had spent her entire career outmaneuvering.

Emma took the seat across from him, deliberately placing her folder on the table as if she were preparing for battle.

The senior partners of Vincent & Co.—Callahan, Martinez, and Rivers—sat at the head of the table, looking pleased. Callahan smiled as he addressed them both.

"Ms. Carter, Mr. Kingston. Thank you for being here. We have a unique opportunity, and we believe the best way forward is a collaboration."

Emma's fingers tightened around her pen. A collaboration?

Callahan continued, oblivious to the tension crackling between them. "Emma, your firm has an impressive track record in business strategy. And Alex, Kingston Enterprises brings significant financial influence." He spread his hands. "Together, you'd be unstoppable."

Emma's stomach twisted.

She had spent years fighting to prove herself, refusing to let male-dominated firms overshadow her success. And now they wanted to pair her with Alex Kingston?

Unacceptable.

"With all due respect," Emma said, her voice even, "I don't see why my firm requires financial backing. We've handled projects of this scale before."

Callahan smiled. "Of course. But Kingston Enterprises has access to resources and market influence that would accelerate this expansion."

Emma's nails dug into her palm beneath the table. This wasn't about helping her. This was about Kingston Enterprises trying to get a piece of her success.

Across the table, Alex was watching her with open amusement, as if he could read every thought in her head.

"Relax," he said smoothly. "I'm sure we can find a way to make this work, Feisty."

Emma turned to him, her hazel eyes sharp. "Call me that again, and this meeting will end right now."

Alex's smirk deepened. "Duly noted."

The partners chuckled, mistaking their animosity for playful banter.

Callahan clasped his hands together. "We're giving you both one week to draft a joint proposal. If it's strong, we'll move forward with the investment."

Emma forced herself to remain calm. This was a setback, not a defeat.

She had two options—walk away and risk losing a major opportunity, or play the game and outmaneuver Alex Kingston on his own turf.

Her decision was made.

She stood, adjusting the cuffs of her blazer. "Fine."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Fine?"

She met his gaze without flinching. "But let's get one thing straight—I don't work for you. This is my project. You're just along for the ride."

Alex chuckled, standing as well. "We'll see about that."

Emma extended a hand. Not as a sign of trust, but as a declaration of war.

Alex took it, his grip firm.

And just like that, the battle lines were drawn.