Nova_Everly

Emma Carter has spent years building her consulting empire, proving she doesn’t need anyone—especially arrogant, entitled men like Alex Kingston. Smart, ruthless, and fiercely independent, she’s always played to win.

Alex Kingston is a business shark—rich, charming, and impossible to outmaneuver. He thrives on competition and never backs down from a challenge. So when a billion-dollar deal forces them to work together, their rivalry ignites into an all-out war.

But as the battle intensifies, so does the undeniable attraction simmering beneath their fights. Enemies turn to reluctant allies, then something more dangerous—something neither of them is ready to face.

In a city where power is everything, will they fight for dominance… or surrender to a love that could ruin them both?

Against the Odds: A Love Rewritten

Emma had always been good at compartmentalizing.

Emotions had no place in her world—not when she had worked so hard to build her reputation, to stand at the top without needing anyone.

So why was Alex Kingston still lingering in her mind?

She clenched her jaw as she stepped into her office the next morning, the sharp click of her heels echoing against the polished floors.

"Good morning, Ms. Carter," her assistant, Lily, greeted. "Your schedule is packed today. You have back-to-back meetings and—"

"Perfect." Emma cut in, already flipping through the documents on her desk. She needed distractions. Work was her escape, her shield.

But even as she drowned herself in reports, discussions, and decision-making, she could still feel his presence in her thoughts.

Emma barely noticed when noon rolled around—until her office door swung open without warning.

She didn't look up. "Lily, I told you I don't have time for interruptions—"

Alex Kingston stood there, completely at ease, dressed in a crisp suit that somehow looked both professional and effortlessly casual at the same time.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked, her tone clipped.

Alex smirked. "Missed me already?"

Emma exhaled sharply. "I don't have time for whatever this is. Get out."

But Alex didn't move. He stepped further inside, closing the door behind him. "Relax, Carter. I'm here for business."

Her eyes narrowed. "What business?"

He dropped a folder onto her desk. "Our companies are set to collaborate on the upcoming project. Thought we should go over the finer details."

Emma glanced at the folder, then back at him. "This could've been an email."

Alex smirked. "Yeah, but where's the fun in that?"

Emma wanted to throw something at him.

Instead, she forced herself to remain calm, flipping open the file. She scanned the contents, her brain shifting into work mode.

For the next few minutes, they discussed logistics, financial strategies, and projections.

And for the first time, Alex was… serious.

His usual cocky demeanor softened, revealing a side of him she hadn't quite seen before.

He wasn't just some reckless businessman riding on charm—he actually knew what he was doing.

That realization unsettled her more than she cared to admit.

When they finally wrapped up, Emma leaned back in her chair, exhaling. "Fine. I'll have my team finalize the agreement."

Alex grinned. "Glad we could have a civilized conversation."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it."

He chuckled, standing. But before he turned to leave, he leaned down slightly, just enough for his voice to drop into something softer.

"You know," he murmured, "for someone who claims not to play games… you sure make this fun."

Emma's breath hitched, but she refused to react.

Instead, she lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on. "Then let me be clear, Kingston—I don't lose."

Alex smirked. "We'll see about that."

Then, with one last glance, he walked out, leaving Emma gripping the armrests of her chair a little too tightly.

Because for the first time in a long time…

Chapter 13: A Losing Battle