Chapter 28 – The Game Begins

Emma sat at her desk, staring at the lawsuit in front of her. The words blurred together, not because they were unclear, but because of who they were directed at. Alex Kingston.

She had fought against corporate giants before, torn apart businesses with her legal expertise, and won cases that left even the most powerful CEOs speechless. But this? This was different.

A sharp knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, adjusting her posture to look composed.

Her assistant, Lily, stepped in, holding a folder. "The partners just approved your strategy for the Kingston Enterprises lawsuit. They want you to lead it personally."

Emma nodded, expecting nothing less. "Of course. I'll review everything again before the first hearing."

Lily hesitated. "Are you sure you want to handle this yourself? I mean… he's Alex Kingston."

Emma's jaw tightened. She knew exactly what that meant. Alex wasn't just another CEO. He was someone who challenged her, infuriated her, and somehow managed to get under her skin in ways no one else had.

"I don't mix personal matters with work," she said firmly. "This is just another case."

Lily didn't look convinced but nodded anyway. "Alright. The first hearing is scheduled for next week."

Emma exhaled as Lily left, gripping the edges of the lawsuit. This was war now.

---

Meanwhile – Kingston Enterprises

Alex leaned back in his leather chair, eyes scanning the lawsuit with an amused smirk. His legal team sat in front of him, listing potential counterarguments, but he wasn't really listening.

All he could think about was Emma.

She was going to fight him with everything she had. And he was looking forward to every second of it.

"…Our best option is settlement," one of his lawyers suggested hesitantly.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Settlement?" He scoffed, tossing the papers on his desk. "Why the hell would I settle when I can beat her in court?"

His lawyer hesitated. "With all due respect, sir, Emma Carter has never lost a case."

Alex's smirk widened. "Then it's about time she does."

He thrived on competition, but this? This was personal.

Emma wasn't just a rival—she was the only person who had ever looked him in the eye and refused to back down. She wasn't impressed by his money, his charm, or his name. She saw right through him.

And now? She was coming for his company.

Alex tapped his fingers against the desk, a slow, rhythmic sound filling the silence. "Schedule a meeting with her."

His legal team exchanged uncertain glances. "A… negotiation?"

"No." His eyes gleamed with something dark and thrilling. "I just want to see her reaction when she realizes she's already lost."

---

The Meeting – A Clash of Fire and Ice

Emma walked into the high-rise conference room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She was expecting to see a room full of lawyers, but instead, there was only Alex.

He leaned against the table, arms crossed, looking entirely too smug for her liking.

She didn't slow her stride. "Where's your legal team?"

"I sent them away." His lips curled at the corners. "I prefer handling important matters personally."

Emma narrowed her eyes. "This isn't personal, Kingston. This is business."

Alex pushed off the table and walked toward her, his steps slow and deliberate. "Is that what you tell yourself every time you think about me?"

Her breath hitched, but she masked it quickly. He was trying to get into her head.

She refused to let him win.

Emma placed her briefcase on the table and pulled out the contract. "Here's what's going to happen. You're going to admit liability, pay the settlement, and save yourself the embarrassment of losing in court."

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "You really think I'm going to roll over that easily?"

She met his gaze without flinching. "I think you're smart enough to know you're outmatched."

Alex stepped closer—too close.

Her pulse quickened, but she held her ground. She wouldn't let him see how much his presence affected her.

"You want to beat me that badly?" he murmured, voice low and taunting.

Emma exhaled slowly. "I don't want to beat you, Kingston. I will."

The air between them was thick with something dangerous, something unspoken.

Alex's smirk deepened. "Then let's make this interesting."

Emma arched a brow. "What are you suggesting?"

He leaned in, just enough to make her breath hitch. "Let's raise the stakes."

She refused to move back. "You don't scare me."

"Then prove it," he challenged.

The game had officially begun.