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

The courtroom battle had ended for the day, but the war between Emma and Alex was just beginning.

Emma stepped out of the courthouse, the cool evening air brushing against her skin as she inhaled deeply. She needed to clear her mind, to push away the lingering energy of Alex Kingston's presence.

But the moment she stepped onto the pavement, he was there.

Leaning casually against his sleek black car, arms crossed, that ever-present smirk playing on his lips.

"You always leave in such a hurry," Alex mused, his voice smooth as he straightened. "Almost like you're running from something."

Emma rolled her eyes and kept walking. "If I were running, Kingston, you wouldn't be able to keep up."

His chuckle followed her, low and amused. "You think I'm the one chasing?"

Emma stopped, turning to face him. The glow of the streetlights illuminated his sharp features, casting shadows across his jawline. He looked at her like she was a puzzle he was determined to solve.

"You texted me," she said, arms crossed.

His smirk didn't waver. "And you responded. Which means, whether you admit it or not, you're thinking about me."

Emma scoffed, stepping closer. "Oh, I think about you, alright." She leaned in slightly, just enough for her words to cut. "I think about how insufferable you are. How arrogant. How utterly predictable."

Alex's smirk faltered just a fraction. "Predictable?"

"Let me guess," she continued, tilting her head. "You had Jack dig into my past. Trying to find weaknesses, personal details, anything you could use to rattle me."

Alex didn't confirm nor deny it. He didn't have to. His silence said enough.

Emma let out a short laugh. "You really don't know what to do when someone doesn't fall for your mind games, do you?"

Alex's gaze darkened. "Oh, I think you've fallen, Carter. You just don't realize it yet."

Emma's breath hitched—just for a second—but she didn't let him see. Instead, she stepped back, smoothing her expression. "Keep telling yourself that, Kingston."

She turned, walking away, leaving him standing there.

But as she disappeared into the city streets, Alex watched her go, his smirk slowly returning.

And that was enough to keep him chasing.

Emma was reviewing her notes at her office when Lily barged in, eyes wide.

Emma barely looked up. "Unless the courthouse burned down, I doubt it's that bad."

Lily dropped a folder onto her desk. "Alex Kingston just made a press statement. About the case."

Emma's stomach tightened. She grabbed the folder, flipping it open.

"Kingston Enterprises CEO Denies Allegations, Questions Credibility of Carter & Associates"

Beneath it, a photo of Alex—smug as ever—stood next to a quote.

"We believe in fairness, but we also believe in holding everyone accountable. If certain parties are manipulating legal loopholes for their gain, that's something we'll challenge."

Emma clenched her jaw. That snake.

"He's trying to turn public opinion against us," Lily said. "What's the plan?"

Emma exhaled slowly, closing the folder. "He wants me to react emotionally. To lose control."

She straightened, a cold determination settling in her chest. "So, I won't."

Lily grinned. "So, we're fighting fire with fire?"

Emma smirked. "No. We're going to burn his entire strategy to the ground."

Meanwhile – Kingston Enterprises

Alex leaned back in his chair, watching the news coverage of his statement.

Jack entered his office, expression unreadable. "You sure about this move? Carter's not the type to panic."

Alex's eyes flickered with amusement. "I know. That's why it's fun."

Jack sighed. "And what if she doesn't take the bait?"

Because Emma Carter was many things.

Someone who let a challenge go unanswered.

Chapter 31 – Unfinished Business