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 spent the rest of the day meticulously crafting her next move. Alex Kingston thought he was in control, but he had underestimated her.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number.

"Harper, I need you to set up a press conference. Tonight."

Harper, her firm's PR strategist, hesitated. "Are you sure? This could escalate things."

Emma's lips curled into a smirk. "That's exactly what I want."

Alex had chosen to play this game in public. Now, she was going to show him what it felt like to lose control.

Later That Evening – The Press Conference

Cameras flashed as Emma stepped onto the podium, her posture exuding quiet confidence. The reporters hushed as she took the microphone.

"I normally let the courtroom speak for itself," she began, her voice steady. "But recent statements have forced me to clarify the truth."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "Kingston Enterprises claims to stand for fairness, yet they are the ones bending the law to suit their agenda. My firm does not manipulate legal loopholes—we uphold justice."

A murmur rippled through the press.

Emma's eyes flickered toward the cameras, as if speaking directly to him.

"I refuse to let baseless accusations cloud the truth. And I certainly won't allow intimidation to dictate how this case unfolds."

She stepped away, leaving the reporters scrambling for more.

But she wasn't concerned with their questions.

Meanwhile – Kingston Enterprises

Alex watched the press conference from his office, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Alex's smirk deepened. "Better than I expected."

He leaned forward, eyes dark with intrigue. "But that was her first mistake."

Alex picked up his phone. "She's reacting to me. And that means…"

He dialed a number, his gaze locked on the screen as Emma's face disappeared.

"…she's already playing my game."

The Next Day – An Unexpected Invitation

Emma was reviewing case files when her assistant walked in.

The assistant hesitated. "Alex Kingston."

Emma's fingers tightened around her pen.

She opened the envelope carefully, pulling out a simple card.

Lily peered over her shoulder and let out a whistle. "Damn. He's bold."

Emma tossed the card onto her desk. "He's manipulative."

Lily grinned. "So, are you going?"

Emma exhaled, staring at the invitation.

But deep down, she knew something—something she refused to say out loud.

This war between them wasn't just about the case anymore.

And that was the most dangerous part of all.

Chapter 32 – A Game of Control