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 sat across from Mr. Anderson, her expression calm even as her mind raced. She had walked into this office expecting a standard case discussion, but the moment he spoke, she realized she had been wrong.

"I assume you've heard," he said, leaning back in his chair.

"Heard what?" she asked, keeping her voice even.

"Kingston Enterprises just filed a counter-lawsuit. They're not just defending themselves anymore, Emma. They're coming for blood."

Her fingers curled into her lap, her jaw tightening. Of course Alex had done this. The man didn't know how to lose.

She kept her expression neutral. "Let them try."

Mr. Anderson studied her, then nodded approvingly. "I figured you'd say that. We need to strategize. You know Kingston better than anyone—what's his next move?"

Emma hesitated for half a second before answering. "Alex never plays fair. He doesn't attack where you expect him to—he finds your weak spot and presses until you break."

Mr. Anderson exhaled. "Then we need to make sure we don't break."

Emma left the office more determined than ever. Alex thought he could rattle her, that he could distract her with a kiss and a damn love letter?

She returned to her office and slammed the door shut. But before she could even sit down, there was a knock.

Alex leaned against the frame, looking amused. "That's no way to greet the man who's about to make your life very, very complicated."

Emma exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

"Never have. You should know that by now."

His gaze flickered to her lips for a fraction of a second, and she hated how her stomach clenched in response.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Alex," she said, her voice lower now.

He took a slow step inside, shutting the door behind him. "And you love every second of it."

Emma clenched her jaw. "You're delusional."

He smirked, stepping closer. "Am I?"

The air between them shifted. The office felt smaller, the space between them too tight, too charged.

Her back hit the desk as he closed the distance. He didn't touch her—he didn't need to. The heat of his presence was enough.

"You keep telling yourself this is a mistake," he murmured. "But tell me, Carter—if it's such a mistake, why can't you walk away?"

He was too close. Too confident. Too damn right.

Emma could feel the pull between them, the invisible thread drawing her toward him. And for a terrifying second, she wanted to give in.

Instead, she smirked, tilting her chin up. "Because I like watching you think you're winning."

Alex's grin was slow, dangerous. "Oh, sweetheart… You have no idea what winning looks like. But you will."

Then, just like that, he was gone.

Emma exhaled a shaky breath, staring at the closed door.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Chapter 37 – The Game Intensifies