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 never been the kind of woman who let herself get distracted—especially not by a man.

But as she sat across from Alex Kingston at the rooftop bar, she couldn't ignore the quiet shift between them.

The usual sharp edges of their interactions weren't as rigid tonight. Their verbal sparring still had bite, but it was laced with something different. Something unspoken.

She wasn't sure when it had changed.

Maybe it was the late hours spent arguing in court, or the nights they'd crossed paths at charity galas, or the simple fact that Alex wasn't just the arrogant rival she'd always seen him as.

"You're thinking too hard, Carter," Alex said, his voice cutting through her thoughts.

Emma raised a brow. "Maybe I'm just trying to figure out why I agreed to this."

Alex smirked, sipping his drink. "Because you were curious."

She scoffed. "Curious about what?"

His gaze didn't waver. "About me."

Emma opened her mouth to argue, but the words didn't come.

Because, damn him, maybe he was right.

Not in the way he thought—not in some reckless, whirlwind romance kind of way.

But there was something about him she hadn't quite figured out yet.

And for someone like Emma, who built her world around control and certainty, that was frustratingly intriguing.

She leaned back, studying him. "What's your deal, Kingston?"

Alex tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"You act like you have everyone figured out. Like you always have the upper hand. But I don't think that's true," she said, watching him carefully. "Not entirely."

For a moment, Alex didn't say anything.

Then, he exhaled a quiet laugh. "You always have to be one step ahead, don't you?"

Emma's lips quirked. "Occupational hazard."

Alex shook his head, amused. "Alright, Carter. If you really want to know—maybe I do like having the upper hand." He leaned forward slightly, his voice lower now. "But I think you do too."

Emma didn't flinch under his gaze.

They were both stubborn. Both relentless. Both unwilling to let anyone see their vulnerabilities.

And maybe that was why this—whatever this was—felt different.

Because for the first time, neither of them was trying to win.

They were just there, sitting across from each other, acknowledging that maybe they weren't as different as they had always believed.

Emma finished the last sip of her drink and placed the glass down carefully.

"It's getting late," she said, standing.

He just watched, that knowing look still in his eyes. "See you around, Carter."

Emma hesitated for half a second before giving him a small nod.

And as she walked away, she felt it—

Chapter 46 – The Shift in the Air