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 next few days convincing herself that nothing had changed.

That one conversation over drinks didn't mean anything. That Alex Kingston was still just the man who had been a thorn in her side since the day they met.

But for some reason, she found herself thinking about him at the most inconvenient moments.

Like when she was reviewing a case file and remembered the way his gaze had lingered on her that night at the rooftop bar.

Or when she was making coffee in her office and recalled the way his voice had dropped just a fraction when he'd said her name.

So when she ran into Alex in the hallway of the courthouse, she was determined to keep things normal.

"Kingston," she greeted, adjusting the strap of her bag.

"Good morning, Carter." He fell into step beside her, as if they did this every day. "You look—" He paused, his eyes flicking over her before smirking. "Like you haven't had enough coffee yet."

Emma sighed. "I had one. Didn't do the trick."

Alex reached into his hand and, to her surprise, pulled out a second coffee cup. "Good thing I planned ahead."

She stared at him. "You bought me coffee?"

He shrugged, offering it to her. "Don't get too excited. I just happened to stop by your favorite place."

Emma hesitated before taking it. The cup was warm against her palm, and when she took a sip, the rich taste of caramel hit her tongue.

She swallowed, meeting his gaze. "Thanks."

Alex smirked, but there was something softer in his expression. "Don't mention it."

They walked together in silence for a moment, and Emma hated how easy it felt.

How it didn't feel forced, or like some game of one-upmanship.

"You know," Alex said after a beat, "I've been thinking."

He huffed a laugh. "Maybe. But I was wondering—why do we do this?"

"This whole… rivalry thing," he said, glancing at her. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy making your life difficult."

"But maybe—" He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe it's not really rivalry anymore."

Because damn him, she'd been thinking the same thing.

It wasn't just the courtroom battles or the sharp banter.

Somewhere along the way, it had turned into something else.

Something neither of them had put a name to yet.

She took another sip of coffee, buying herself time.

"Are you suggesting we call a truce?" she asked finally.

Alex smirked. "I don't know. Would you accept one?"

Emma met his gaze, something shifting between them again.

Slowly, she let out a breath. "I guess we'll see."

And as she walked ahead, leaving Alex standing there with an unreadable expression, she realized—

She wasn't sure if she wanted to win this time.

Chapter 47 – Unraveling the Distance