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

Alex Kingston was not used to losing.

He was used to being in control—the one who called the shots, the one who dictated the pace. But tonight, as he watched Emma walk away with that infuriating smirk, he realized something.

He downed the rest of his drink, setting the glass down with a sharp clink before pushing off the bar.

Emma thought she could walk away and leave him standing there, but she clearly underestimated how relentless he could be.

He caught up to her just as she reached the exit, his voice smooth and teasing. "Leaving so soon? I thought you liked a challenge, Carter."

Emma didn't even flinch. "I do. That's why I left before you got too predictable."

Alex let out a low chuckle, stepping in closer, his voice dropping. "You think I'm predictable?"

Emma turned slightly, her gaze flicking up to meet his. "I think you want me to believe you are."

Alex smirked. "Maybe I just like keeping you on your toes."

Emma hummed, unimpressed. "That's cute, Kingston. Really. But if this is your idea of seduction, I have to say—" She leaned in just a fraction, her lips barely a breath away from his ear. "I expected more from you."

Alex's fingers twitched at his sides.

His mind raced with a dozen different ways to counter her move, to take back the control she had stolen so effortlessly. But for the first time in a long time, he realized—

At least, not in the way he usually did.

Because with Emma, the real victory wasn't about making her lose.

It was about getting her to want him as much as he wanted her.

So instead of another sharp retort, he did something unexpected.

Emma blinked, clearly thrown off. "What, no comeback?"

She narrowed her eyes. "You're up to something."

"Always," he admitted easily. "But tonight? I think I'll let you wonder about it."

And with that, he walked away first.

Letting her feel the pull of unfinished business.

Because if there was one thing Alex knew for certain—it was that Emma Carter hated not having the last word.

Chapter 49 – The Art of Losing Control