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 meeting trying to ignore the way Alex was watching her.

Not overtly. Not in a way that anyone else would notice.

The slight tilt of his head when she spoke. The way his fingers tapped idly against the table, like he was biding his time. The lazy smirk that never quite left his lips.

By the time the meeting ended, she was more than ready to escape. But the moment she stepped into the hallway, Alex was right there, falling into step beside her.

"You're avoiding me," he said casually.

Emma didn't even look at him. "I'm walking, Kingston. Try to keep up."

Alex chuckled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I'll take that as a yes."

Emma exhaled sharply, forcing herself to keep moving. "What do you want?"

Alex leaned in just a fraction, lowering his voice. "Dinner. Tonight."

She turned to face him fully, arms crossing. "Excuse me?"

Alex tilted his head, unbothered. "Dinner. You. Me. No work talk."

Emma arched a brow. "And why, exactly, would I agree to that?"

Alex smirked. "Because you're curious."

She scoffed. "About what? Watching you try to charm your way through a meal?"

"Partly," Alex admitted. "But mostly? You want to see what happens when you stop fighting this for five seconds."

Emma's pulse stuttered for a moment.

She held his gaze, searching for some kind of angle, some hidden agenda. But all she saw was confidence. Amusement. That damn teasing spark in his eyes that made her want to both slap him and pull him closer at the same time.

And worst of all—she wanted to say yes.

Instead, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them until she could feel the warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his breath.

She let a slow, knowing smile tug at her lips.

Then she leaned up, just enough that her lips almost—almost—brushed against his ear.

"Nice try, Kingston," she murmured.

And then, before he could react, she stepped back and walked away.

But as she disappeared down the hall, she could hear his low chuckle following her.

And she had a sinking feeling this wasn't the last time he'd make the offer.

Chapter 51 – A Dangerous Proposition