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's hands trembled as she stared at Alex, the weight of the phone call pressing down on her chest like a boulder. He was still holding her phone, his grip tight, his knuckles turning white. His eyes, usually mischievous and teasing, were now sharp, demanding answers.

"Emma," Alex said, his voice low but firm. "Who was that?"

She couldn't speak. The words wouldn't come.

Alex stepped closer, his jaw clenched. "He knew my name. He said I was part of the reason you're like this." His voice darkened. "What the hell does that mean?"

Emma turned away, wrapping her arms around herself. She knew this moment would come eventually, but she wasn't ready—not now, not like this.

Alex wasn't having it. "Carter." His voice was different this time. Not just demanding—pleading. "Talk to me."

She inhaled sharply. "It's… complicated."

Alex let out a humorless laugh. "No shit." He raked a hand through his hair, pacing the room. "Was that an ex?"

He froze mid-step, his expression shifting. "Then who?"

Emma swallowed hard. "Someone I never wanted to see again."

Alex's eyes darkened further. "Did he—" He stopped himself, inhaling deeply before lowering his voice. "Did he hurt you?"

The question made her stomach twist.

Not in the way Alex was thinking. But in a way that still haunted her.

She looked at him, her lips parting, but before she could say anything, her phone vibrated again.

Alex snatched it before she could react.

Too late. He had already answered.

"This is Alex. If you ever call her again, I swear to—"

A chuckle echoed through the speaker. Low. Mocking. "Such a hero," the voice murmured. "But you don't even know what you're saving her from."

Alex's expression hardened. "Try me."

Emma grabbed his wrist, shaking her head. "Alex, don't—"

The voice hummed in amusement. "Emma, tell your new boy toy he's playing a dangerous game."

Alex's grip on the phone tightened. "If you so much as breathe near her—"

A cold laugh. "Oh, Alex." The voice dropped to something chilling. "I already have."

Emma felt her entire body go cold.

Alex was shaking with anger, his entire posture tense, his breathing uneven. He turned to her, eyes burning. "Tell me what's going on."

She couldn't run from this anymore.

Emma inhaled sharply, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Alex… I think you might already know him."

She saw the realization flicker in his eyes before he even said a word.

Because whatever this was… it wasn't just her past anymore.

Chapter 66- Shadows of the Past