Dangerous Alliance

The following week was a whirlwind of calculated silence and whispered speculation. Ethan's scandal dominated headlines, but no charges were filed. Just rumors. Smoke without fire—or so it seemed.

Lily watched it all unfold from the comfort of her office, her fingers laced as she stared out at the skyline. She had dealt with power-hungry men before, but Ethan was different. He didn't just play the game; he rewrote the rules.

And she was done playing fair.

Naomi knocked gently. "There's someone here to see you."

Lily raised a brow. "Who?"

"He wouldn't give a name. But he said to tell you it's about Ethan Vale."

That got her attention.

She walked into the lounge area of her office, where a man in a sharp gray suit waited. Late thirties, expensive shoes, eyes like a wolf.

"Ms. Summers," he greeted smoothly. "I represent a few interests that would prefer to see Ethan Vale… contained."

She crossed her arms. "Go on."

"Let's just say, his ambitions have made him enemies. We believe you're in a position to help us neutralize him."

Lily smiled thinly. "You want me to bring him down?"

"We want you to expose him. Publicly. Permanently. We have files. Evidence. Leverage. But we need someone close to him."

Lily's pulse quickened. This was dangerous. But it was also tempting. The perfect way to settle the score—and reclaim control.

"I'll think about it," she said coolly.

"Do more than think," the man said, placing a black envelope on her desk. "He's not who you believe. And he'll never stop unless someone makes him."

He left without another word.

---

That night, Lily met Ethan in a secluded bar uptown, where the lights were low and the whiskey strong. He was already there, waiting in a private booth, watching her with a knowing smirk.

"You've been quiet," he said.

"I've been busy," she replied, sliding into the seat opposite him.

"With me?"

"Against you."

He laughed. "Honesty. I like it."

She leaned in. "Tell me something, Ethan. What happened to your partner?"

His smile didn't fade, but it hardened. "He made the mistake of thinking he could outmaneuver me."

Lily stared at him, her voice calm. "And if I tried the same?"

"I'd warn you once. Then I'd destroy you."

The words were soft, but they carried a chill. And yet, his hand reached across the table, brushing hers with something almost tender.

"You fascinate me, Lily," he said. "Because I can't tell if you want to kill me… or kiss me again."

She stood, her gaze locked on his. "Who says I can't do both?"

Then she left, her heart pounding, the black envelope burning a hole in her purse.

The war had begun.