Chapter 1: A Collision of Titans

The grand ballroom of the La Rochelle Hotel shimmered under a cascade of golden chandeliers. It was the annual Business Elite Gala, where the richest and most ruthless gathered to flaunt their power. Evelyn Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Enterprises, moved through the crowd like a queen surveying her empire. Her fitted crimson gown clung to her curves, a stark contrast to the cool, calculated expression on her face.

She had no patience for small talk. Her mind was set on one thing: the upcoming bid for the Crestview project, a deal that could solidify her company as an unstoppable force. But as she reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, a deep, familiar voice stopped her cold.

“Evelyn.”

She turned, already knowing who it was. Damien Knight.

He was a commanding presence in his sharp black tuxedo, his dark eyes holding a knowing glint. The sight of him sent an unwelcome thrill down her spine. Damien was more than just a competitor—he was a thorn in her side, a constant challenge. Every major deal she pursued, he was there, either one step ahead or dangerously close behind.

“Damien,” she greeted smoothly, raising her glass. “Enjoying the party?”

His lips curled into a smirk. “I was. Until I saw you. Now, I find myself... distracted.”

She scoffed, ignoring the way her pulse quickened. “Try to stay focused. You’ll need all your energy for when I crush you at the Crestview bid.”

His chuckle was deep, rich. “Bold of you to assume you’ve already won.”

She met his gaze head-on, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

“I don’t assume, Damien. I know.”

For a moment, he said nothing, simply watching her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. Then, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping low.

“You know, Evelyn, for all our battles in the boardroom, I wonder… do you ever tire of fighting me?”

The question sent a ripple of something dangerous through her. Because the truth was, she didn’t. Their rivalry was intoxicating, a game neither could walk away from. But what unsettled her more was the heat beneath their words—the undeniable chemistry they both pretended wasn’t there.

She refused to let him see her falter. “Not in the slightest,” she whispered back, lips curving in a challenge. “Winning is far too satisfying.”

His smirk deepened. “Then let’s make this interesting, shall we?”

Before she could ask what he meant, he clinked his glass against hers walking away and disappeared into the crowd.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, shaking off the strange tension in her chest. Damien Knight was playing a game, but she refused to be a pawn. She would win the Crestview bid, no matter what it took. By hook or by crook.

Yet, as the night went on, she couldn’t shake the memory of his gaze. And deep down, she knew—this battle between them was far from over.

It was only just beginning.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***