Chapter 1 – The Reunion
The boardroom fell silent the moment Ethan Vale walked in. His presence was like a storm—cold, heavy, demanding attention. Everyone straightened in their seats, but Adrian Blackwood didn’t bother to move.
He leaned back lazily, legs crossed, smirk tugging at his lips. If Ethan expected him to look impressed, he was in for disappointment.
Ethan vale (Ml)
You never learn, do you?
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(smirking)
Depends. Are we talking business… or the way you’re glaring at me right now?
Ethan vale (Ml)
Business. Personal. Doesn’t matter. You’ve got five minutes before I end you.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(chuckling)
Oh, Ethan. Always so dramatic. Still pretending you don’t remember.
Gasps rippled across the room. Adrian’s words were light, but the way his eyes locked onto Ethan’s was anything but playful.
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his composure slipping for the briefest moment.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(tilting his head, voice low)
Did I strike a nerve?
Ethan vale (Ml)
You haven’t changed. Still reckless. Still a liar.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
And you’re still angry about a ghost.
At the far end of the table, Sienna Cruz, Adrian’s best friend and assistant, was furiously typing on her phone under the table. Adrian knew exactly what she was doing—commentary in their private group chat.
Sienna Cruz (Adrian bff/assistant)
(whispering under her breath)
He’s going to murder you.
Adrian’s smirk deepened. He enjoyed this. He enjoyed him.
Across the table, Ethan’s hands curled into fists against the polished glass. His voice dropped, each word deliberate, a warning carved in stone.
Ethan vale (Ml)
I don’t play games, Adrian.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(leaning forward, eyes glittering)
Good. Because I never lose.
Their stares collided—fire against ice. For one brief, dangerous heartbeat, the boardroom ceased to exist.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(smiling faintly)
What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or are you remembering the night you swore you’d never let me go?
Ethan froze. His mask slipped. And for the smallest fraction of a second, his eyes betrayed him.
Ethan vale (Ml)
(through clenched teeth)
Don’t. You. Dare.
Adrian Blackwood (Mc)
(soft laugh)
Too late. 😉
The room was silent, everyone pretending not to watch. But Adrian knew one thing for certain—this was only the beginning.
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