Chapter 1 Sparks and ashes

### Chapter 1: Sparks and Ashes

The glass doors of Bryant & Co. slammed shut behind Elle Monroe, her heels striking the marble floor like a declaration of war. Her perfectly tailored navy blazer swayed as she marched toward the conference room, ignoring the curious glances of junior associates. This was her battleground, and Adrian Knight was the enemy.

Adrian sat at the far end of the table, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile that could melt glaciers-or enrage them further. His dark suit fit him like a second skin, exuding a confidence Elle found infuriating. He didn't bother to look up when she entered.

"You're late," he said, flipping through a folder without sparing her a glance.

"And you're predictable," she shot back, dropping her leather briefcase onto the table with a resounding thud. "Always starting with an insult."

Adrian's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile as he finally looked up. "Not an insult, just an observation. Shall we?"

Elle bit back a retort and took her seat. The meeting began, but her mind was a storm of annoyance and something else-something she refused to name.

They had been at odds for years. From courtrooms to business negotiations, Adrian always seemed to be one step ahead, his smug confidence lighting a fire in Elle that was equal parts fury and... intrigue.

The hours dragged on as they dissected the terms of the merger. Every point became a battle, every word a weapon. When Adrian leaned forward to counter her argument, the proximity sent a shiver down her spine. She stiffened, refusing to let him see the effect he had on her.

"You seem tense, Monroe," Adrian said, his voice smooth and teasing. "Afraid of losing?"

"I don't lose," she replied coolly, though her pulse betrayed her. "Unlike you, I don't let my ego get in the way of my work."

Adrian chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent heat crawling up her neck. "We'll see about that."

As the meeting adjourned, Elle gathered her things, refusing to look at him. But as she turned to leave, Adrian's voice stopped her.

"Dinner tonight," he said, not as a question but a statement.

Elle whirled around, her eyes blazing. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he said, his tone casual but his eyes gleaming with challenge. "We're on the same team now. Might as well start acting like it."

She opened her mouth to refuse, but the words caught in her throat. The thought of spending more time with him-of peeling back the layers of the man she hated so fiercely-both terrified and thrilled her.

"I'll think about it," she said finally, spinning on her heel and walking away, her heart pounding louder than her footsteps.

Behind her, Adrian's smile lingered, a mix of triumph and something softer. The game was just beginning.