Beneath the Rivalry

eir light casting a golden sheen over the crowd. Celina Monroe took a steadying breath as she adjusted the sleek black dress hu

talk. Tonight was about business-and about proving she coul

er dress. This gala marked her first major step toward securing a partnership that cou

she needed wa

niverse was clear

I'd see you

ly recognizable. The sound scraped a

n college. His tailored charcoal-gray suit fit his frame with casual perfection, and his dark hair was styled in a way that mad

hin upward. "I figured you'd still be

figured you'd still be bitt

legend-a never-ending battle of wits and ambition. She had worked harder than anyone, fought for

id, keeping her voice even. "Unlike some peop

far too pleased. "Still scrappy.

. But there was something about his calm arrogance

asked. "I didn't realize real estate

ze flicking over her with unsettling focus. "I hear Monroe Market

lients in the region, and landing their account would be a game-changer. O

e said. "Your fami

tcome was already decided. "And yo

"You might want to prepare for disappointment.

ous. "I never underestimated you

ted. "Ah, Miss Monroe, there you are. And

The silver-haired mogul was the reason she had spent weeks perfecting

he said smoothly.

sy charm beside her. "A

m with interest. "I hear you both have impressive propos

it," Celina said, letting none of her anxiety

othly, "And Hawthorne Industries has th

althy competition. In fact," his smile sharpened, "I was just thinking how be

fened. "Col

link. "We can

pick apart her work. Celina swallowed down her protest. Kin

she said, her voi

y pleased. "I'll expect a joint pr

on, leaving them i

ate," Celina said, nar

"I'm not afraid of a

palm. "I just don't like w

to that infuriatingly smooth register

away, leaving her with the sinking realization that she