Against all odds: crowned by fate

tment, she kicked off her heels and col

en M

t. His presence still had the power to unravel her composure

dows, casting a golden hue over the space. The view of the city should have been comforting, a reminder of how far she had come

best friend and business partner, burst in, her dark curls bounc

temples. "You could have at

s gleaming with curiosity. "No chance. You

to her lap, Harper sighed

p. "That's one way

wouldn't drop it. "He acted like nothing had happened. L

"So, he's a

ound the pillow. "I don't know, Lena. T

illionaire power suit a

caped Harper's lips.

ion softening. "Be honest w

throat, but she forced it out. "It

een them before Lena e

Nothing more,

I hope you're ready, because something tells me Holden Me

, staring at the cityscape beyond the

n had hit him harder than he expected. The way she had walked into that conference room-confi

friend and second-in-command, strolled in, dropping into the cha

her denying it. "

wasn't exactly subtle

uscles at the mention of his

before tilting his head. "How'

lden answered honestly. "

le. "And yet, you still

against the desk. "She'

nd it has nothing to do

's jaw. "She made it clea

ssing his arms. "And

o

nger, like the past between them had turned to

e a choice,"

ed. "Just don't let hist

knew the past wasn't something ei

rmination burning in her veins. The sooner she got this pro

ith excitement. Swatches of fabric covered the long table, along with sk

ng the room instantly. The low murmur of conversatio

ry brand," she began, clicking to the first slide of her pres

ach design a perfect blend of elegance and modern edge. She was in he

ed, Holden nodd

he pushed it aside. "I'll need full access to the pro

ir, a small smirk playing at

r expression, but she ma

smoothly until Vivian Mercer's

ved forward wit

, her expression unreadable. The rest of the team sh

ned. "Harper has fu

before settling back on Holden.

scrutiny. "I assure you, Mrs. Merce

o a smile that didn't re

ked away, leaving

e standing. "That's all for

o leave, but Holden stopped her wit

ent the door closed, Holden faced

gaze evenly.

he didn't quite believe h

had pr

sion, something dangerously close

her voice sharp. "W

n let's get one thing straight-we have to work tog

m here for the collectio

e it," he

back down. This was business. Nothing more.