Marcus had never been one to back down from a challenge. And Lisa Anderson? She was the biggest challenge he had ever faced. He was used to women being impressed by his wealth, his power. But Lisa was different. She wasn't intimidated. She didn't care about his money or his reputation.
After the boardroom incident, Marcus could not stop thinking about her. His attempts to sabotage her had backfired, and instead of belittling her, it only made her shine brighter.
He wasn't sure what makes her different. Her defiance, her strength, or the way she didn't shiver under pressure, but she fascinated him in a way no other woman ever did.
Later that evening, he was seated at one of his favorite private clubs, watching the city lights shining through the floor to ceiling windows with a glass of drink in his hand. His closest friend, Nathan, sat across from him, raising an eyebrow at Marcus's silence.
"You look like you just lost a billion dollar deal. Or worse, got turned down by a woman?" Nathan teasing at him.
Marcus shot him a sharp look but didn't respond immediately.
Marcus after a pause, smirks "Not turned down. Just delayed."
Nathan laughed, shaking his head.
"So, this is about that designer? What's her name... Lisa?"mockingly uttered with a smile crossed his face.
Marcus uttered narrowing his eyes in frustration. "Lisa Anderson. And she's not like the others."
Nathan leaning forward, curious with a smirk on his face. "Not like the others? Now that's the first. What's her deal? Playing hard to get?"
Marcus leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping idly on his glass.
"She's not playing hard to get. She genuinely doesn't care. And that's the problem." Marcus Mumbled with concern in his voice.
Nathan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Sounds like she's gotten under your skin." Nathan grins, mixed with confusion surrounding his thoughts
Marcus's voice low, almost to himself "More than that bro. And i'm going to make her see that she can't ignore me forever."
"Good luck with that. From what you've told me, she seems like the type who doesn't fall for the usual tricks. So I suggest you look elsewhere" Nathan voices out, followed with a smile.
Marcus's eyes glinted with determination as he downed the rest of his drink.
"Who said anything about tricks? And your suggestion is better off, no suggestion. I'm done playing games. This time, I'm going all in."Marcus uttered, desperation taking over him.
The next day, Lisa received a package at her studio. Inside was a handwritten note, 'elegant and concise'.
"For the woman who refuses to back down. Dinner, 8 PM, tonight. Marcus Blackwood."
A reservation card attached to it. For the exclusive restaurant at the top of the Empire State Building, the kind of place that had a six month waiting list.
Lisa folds the note and tossed it in the trash without even thinking.
Jane peeking over her shoulder, wide eyes open "You're really not going?"
Lisa firmly says without guilt. "No."
Jane grinning in disbelief. "Girl, I know you're all about independence, but even I would d think twice about turning down that view. Not to mention, Marcus Blackwood!"
"I'm not playing his game, Jane. I'm focused on my career. I'm not going to be one of his distractions." Lisa sighed lashing out.
But as the day wore on, Lisa couldn't shake the feeling that Marcus wasn't someone who took 'no' for an answer. And that unnerved her more than she was willing to admit.
The day went by Marcus Blackwood, seated in the Empire state Building restaurant. Elegantly dressed in a $1 million kiton suit. checking his watch with every minute that passes, staring at the door waiting to see that beautiful killer queen, of his heart beat.
An hour passed by, one hour turns to two, three to turns to four. He texted no replies.
Marcus storms out of the restaurant so restless and furious.
"who the hell does she think she is! disrespect me and go free! And now ignore me. Fucking bitch. Lisa I'm coming for you in full force."
Reaching home his rage took the better part of him. He furiously lashed out, shouting on the top of his voice. He throws the glass of wine he's holding on the wall. Making a loud rattling sound.
Days later, Lisa was in her studio when she heard a knock at the door. When she opened it, Marcus stood there, his usual confidence replaced by something darker. His eyes were intense, filled with frustration and something she couldn't quite place. But the moment he hears the Lisa's voice, his rage and anger died instantly.
Lisa crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes "What do you want, Marcus?"
Marcus stepping inside, his voice low "I want to know why you keep resisting me."
Lisa scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lisa mumbled with a froun crossed her face. "You bought out LaFleur just to mess with my deal, and you're asking why I resist you? You're unbelievable."
Marcus gritting his teeth "I did what I had to. This is business, Lisa."
Lisa stepping closer, her voice firm "This is not business, Marcus. This is you trying to control me, to control everything. But I won't let you. I'm not like the other women you've been able to buy off or impress with your money."
Marcus voice strained, whispering "You think I don't know that? You think I don't see that you're different? And that's the more reason I can't stop thinking about you, and why I did what I did."
Lisa felt her heart skip at his admission, yet refused to be swayed.
Lisa firmly lashed out. "And I will keep being different, Marcus. I won't let you or anyone else control my life."
The tension between them was heavy, non ready to back down. But for the first time, Lisa saw something raw in Marcus's eyes. something beyond arrogance and control. There was a vulnerability he was trying desperately to hide, but it was there, just beneath the surface.