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### **Chapter 1: Clash of Titans**

Mia Adams stepped into the sleek, modern building of Knight Enterprises with a cool, calculated determination. The sharp scent of expensive leather and polished wood filled the air as she walked across the marble floors, her heels clicking loudly in the quiet lobby. She had never liked the corporate world—its faceless power, its unrelenting demands—but today, she had a job to do. And nothing would distract her from it.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She quickly silenced it without checking; she had enough on her plate. She was a freelance graphic designer—independent, self-sufficient, and determined to succeed without relying on anyone. She didn't need a boss, and she definitely didn't need a man telling her what to do.

She took the elevator up to the top floor, where Knight Enterprises' executive offices were located. The doors opened to a vast, open-plan office space, the walls lined with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city. At the far end of the office stood a tall, imposing figure. Alexander Knight. The CEO of this empire. The man who didn't just control his company—he controlled everything around him. 

Mia was here to pitch a rebranding project to Knight Enterprises, but she wasn't here to play nice. She was here to work, and she knew one thing: she would never let a man like Alexander Knight get under her skin.

He stood with his back to her, his sharp suit jacket tailored to perfection. His dark, short-cropped hair and icy blue eyes turned slowly as he heard the door open, locking his gaze with hers. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and she couldn't help but feel a brief flicker of unease in her chest. 

"Ms. Adams," he greeted in a smooth, cold voice. "I trust you're well?"

Mia didn't smile. She didn't want to. "I'm fine, Mr. Knight. And you?"

His gaze swept over her with a calculating precision that made her skin prickle. "Perfectly," he said, voice laced with indifference. "Shall we begin?"

She nodded curtly and walked to the conference table. Setting her briefcase down, she pulled out her laptop, determined to focus solely on the work at hand. She had no time for idle pleasantries, and she certainly didn't want to engage in any conversation that could lead to personal matters. She didn't trust men in suits, and she certainly didn't trust a man like Alexander Knight.

He took a seat across from her, his posture impeccable, exuding an air of confidence that could crush anyone under its weight. His reputation was known across the city—ruthless, cold, unyielding. And he had the money and power to back it up.

The pitch began. Mia kept her voice steady, confident, even though every fiber of her being wanted to run far away from the intensity in his gaze. She worked through her presentation, explaining her ideas for the rebranding project, though she couldn't shake the feeling that his eyes were constantly on her. He didn't interrupt her, but she could feel his assessment, as though he were analyzing her every word, every move.

At the end of the meeting, Mia finished with a flourish, hoping to escape before her nerves completely betrayed her. She closed her laptop, and for a moment, there was silence.

"Your ideas are… interesting, Ms. Adams," Alexander said, his voice a little colder than before. "But I believe we can do better."

Mia's eyes narrowed. She had expected as much. He wasn't the type to settle for anything less than perfect. "I think my proposal meets your company's needs," she said, her tone steady but firm. "And I'm confident that with the right adjustments, it will exceed your expectations."

He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together. "Confidence is good. But do you know who you're dealing with, Ms. Adams?" His gaze never left hers, piercing, unyielding.

"I'm aware that Knight Enterprises is one of the most powerful corporations in the world. I'm also aware that I'm here to offer a professional service. Nothing more," she replied evenly, locking eyes with him.

A flicker of something—amusement?—passed across his features. He stood up, his tall frame casting a shadow over the table. "We'll see," he said cryptically, his voice smooth as velvet but edged with a hint of something darker. "You'll find that I'm not easily impressed."

Mia stood as well, determined not to show any weakness. "You'll find that I'm not easily intimidated," she countered, her voice cool and controlled.

There was a long moment of tension before Alexander's smirk returned. "I look forward to seeing how long that lasts, Ms. Adams."

With that, he walked toward the door, leaving her standing there, her heart hammering in her chest. She wasn't sure what had just happened—what had that conversation been about? And why did she feel like the battle had only just begun?