Melanie Scott was back, and her return sent ripples through the corporate world. Her month-long silence had left many speculating about her next move. Some said she had been planning a hostile takeover, while others believed she had finally reached her breaking point. But those who knew her—those who had witnessed her rise—knew better.
Melanie wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She was a storm waiting to unleash its fury, and Rhys Edwards was about to feel the full force of it.
---
The following morning, Melanie arrived at Scott Enterprises earlier than usual. Dana greeted her with an anxious expression, clutching a steaming cup of coffee.
"Good morning, ma'am. Mr. Edwards is already making waves," Dana began, hesitating as if unsure how to proceed.
Melanie raised an eyebrow, taking the coffee from her assistant. "Waves, Dana? Elaborate."
"He announced a joint venture proposal. It's all over the news. He's offering Scott Enterprises a partnership in his latest project."
Melanie froze mid-sip, her mind racing. "A partnership? With him? Is he out of his mind?"
Dana bit her lip. "It seems like he's serious. The press is eating it up. They're calling it the 'deal of the decade.'"
Melanie scoffed, setting her coffee down. "He's playing games. This isn't about business—it's about control. Call a meeting with the board. I want every detail of this proposal dissected."
"Yes, ma'am," Dana said, hurrying off to carry out her orders.
Melanie sat back in her chair, staring out the window. Rhys's move was bold, she admitted. But it was also calculated, and she hated being manipulated.
"If he thinks I'll fall for this, he's sorely mistaken," she muttered.
---
Across town, Rhys sat in his sleek corner office, the city sprawling beneath him. He leaned back in his chair, a glass of whiskey in his hand, as Ian read off the latest headlines.
"'Corporate Rivals Turn Potential Partners.' 'Scott and Edwards: A Power Alliance in the Making.' The media is buzzing, sir."
Rhys smirked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Good. Let them talk."
Ian hesitated before speaking again. "Do you think she'll agree to the partnership?"
Rhys's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Melanie Scott isn't one to trust easily, especially not me. But she's also pragmatic. She won't ignore an opportunity if it benefits her company."
"And if she rejects it?" Ian asked cautiously.
Rhys's gaze hardened. "Then we'll see how far she's willing to go."
---
The boardroom at Scott Enterprises buzzed with activity as the directors debated the implications of Rhys's proposal. Melanie sat at the head of the table, listening intently but saying little.
"It's a golden opportunity," one of the directors argued. "Combining resources with Edwards Corp could push us to the forefront of the market."
"Or it could ruin us," another countered. "Rhys Edwards isn't known for playing fair. This could be a trap."
Melanie raised a hand, silencing the room. "Thank you for your input. I'll make the final decision after I've reviewed the proposal thoroughly."
The meeting adjourned, and Melanie retreated to her office, her mind buzzing with possibilities.
As she pored over the documents, Dana entered, holding an envelope. "This just arrived for you, ma'am. Hand-delivered by Edwards Corp."
Melanie frowned, taking the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note:
Dinner. Eight o'clock. La Sorella.
No signature, but she didn't need one to know who it was from.
"What do you want to do?" Dana asked cautiously.
Melanie folded the note and set it aside. "Prepare the car. If he wants a conversation, I'll give him one."
---
La Sorella was the epitome of luxury, with its dim lighting, polished marble floors, and a reputation for hosting the city's elite. Melanie stepped out of her car, her black dress hugging her figure perfectly, and strode into the restaurant with confidence.
Rhys was already seated at a private table, a bottle of wine waiting. He stood as she approached, his eyes briefly flickering with admiration before settling back into his usual cold demeanor.
"Melanie," he greeted, pulling out a chair for her.
"Rhys," she replied, taking her seat.
He poured them both a glass of wine, his movements precise and deliberate. "I wasn't sure you'd come."
"I almost didn't," she admitted, taking a sip of the wine. "But curiosity got the better of me. What do you want, Rhys?"
He leaned back, studying her. "I want to end this war between us."
Melanie raised an eyebrow. "War? Is that what you call it?"
Rhys smirked. "What would you call it?"
"A nuisance," she shot back, her tone icy.
He chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Fair enough. But think about it, Melanie. Together, we could achieve more than either of us could alone. This partnership isn't just good for our companies—it's inevitable."
Melanie met his gaze, her eyes blazing. "I don't trust you, Rhys. And I don't like you. Why would I ever agree to this?"
His smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression. "Because it's the smart move. You're not one to let personal feelings cloud your judgment."
She leaned forward, her voice low and sharp. "Don't mistake my silence for submission, Rhys. I came here out of courtesy, not because I'm entertaining your delusions of partnership."
For a moment, neither spoke, the tension between them thick and electric. Finally, Rhys leaned back, his smirk returning.
"Have it your way, Melanie. But don't forget—silence can be more deafening than words."
She stood, her gaze unwavering. "Enjoy your wine, Rhys. This game isn't over yet."
As she walked out of the restaurant, her heels clicking against the marble floor, Melanie felt a surge of determination. Rhys might have made his move, but she wasn't about to let him dictate the rules.
The battle was far from over.