First Chapter: Ava and Ethan's Heated Interaction
Scene 1: The Meeting
Setting: A grand ballroom glittering with chandeliers. The soft hum of chatter fills the air as elegantly dressed professionals mingle. Ava Harper, wearing a sleek emerald dress that compliments her auburn hair, stands near the buffet table, scanning the crowd for the charity board members.
Ava's thoughts race.
"Focus, Ava. You've got this. This is the break Harper Luxe needs. Just impress them, and you'll land the Winter Charity Gala. No pressure."
As she adjusts the strap of her purse, a ripple of murmurs passes through the room. She glances toward the entrance.
Ethan Cross strides in, exuding confidence in a tailored navy suit. His sharp jawline, tousled dark hair, and self-assured smirk make an impression on everyone—except Ava.
She rolls her eyes. "Of course, it's him."
Ethan's voice, smooth and deliberate:
"Ah, Ava Harper. I heard your little company was still around. Impressive."
Ava spins around to face him, narrowing her eyes.
"Little company? At least I built mine from the ground up. Remind me, was it nepotism or luck that got you here?"
Ethan chuckles, unfazed.
"Oh, it's going to be fun watching you try to compete. But don't take it personally when I win—it's just business."
Ava smirks.
"Compete? Last I checked, charm doesn't plan events, Ethan. Let me guess—your proposal is probably as over-the-top and shallow as your personality."
Ethan feigns hurt, placing a hand on his chest.
"Ouch. So feisty. Is that what you tell all your clients?"
Ava steps closer, meeting his piercing blue eyes.
"No. Just the ones who don't intimidate me."
Ethan leans in slightly, lowering his voice.
"Well, then I must be doing something right."
Ava's cheeks flush, but not from attraction—at least, that's what she tells herself. She opens her mouth to fire back, but the charity chairperson, Mrs. Eleanor Whitman, steps between them.
Mrs. Whitman smiles politely.
"Ah, Mr. Cross, Ms. Harper. So glad to see you two already getting acquainted. Let's move to the presentation room, shall we?"
Ava clenches her jaw, shooting Ethan one last glare before following the group. Ethan, trailing behind, smirks knowingly.
Scene 2: The Stakes
Setting: A modern conference room with a long glass table. Ava and Ethan sit across from each other, exchanging occasional glares. Mrs. Whitman stands at the head of the table.
Mrs. Whitman clears her throat.
"As you both know, the Winter Charity Gala is our most prestigious event. This year, we've decided to do something a little different. Both of you will submit a detailed proposal next week. The board will review them, and the best plan wins the contract."
Ethan raises an eyebrow.
"Sounds fair. I look forward to the challenge."
Ava scoffs.
"Challenge? Don't underestimate me, Cross. I've handled events like this before."
Ethan smirks.
"Of course you have. Small weddings, birthday parties—this is just a step up, right?"
Ava, voice dripping with sarcasm:
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were an expert in party planning. What's your secret? Googling 'how to host a gala'?"
The room falls silent for a moment before Mrs. Whitman interrupts.
"All right, let's keep it professional. We're confident in both of your abilities. Good luck to you both."
As the meeting ends, Ava stands abruptly, avoiding Ethan's smug gaze.
Scene 3: The Fallout
Setting: Outside the conference room, Ava briskly walks toward the exit. Ethan catches up with her, falling into step beside her.
Ethan, casually:
"You know, for someone so fiery, you're surprisingly easy to rile up."
Ava stops, turning to face him.
"Don't mistake my passion for being riled up. Unlike you, I actually care about this event."
Ethan shrugs, grinning.
"Oh, I care. I care about winning."
Ava crosses her arms.
"Well, don't get too comfortable. This isn't one of your corporate takeovers. Real work wins here, not charm and daddy's money."
Ethan steps closer, his smirk softening into something more sincere.
"You've got fight, Harper. I like that. But don't confuse me with my family—I'm here to prove something, just like you."
For a brief moment, Ava sees a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, but she quickly brushes it off.
Ava, curtly:
"Save the sob story for someone who cares."
She walks away, leaving Ethan standing there, his smirk returning as he watches her go.
"This is going to be fun," he murmurs to himself.
Would you like me to expand further or move to outlining the next chapter?