Synopsis:
When fiery, ambitious Isabella Carter clashes with arrogant yet brilliant Alexander Blackwood, sparks fly—but not in a good way. As rivals in the corporate world, they stop at nothing to sabotage each other. But when fate forces them into an unexpected partnership, the line between hate and love begins to blur.
Will their hatred burn into something deeper, or will their pride keep them apart forever?
Chapter 1: The First Encounter
The air inside Blackwood Enterprises buzzed with energy as employees rushed through the sleek, glass-paneled lobby. The scent of fresh coffee and polished wood lingered in the atmosphere, but Isabella Carter had no time to admire the aesthetics. Clutching a neatly bound folder to her chest, she strode toward the executive meeting room with unwavering determination.
She had spent years proving herself in the male-dominated world of corporate strategy. And now, she was here—to secure a partnership with one of the most powerful business moguls in the industry.
Alexander Blackwood.
The man was a legend. Ruthless, brilliant, and devastatingly charming—if you were foolish enough to fall for his act. Isabella, however, knew better. His reputation preceded him: a CEO who crushed competitors without a second thought.
Well, he was about to meet his match.
With a deep breath, Isabella pushed open the doors to the meeting room, where a panel of executives sat around a long mahogany table. At the head of it was him—Alexander Blackwood.
Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he exuded power and confidence. His piercing blue eyes flicked toward her, assessing. Then, as if she were an afterthought, he returned his attention to his laptop.
A flicker of irritation sparked in Isabella's chest, but she schooled her features into a mask of professionalism. She took a seat across from him and laid her folder on the table.
"Miss Carter," he said smoothly, finally looking at her. "I hear you're quite the strategist."
"I hear you're quite the tyrant," Isabella replied without missing a beat. A few executives stifled their chuckles, but Alexander's lips merely twitched in amusement.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "I assume you're here to pitch your firm's proposal for the international expansion project?"
"I am," Isabella confirmed, opening her folder. "And unlike your previous partners, I don't waste time with empty promises. I deliver results."
Alexander's brow arched, clearly intrigued by her audacity. "That's a bold claim."
"It's not a claim. It's a fact."
Silence stretched between them—a silent battle of wills. Then, with a smirk that sent a ripple of annoyance down her spine, Alexander gestured for her to proceed.
"Very well, Miss Carter. Impress me."
Game on.