(Ella's POV)
I should have seen this coming.
The moment I stepped into my office that morning, Harper was already waiting for me, her expression too excited for my liking. That was my first red flag.
"Good morning, Ms. Sinclair!" she chirped, following me inside.
I sighed, setting my coffee down. "You only sound that cheerful when you're about to tell me something I won't like."
Harper grinned sheepishly, confirming my suspicion.
"Well, it's not bad news exactly…" she trailed off, fidgeting with the tablet in her hands.
I narrowed my eyes. "Harper."
She took a deep breath. "You're going on a trip with Leo Sterling."
I froze. What?
I blinked at her, hoping I misheard. "Come again?"
"It's a two-day business retreat," she rushed to explain. "Hosted by the Global Business Leaders Foundation. All the top CEOs are attending. Your presence was already confirmed weeks ago, but Mr. Sterling just RSVP'd this morning."
Of course he did.
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. "And why, exactly, do I need to spend two days in the same vicinity as that arrogant ass? We literally just had a meeting yesterday and now I have to go on a trip?"
Harper winced. "Because Sinclair Enterprises and Sterling Enterprises are sponsoring the main panel together. Which means…you'll be seated next to him, attending events together, and representing the partnership as a united front and since we just signed a deal, you'll have to check the location to know where our service is needed and to make everything to your liking"
I stared at her, deadpan. "You mean pretending to be civil for two entire days."
"Essentially… yes?"
I groaned.
I could already picture his smug face, the insufferable way he'd smirk at me, knowing I had no choice but to tolerate him.
Harper quickly tried to soften the blow. "It won't be that bad! The resort is gorgeous—it's on a private estate with spa services, a golf course, five-star dining…"
I leveled her with a flat stare. I just met him and now we're going on a two days trip! Well business trip but whatever.
She cleared her throat. "Right. Not helping."
I sighed, accepting my fate. "Fine. Send me the itinerary."
Harper beamed, practically skipping out of the room.
I picked up my coffee and took a long sip, hoping caffeine would prepare me for the disaster ahead.
By the time I arrived at the private airport, I was already in a bad mood.
Then it got worse.
Because the moment I stepped into the VIP lounge, there he was—Leo Sterling, dressed in a navy suit with the top buttons undone, leaning against the counter with a fresh espresso in hand, looking like he belonged in a goddamn magazine spread.
I hated him. Truly.
His sharp green eyes flicked toward me the moment I entered, a slow smirk tugging at his lips.
"Sinclair," he greeted smoothly. "Didn't think you'd show."
I forced a tight smile. "Believe me, I tried to get out of it."
His chuckle was low, rich with amusement, as if my suffering was entertainment for him.
The flight attendant approached with a polite smile. "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Sinclair, your jet is ready for boarding."
I sighed, grabbing my bag. "Let's get this over with."
The private jet was, of course, the epitome of luxury—plush leather seats, polished wood paneling, a fully stocked bar. But none of that mattered, because I was trapped in a very small space with Leo Sterling for the next four hours.
I settled into my seat, pointedly ignoring him as I scrolled through emails on my phone.
Mr Sterling, however, seemed unbothered, stretching out with an air of lazy confidence.
"Why do I get the feeling you don't like me, Sinclair?" he mused.
I didn't even glance up. "Maybe because I don't."
He let out a soft chuckle, clearly enjoying this. "I find that hard to believe. You seem very…passionate about me."
I looked up, meeting his infuriatingly smug gaze. "Passionate is not the word I'd use."
He smirked, taking a sip of his whiskey. "Hate is just passion in disguise."
I scoffed, crossing my arms. "I hate you openly, Sterling. No disguises needed."
His chuckle was deep, like he found me amusing.
"Good," he murmured. "I'd rather have your hatred than your indifference."
For a moment, something strange passed between us—an electric tension, unspoken and undeniably real.
I swallowed, breaking eye contact. No. I wasn't doing this.
I needed a distraction.
I turned back to my phone, scrolling through a few unread messages. My fingers froze when I saw Zack's name. I didn't want to talk to him. I'm not going to deny the fact that I was deeply hurt that night and I have been avoiding him ever since. I can't face him right not after what he did. Well it's not his fault but for the sack of my mental health
Zack: Heard you're on a trip with Sterling.
Zack: Call me later.
I frowned. Why did he care?
Leo's voice pulled me back. "Something interesting?"
I quickly locked my phone, my voice cool. "Nothing that concerns you."
His gaze lingered for a second before he looked away, swirling the whiskey in his glass.
We spent the rest of the flight in tense silence.
And I had a terrible feeling this trip was going to be even worse than I expected.
By the time we landed, I was exhausted.
The estate was gorgeous, just as Harper had promised—endless acres of green, a stunning glass-and-stone mansion surrounded by pristine gardens and marble fountains.
I should have been excited. But instead, I was irritated.
Leo, of course, noticed.
"Is your permanent mood irritation, or do I just bring it out in you?" he teased as we walked toward the entrance.
I shot him a glare. "You overestimate your importance, Sterling."
His smirk widened. "And yet, here we are. Spending the weekend together."
I rolled my eyes, refusing to dignify that with a response.
Inside, we were greeted by an event coordinator who handed us schedules.
"As key sponsors, we've arranged for a private dinner tonight for both of you," she explained cheerfully.
I froze.
Leo raised a brow. "Private?"
The woman nodded. "Yes! It's a tradition—gives our sponsors a chance to discuss the event in a relaxed setting."
I exhaled sharply. "Great."
Leo chuckled. "Don't sound so excited, Sinclair."
I ignored him, checking the time. There were still a few hours before dinner.
Without thinking, I wandered toward the back patio, drawn by the quiet.
Leo didn't follow.
Which is why I was surprised when, ten minutes later, he found me sitting on a stone bench, staring at the lake in the distance.
His usual smirk was gone.
"You look different when you're quiet," he said, his voice almost thoughtful.
I glanced at him, startled. "What?"
His gaze flickered over my face, studying me.
"You're always…put together. But right now, you look like you're somewhere else."
I swallowed, suddenly uneasy.
I didn't like the way he was looking at me. Like he was seeing past the mask.
I forced a smirk. "Maybe I just don't like talking to you."
Leo chuckled, shaking his head. But his eyes lingered on me for a second too long.
And for the first time, I felt like I had given something away.