Philadelphia's nightscape stretched endlessly, the skyline glittering like a promise of success and chaos in equal measure. The city's energy was infectious, but for Emma Carter, tonight was just another battle in the war she waged daily—against time, against expectations, and most of all, against men who underestimated her.

She moved with purpose, her sharp, custom-tailored navy-blue suit sculpting her lithe frame. She was the kind of woman who turned heads, not because she sought attention, but because she exuded an aura of power. At 26, she was already a force in the world of business consulting, known for her razor-sharp instincts, unwavering confidence, and a reputation that made competitors sweat.

Emma Carter was a name people respected—or feared.

Right now, though, she was late.

Her sleek black stilettos struck the pavement with sharp clicks as she rushed toward Vincent & Co., the consulting firm she had painstakingly built from the ground up. She was set to meet a potential investor tonight, someone who could catapult her firm to new heights. Everything was riding on this deal.

And then—impact.

A hard collision sent her folder flying, documents scattering across the sidewalk like fallen leaves.

"What the hell?" she snapped, already bracing herself for the kind of careless apology she despised.

Instead, she was met with a slow, amused chuckle.

"Watch where you're going," a deep voice drawled.

Her gaze snapped up to meet striking green eyes set against an annoyingly handsome face. The man was tall—easily over six feet—his dark brown hair tousled with practiced carelessness. He had the kind of chiseled jawline that models paid for and a smirk that reeked of privilege.

Arrogance dripped from him.

Emma crossed her arms. "You walked into me."

He lifted an eyebrow. "I don't think so."

Her patience wore thin. "Are you planning to help pick up my documents or just stand there looking insufferable?"

He didn't move. "I'm debating it."

Emma let out a humorless laugh. "Typical. A man who thinks the world revolves around him."

He grinned as if she had just complimented him. "I don't think it does—I know it does."

Emma snorted. "You must be exhausting to be around."

He shrugged. "You'd have to stick around to find out."

Not in this lifetime.

Snatching her papers off the ground, she shoved them back into her folder, refusing to give him another second of her time. "Try not to walk into anyone else," she said flatly before striding away.

As she disappeared into the city, Alex Kingston watched her go, intrigued despite himself.

He wasn't used to women dismissing him so easily.

Maybe—just maybe—this would be fun.