James' grip on Michael's collar tightened, his muscles flexing with barely contained fury. One hit. Just one. He could wipe that smirk off his face, knock the arrogance right out of him.
But Michael had the upper hand.
The video was still on his screen, his thumb hovering dangerously over the send button.
"Go ahead," Michael taunted, voice smooth. "Hit me. Let's see how that works out for you."
Lexy knew James was one second away from snapping.
She had to take control.
"Enough." Her voice was firm, cutting through the tension like a blade. She placed a hand on James' arm, a silent plea for him to stand down. Slowly, reluctantly, he let go, stepping back with murder in his eyes.
Michael straightened his jacket, grinning like he'd already won. "Smart girl."
Lexy crossed her arms. "What do you really want, Michael? Because if you think I'm just going to roll over and play nice, you don't know me at all."
Michael chuckled. "Oh, I know you just fine. I know how far you'll go to keep your little secret."
Lexy's heart pounded. She wasn't afraid of him. But she was afraid of what he could do.
James was the first to speak. "You're bluffing."
Michael smirked. "Am I?" He tapped his phone. "I send this to your wife, your board of directors, and the partners we're working with. Your entire career goes up in flames. And Lexy?" He turned to her, his gaze dark. "You're done in this industry. No one hires the woman who sleeps her way through business deals."
Lexy's stomach turned. He was enjoying this.
She lifted her chin. "And if we agree?"
Michael shrugged. "I keep my mouth shut." A beat. "For now."
For now.
James exhaled sharply. He was thinking fast, calculating. But Lexy already knew there was no way out of this without playing the game.
So she called Michael's bluff.
"You're an idiot," she said coldly. "If you send that, you lose your leverage. And you want more than to ruin us. You want power."
Michael's smirk faltered for just a second.
Lexy pushed harder.
"We'll negotiate. But on our terms."
James cut her a sharp look, but he didn't interrupt. He trusted her.
Michael tilted his head. Then he smiled. "Now we're talking."
The first move had been made.
But the game was just beginning.