The moment I chose Evelyn Rhodes over Alexander Blackwood, I knew the balance had shifted again. This time, however, I was the one pulling the strings.

Dinner with Evelyn was nothing like I expected. She was sharp, insightful, and unapologetically direct.

"I'm not one for small talk, Olivia," she said as she sipped her wine. "Let's be clear about why you're here."

I set my glass down. "Because I have potential."

She smirked. "Because I see a future for you beyond Alexander's shadow."

The words sent a thrill through me. But before I could respond, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen -

One missed call. Alexander Blackwood.

Evelyn watched me carefully. "I take it he's not pleased?"

I locked my screen. "He'll adjust."

Her gaze held mine, full of quiet approval. "Good. Because I have a proposition for you."

I leaned forward. "I'm listening."

She sat back, tapping her nails against the stem of her glass. "I want you to come work for me, Olivia."

The air between us thickened. "You want me to leave Blackwood Enterprises?"

"I want you to think bigger. You're talented, ambitious, and you understand power dynamics in a way most people don't. Under me, you wouldn't just be a rising star - you'd be in control of your own destiny."

I took a measured breath. The idea was tempting. More than tempting. But it also felt? dangerous.

"And Alexander?" I asked carefully. "He won't like this."

Evelyn's lips curved. "Then let's see how much he's willing to fight for you."

The Next Morning

I arrived at the office with my head high, determined not to let the weight of last night linger. But the moment I stepped off the elevator, I knew something was off. The usual office buzz felt? tense.

Then I saw him.

Alexander stood near my desk, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

"Miss Carter," he said smoothly, as if last night hadn't happened. "A word."

I nodded, keeping my composure. "Of course."

He led me to his office, shutting the door behind us.

Silence stretched between us before he finally spoke.

"You ignored my message."

I met his gaze. "I had prior commitments."

Something flickered in his expression - something dark. "With Evelyn Rhodes."

I refused to flinch. "Yes."

He exhaled slowly, moving closer. "You're making bold choices, Olivia."

I tilted my chin. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

A long pause. Then, to my surprise, he smiled - a slow, knowing smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Careful, Miss Carter," he murmured. "You're beginning to play the game quite well."

I held his gaze. "Maybe I was never just a piece on the board."

His eyes darkened. "We'll see."

I turned, walking out of his office without another word.

I barely had time to sit at my desk before my phone buzzed again.

Evelyn: Have you thought about my offer?

I tapped my fingers against my keyboard, staring at the message. Had I thought about it? It was all I could think about.

Before I could respond, another message came through. This time, from an unknown number.

Unknown: Meet me for lunch. We need to talk. - A.B.

Alexander.

I should have ignored it. I should have been the one pulling the strings. But instead, I found myself replying.

Me: Where?

Unknown: The Tower, 1 PM. Don't be late.

Lunch at The Tower

The restaurant was an upscale, glass-walled rooftop overlooking the city. The kind of place where power plays happened over expensive scotch and whispered deals.

Alexander was already there when I arrived, sitting at a secluded table near the window. He stood when he saw me, gesturing for me to sit.

"You're punctual," he noted, amusement lacing his tone.

"And you're predictable," I countered, sitting across from him.

His smile deepened, but his eyes remained unreadable. "Tell me, Olivia, do you actually know what you're getting yourself into with Evelyn Rhodes?"

I folded my arms. "I know she sees potential in me."

"She sees leverage," he corrected. "You think she wants to mentor you? No. She wants to use you as a weapon against me."

I arched a brow. "And you suddenly care?"

He leaned forward. "I've always cared. The difference is, now you've forced my hand."

The words sent a strange thrill through me. "And what exactly does that mean?"

Alexander's gaze locked onto mine. "It means I'm not letting you go that easily."

For the first time, I realized that this wasn't just about a game of power. It was about something more.

Something neither of us was willing to admit just yet.

And that terrified me.