Alexandra’s POV
I stepped into my sleek, black Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the leather seats wrapping me in familiar comfort.
My driver, James, gave a polite nod as we merged into the flow of city traffic.
As the car glided forward, my mind circled back to Ethan’s proposal. I still wasn’t convinced that joining forces with him would be beneficial.
My empire was thriving, and I saw no reason to compromise my independence.
Yes, I could take on Marcus alone. He wasn’t going to be a hard nut to crack—or so I thought.
That letter? It was an empty threat. I would confront him this evening at the gala.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" James asked, his eyes on me from the front mirror.
I smiled. "Yes, I am."
---
I stepped into the hall in a fitted black suit and red heels that complemented my lace inner wear.
It was an exclusive industry gala, a glittering affair filled with polished ambition.
I had just settled into the evening when I spotted Marcus Reed across the room.
He caught my eye, and I couldn’t help but notice the way he moved—with that effortless confidence and magnetic charm.
I quickly looked away, redirecting my attention to the crowd and began networking with other influential figures.
A waiter approached with a tray of drinks. I took one, raising the glass with ease, blending into the atmosphere.
"Thank you," I said, with a polite smile and the waiter responded with a slight nod before moving on to the next person.
Just as I started to enjoy myself, Marcus approached.
The air seemed to shift around him. There was a spark in his eyes—calculated interest.
“Ms. Thompson,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “You’re as stunning as your reputation suggests.”
“Thank you, Mr. Reed,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. “What brings you to this event?”
“I’d love to discuss a potential partnership between our companies,” Marcus said, eyes fixed on mine. “I believe our combined strengths could lead to unprecedented success.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued but guarded. “I’m not sure I’m interested in joining forces, Mr. Reed. My company is doing quite well on its own.”
He smiled, his gaze lingering. “I think you’ll find my proposal… enlightening. Would you be open to hearing more?”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Very well. Let’s discuss it.”
As we talked, Marcus’s words wove a subtle, persuasive spell—but my instincts buzzed with caution. I frowned slightly, my mind racing.
“Why did you send me a threat letter?” I cut in, halting whatever pitch he was making.
He gave a small, cunning smile. “It’s a business strategy I wouldn’t trivialize.”
“You’re insane,” I snapped, anger lacing my voice.
Just as Marcus was about to press his advantage, I excused myself, citing a prior engagement.
His eyes narrowed just slightly, but he offered a polite nod.
As I moved away, our conversation replayed in my mind like a ticking clock. That’s when Hannah approached.
Her face was pale again, just like yesterday, and my instincts screamed that something was wrong.
She pulled out another envelope. Identical. Marked PRIVATE.
The threat wasn’t ending. It was escalating.
I opened it and it read;
“I see that you are not exactly moved by my threat, and it's pretty impressive—until you lose everything you’ve worked hard for.”
I took a deep, steadying breath and slipped the envelope into my bag, fingers tingling with leftover adrenaline.
PRIVATE.
Just one word. But it landed like a punch to the gut.
I scanned the room for Marcus. There he was—at a corner, watching me. That same sly smile, eyes locked on mine, waiting for my reaction.
I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing fear. I wanted to storm over, but I forced composure into my spine.
I needed to go home. The room suddenly felt too loud, too tight.
My heels clicked too loudly on the marble floor, like they were trying to drown out the pressure caving in on me.
Smile. Look powerful. Look untouchable.
Behind me, Hannah jogged to catch up.
“Alex, do you want security to—”
“No,” I cut her off, sharper than intended. I softened my tone with a glance. “I need a minute.”
The hallway smelled of polished wood and expensive desperation.
I ducked into an empty boardroom and slammed the door shut behind me.
Finally, no more eyes. No more walls watching.
Leaning against the table, I yanked the envelope back out and stared at it like it might bite.
Who the hell sends a threat in broad daylight?
At a public event?
Stupid, I thought. Or bold.
I pulled out my phone, thumb hovering over my father’s contact.
‘Tell him,’ a small, scared voice urged. ‘He’ll know what to do.’
But I could already picture his face in my mind—tight-lipped and cold.
“You let them see weakness, Alexandra. Amateur mistake.”
I shoved the phone back into my bag.
No. I could handle this. I had to.
A knock rattled the door.
“Alex?” a voice called through. Low. Male. Too familiar.
I stiffened. Ethan Walker.
Of course. Because tonight hadn’t humiliated me enough already.
“Go away, Walker,” I snapped, straightening my blazer.
Silence.
Then, his voice—softer now.
“You’re being targeted,” he said simply. “And it’s not a joke.”
I opened the door for him to come in, but first glared up at him.
“You’re also being targeted,” I said, hating how shaky my voice sounded.
He shrugged, hands in his pockets, those piercing blue eyes unusually serious.
“I know that. But I’m not as threatened as you are.”
I blinked. “What?”
“Marcus is making moves,” Ethan said, voice low. “Fast and smart moves—to end us all. Especially you.”
My stomach twisted.
“Why do you think he’s focusing on me in particular?”
“I saw how he approached you. He’s not joking.”
“So?”
“I want to know if you’ve reconsidered our partnership,” he said, his voice careful.
I turned to him, my eyes flashing. “I can do this on my own. If I can beat you, I can beat him.”
There was a flicker of anger in Ethan’s eyes, but it disappeared quickly.
“You can’t,” he said flatly. “I saw the way he looked at you. He’s not just interested in business, Alex.”
My cheeks warmed, but I refused to take the bait. “I’m not interested in your proposal, Ethan. Not yet, anyway.”
Ethan smiled, slowly and unreadably. “Reconsider, Alex. We could take down Marcus together.”
My expression remained composed, but his words struck a chord.
The game was heating up.
And I needed to stay focused.