The moment Grace and Alex stepped out of the sleek black car in front of Lockwood Industries, the weight of the past few weeks pressed down on her like an anchor. The relentless media scrutiny, the strain of maintaining appearances, and the unshakable uncertainty about her father's next move all coiled together, making it difficult to breathe. Every step forward felt like she was walking into a battlefield where the rules kept changing. The city pulsed with energy around them, a stark contrast to the tension tightening in her chest. The press had caught wind of their return, and cameras flashed as reporters called out questions, their voices a blur against the hum of the city. The paparazzi's presence was overwhelming, a swarm of flashing lights and relentless inquiries. Grace kept her face composed, but the scrutiny felt suffocating.
Alex tightened his grip on her hand, his presence steady beside her. "Just breathe," he murmured, leaning close enough that his breath warmed her ear. "We go in, we deal with whatever your father throws our way, and we walk out stronger."
Grace nodded, forcing a composed smile as they strode past the gathered crowd and through the towering glass doors. The air-conditioned lobby of Lockwood Industries was a sharp contrast to the chaotic streets outside. Employees watched them with curiosity, some whispering behind their hands, others quickly averting their gazes. The echoes of their heels against the marble floor added to the tension curling inside Grace's chest.
"Ms. Lockwood," Evelyn, her father's assistant, greeted her with a professional nod. "Your father is expecting you in the conference room."
Grace suppressed a sigh. "Of course he is."
Alex slid a hand to the small of her back, guiding her toward the elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, she let out a slow breath. "Whatever this is about, I'm done being blindsided."
Alex's expression darkened. "So am I."
Jake Lockwood was already seated at the head of the long, polished conference table when they entered. His calculating gaze flicked between them, then settled on Grace. Beside him sat a woman Grace had hoped never to see again.
Vanessa.
Grace's pulse spiked, her stomach twisting as Vanessa offered a slow, knowing smile. She was as stunning as ever—raven hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes gleaming with amusement as if she were already three steps ahead in a game Grace hadn't realized she was playing. Dressed in an elegant deep-red dress, she exuded confidence, her presence dominating the room as if she owned it.
"Well, this is a surprise," Grace said coolly, taking the seat opposite her father. Alex sat beside her, his posture stiff, unreadable.
Jake folded his hands together. "Vanessa has proposed a business opportunity—one that could be mutually beneficial."
Grace arched a brow. "And why exactly should we trust anything she brings to the table?"
Vanessa chuckled, tilting her head. "Because, darling, this isn't just about business. It's about survival."
Grace's fingers curled against the table's surface. "Spare me the theatrics, Vanessa. What do you want?"
Vanessa leaned forward, amusement fading. "Your father and I have been in discussions about a potential merger. One that would eliminate some… inconvenient competition."
Grace stiffened. "At what cost?"
Jake's expression remained neutral. "Control. Stability."
Vanessa's eyes flickered toward Alex. "And perhaps a chance to rekindle unfinished business."
Alex's jaw tightened, his fingers curling into fists beneath the table. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes—anger, regret, or something more dangerous. He straightened, schooling his features into an impassive mask, but Grace saw the way his shoulders tensed, the way his breath hitched for just a second before he exhaled evenly.
Alex's jaw tightened. "Whatever you think is unfinished between us, Vanessa, you're mistaken."
Grace felt the tension crackle like a live wire between them. She knew Alex's history with Vanessa had been complicated, but the way Vanessa's gaze lingered on him made her blood simmer with unease. She turned to her father. "You want me to align myself with a woman who nearly destroyed Alex's company once before?"
Jake's eyes darkened. "I want you to act in the best interest of Lockwood Industries."
Grace exhaled sharply, standing. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms to keep herself steady. She shot a quick glance at Alex, searching for any sign of support, before turning her gaze back to her father. "If you think I'm going to sit here and play nice while you hand over power to someone who clearly has their own agenda, you're mistaken."
Vanessa smiled, standing as well. "Oh, Grace, you haven't changed a bit. But sooner or later, you'll realize that in this world, it's not about what you want. It's about what you're willing to do to keep what's yours."
Grace held her gaze. "And what exactly do you think I'm willing to do, Vanessa?"
The other woman's smile widened. "I guess we'll find out."
That night, Grace paced the length of Alex's penthouse, frustration simmering beneath her skin. "She's up to something. I don't trust her."
Alex watched her from the couch, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Neither do I. But we need to be careful. My father might be pulling strings behind the scenes as well."
Grace stopped, turning to face him. "So what do we do?"
Alex stood, closing the distance between them. "We don't let them dictate our next move. We make our own."
Grace searched his gaze, finding strength there. "Then let's make them regret underestimating us."
As Alex pulled her into his arms, Grace knew one thing for certain—this wasn't just about business anymore. This was a war, and she was ready to fight.
Outside, beneath the city's glittering skyline, Vanessa stepped into a waiting car, the hum of distant traffic and the flickering neon signs casting eerie shadows along the pavement. The scent of rain lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of expensive leather as she settled into the plush interior. The city stretched endlessly before her, a maze of power and deception—one she knew how to navigate better than most. She pulled out her phone, dialing a number. Her fingers drummed impatiently on the leather seat as the call connected.
"It's done," she murmured. "They're taking the bait."
A smooth voice on the other end chuckled. "Good. Now we wait."
Vanessa glanced out the window, her reflection staring back at her. A slow smile crept onto her lips. "Grace thinks she can win, but she doesn't know what she's up against."
The voice on the line was quiet for a moment before responding, "And Alex?"
Vanessa's gaze darkened. "He'll come around. He always does." Her fingers traced absent patterns on the leather seat, a slow, deliberate motion that hinted at the confidence she carried. She had history with Alex—shared moments, whispered secrets, and unfinished business that Grace could never understand. Vanessa knew exactly which strings to pull, and she had no doubt that, given the right circumstances, Alex would be back where he belonged.
As the car disappeared into the night, one truth remained—this game was only just beginning, and the stakes had never been higher.