The air inside Malvern Enterprises was sharp with power. The kind that made people straighten their backs, lower their gazes, and whisper his name with caution.
Alexander Malvern.
A man feared by rivals, respected by allies, and utterly unreachable.
But today, Carolina Daniels wasn't just stepping into his world—she was about to throw herself into his lion's den.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she walked past the grand reception, clutching the contract in her hands. Every step felt heavier than the last, but she refused to show weakness. Not here. Not in front of him.
She should have never come back.
She should have never walked through these doors again.
But fate was a cruel mistress, and it had led her right back to the one man she had sworn to avoid.
"Miss Daniels?" The receptionist's voice was polite, but her eyes flickered with curiosity. "Mr. Malvern is expecting you."
Of course, he was. That bastard was always ten steps ahead.
Carolina forced a nod, inhaled deeply, and pushed open the heavy glass doors leading to his office.
And there he was.
Alexander Malvern.
Seated behind a massive black desk, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that hugged his broad shoulders like a second skin. A Rolex peeked from under his sleeve, his fingers tapping lazily against the desk as if he had all the time in the world.
Dark, intense eyes met hers, and for a second—just a second—Carolina forgot how to breathe.
She had spent years trying to erase every trace of him from her life.
But here he was. Just as untouchable. Just as dangerous.
And the worst part? He was smirking.
"To what do I owe this… unexpected pleasure, Miss Daniels?" His voice was like smooth whiskey—dark, rich, and laced with something lethal.
Her grip on the contract tightened. Don't fall for it. Not again.
"I'm not here for pleasure, Mr. Malvern." She made sure her voice was sharp, unshaken. "I'm here because I have no choice."
His smirk widened, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Oh, sweetheart… there's always a choice."