### Chapter Two: *A Clash of Wills*
The sun hung low over the city skyline as Lily entered Dominic's office for the first time. She had been summoned—not requested—to begin consultations for his project. Lily had been right, she had left such an impression on Dominic that he had immediately inquired about her and when he found out the she was searching for employment wasted no time in offering her a deal so good she could not pass up on it. Despite the breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the gleaming décor, the atmosphere was anything but welcoming. Dominic sat behind his massive oak desk, the dark suit he wore an extension of his powerful aura. His piercing gray eyes landed on Lily as she walked in, scanning her with the precision of someone used to getting exactly what they wanted.
"You're late," Dominic said, his voice cool, cutting through the silence.
"I wasn't aware punctuality would be the highlight of this consultation," Lily retorted, her tone calm but firm. She wouldn't let him intimidate her.
Dominic smirked—a small, imperceptible curve of his lips that hinted at amusement. "Punctuality, Miss Morozova, is a mark of respect. Something I value greatly."
"Respect is mutual, Mr. Volkov," she countered, holding his gaze with unwavering confidence.
If Dominic's demeanor had been one of control, Lily's was an act of defiance—polite, but defiance nonetheless. He didn't know whether to admire her audacity or be annoyed by it.
The consultation began, though neither focused entirely on the task at hand. Dominic's mind wandered to the spark in Lily's hazel eyes, the way her voice carried authority without arrogance. Lily, on the other hand, found herself unnerved by Dominic's intensity. His presence was magnetic and unsettling all at once, leaving her torn between intrigue and mistrust.
As the session progressed, their sharp tongues clashed repeatedly. Dominic dismissed one of Lily's recommendations as "idealistic," while Lily accused Dominic of masking the truth behind cryptic remarks. Their exchanges grew heated, and beneath the surface, an undeniable tension simmered.
When the meeting ended, Lily stood to leave, but Dominic stopped her with an unexpected question. "Do you always fight this hard for what you believe in, or does it depend on who you're dealing with?"
She turned to face him, her expression cool. "I fight for what's right. Regardless of who's standing in my way."
"Interesting," Dominic replied.
Dominic rose from his chair, his towering frame emphasizing his power. He stepped closer, not in a threatening way, but with a measured intent that sent Lily's heart racing. "Then I suppose we'll be fighting often, Miss Morozova."
Their gazes locked, and in that moment, Lily felt the weight of his words—not just a warning, but a promise. She left the office feeling unsettled, Dominic's words echoing in her mind. It wasn't just their professional differences that created friction; it was the dangerous pull between them, a connection neither wanted to admit but couldn't ignore.
Dominic watched her walk away, his thoughts darker than he cared to admit. Lily wasn't just a psychologist with insight—she was a challenge, one he didn't intend to lose. But even as he vowed to keep her at arm's length, something in him whispered that he might already be losing control.
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