The next day, the storm arrived.
News broke that one of Alexander's rivals—Marcus LeClair, a French CEO known for ruthless tactics—was trying to steal the London project.
Whispers spread through the industry. Rumors claimed Marcus had an inside source feeding him Alexander's plans.
Elena's blood ran cold when she saw Marcus at a luncheon, holding one of her sketches.
"How did you get that?" she demanded, confronting him.
He smiled lazily. "Information flows easily in this city, Miss Carter. Perhaps you should be more careful with whom you share your secrets."
Her mind raced. Had someone in Knight International leaked her work? Or was Alexander testing her?
When she told Alexander what she'd seen, his reaction was explosive.
"You spoke to Marcus?" His voice was ice.
"He had my designs! I had to—"
"You will never speak to him again," Alexander cut in, his tone dangerously low. "Do you understand me?"
Elena's fists clenched. "You don't own me."
His eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "Maybe not. But if you betray me, Elena, you'll regret it."
For the first time, she saw it clearly: the ruthless side of Alexander Knight that built his empire. The side that could destroy her just as easily as he could protect her.
And yet… her heart refused to let go.
Because even in anger, even in threat, she could still feel the fire of that forbidden kiss.