Alina Ross had barely caught her breath from the gala aftermath when an unexpected email landed in her inbox. The subject line was simple: "AChallenge You Can't Refuse."
She frowned, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Aurora Hotels had faced competitors before, but the timing, the wording… it had Adrian Vale written all over it.
Sophie Bell, peering over her shoulder, raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound friendly."
"Friendly?" Alina scoffed, clicking it open. The message was brief but precise:
Aurora Hotels vs. Vale Hospitality. One week from today. A private city-wide luxury showcase. Winner takes exclusive media rights and prime event slots for the season. Care to accept, Ms. Ross?
Alina's jaw tightened. One week. No warning. Adrian was relentless.
---
Planning the Counter
"Of course we accept," she said, voice steady, though her pulse quickened. "This isn't just about winning—it's about showing that Adrian Vale doesn't control the city's luxury scene."
Sophie quickly compiled a strategy. "We'll need every resource, every detail optimized. Lighting, staffing, menus, guest management—nothing can go wrong."
Alina nodded. "Exactly. And we'll anticipate his moves this time. He won't get the upper hand so easily."
---
Adrian's Game
Meanwhile, Adrian leaned back in his office, Marcus Lane beside him. "She accepted," Marcus said, smirking.
Adrian's lips twitched. "Of course she did. She's brilliant… and predictable."
"But she's good," Marcus added. "Really good. If you push too far, you might actually make her shine."
Adrian's gaze softened just slightly, though he would never admit it aloud. "Perhaps… but that only makes the game more fun. And entertaining."
---
The Personal Stakes
For Alina, the challenge was professional—but her thoughts kept drifting to Adrian. That infuriating smirk, the calm teasing voice, the subtle ways he undermined her while keeping her on edge… it made her pulse quicken, made her question why she always felt so unsettled around him.
Sophie noticed the flutter in her boss's eyes. "You're distracted," she whispered.
"I'm not distracted," Alina said quickly, though her lips curved into a small, reluctant smile. "I'm focused. Completely focused."
And yet, even as she said it, she felt the tiniest spark—an unsettling awareness that this rivalry was no longer just professional.
---
The Stage Is Set
Both CEOs now had a week to prepare, one full of careful strategies, subtle sabotage, and high-stakes planning. Every move would be analyzed, every word measured. And somewhere beneath the professional competition, tension simmered, unspoken but palpable.
The countdown had begun. And neither Adrian nor Alina had any intention of backing down.