The morning after the gala after-party, Aurora Hotels received a call that immediately raised Alina's eyebrows.
A high-profile client, impressed by the showcase, requested a joint event featuring both Aurora Hotels and Vale Hospitality. The catch: it had to be executed flawlessly within a week.
Alina stared at Sophie. "A joint event… with Adrian Vale?"
Sophie bit her lip. "It's… unprecedented. But it could boost Aurora's image massively—if we can survive working with him."
Alina clenched her fists. "I hate him. I can tolerate him for business—but I will not let him outshine me. Not now. Not ever."
---
The First Meeting
Adrian arrived at Aurora Hotels' conference room with Marcus in tow. Calm, composed, and slightly teasing as always, he extended a hand.
"Ms. Ross," he said smoothly. "I hear we're… partners for this one."
Alina hesitated but took his hand briefly. "Partners. For now," she replied, keeping her tone sharp and controlled.
The assistants, Sophie and Marcus, quickly set up schedules, assignments, and strategy points. Despite the professionalism, tension hung thick in the room. Every glance between Alina and Adrian sparked something unspoken—annoyance, challenge, and an undeniable flutter of curiosity.
---
Tension in Collaboration
As plans unfolded, Adrian made subtle suggestions—cold, precise, and occasionally teasing.
"Ms. Ross, I suggest adjusting the lighting sequence," he said, almost casually, "or the effect won't have the desired impact."
Alina's eyes narrowed. "I already considered that. But thank you for your input, Mr. Vale."
A faint smirk tugged at Adrian's lips. "Of course. I wouldn't want your brilliance to go unnoticed."
Sophie noticed Alina's quickened pulse. "He's testing you," she whispered.
Alina clenched her jaw. "Let him try."
---
Flutters and Mixed Emotions
Throughout the planning session, small incidents kept stirring unexpected feelings. A brief brush of hands while adjusting materials. A teasing glance during a disagreement about table arrangements. The cold, calculated man before her was infuriating—and yet, for reasons she refused to acknowledge, captivating.
Adrian, in turn, found her competence and passion undeniable. Every subtle reaction she had—frustration, focus, the tiny flutter when he teased her—was both irritating and… fascinating.
She's infuriating, brilliant, and… intriguing, he thought. This collaboration will be more entertaining than I imagined.
---
A Fragile Truce
By the end of the day, a tentative plan was in place. Neither CEO admitted it aloud, but a silent understanding emerged: they had to cooperate, at least temporarily, to make the event a success.
Alina returned to her office with Sophie, heart pounding. "I hate that I have to work with him," she murmured.
Sophie smirked. "And yet… you're thinking about him already."
Alina rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush rising on her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Adrian left his office with Marcus, glancing back at Aurora's skyline. "She's… challenging in ways I didn't anticipate," he said softly.
Marcus grinned. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
Adrian's faint smirk lingered. Oh, I will.