(Aria's POV — First Person)
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and my spine straightened instinctively. Round two with Damian Blackwood. The first time should have been enough to get me fired or blacklisted. But instead, I was invited back. That alone proved one thing:
The devil wasn't done with me.
Blackwood Corp's executive floor gleamed like a warning—polished marble, glass walls, and employees who moved like programmed machines. A kingdom made of money and fear. Damian stood at the center of it.
My heel clicks echoed down the hall as I entered the boardroom. The same powerful men from last time were present—including Mr. Chen, my CEO's nemesis and Damian's biggest rival in the bidding war.
This wasn't just a sequel.
It was an ambush.
"Miss Lawson." Damian sits with his hands folded and his gaze on me like he was expecting me the second the sun rises.
"Thank you for honoring my invitation " he continued.
I nod my head as a response to him .
I sit beside Mr Chen, his countenance showed focus and determination. Damian sits directly across me, shoulders relaxed, his gaze on me, sharp as a scalpel.
The meeting began, figures and investment plan flashed across the screen. I sat and watched as Elite men debate and argue amongst themselves. Men who thought the world revolves around them.
Then, I struck.
"With all due respect," I cut in " Your projections are inflated as I flipped through my tablet. The numbers don't add up. You're assuming market behavior, that simply isn't realistic.
The room went silent. They all turned to me, their eye brows shot up, Damian's jaw tensed but his eyes shine like I just awakened something in him.
I passed my screen to the display— a chart I had prepared half the night.
"Rapid expansion can lead to significant financial losses if competitors respond by cutting their prices."
"Competitors like Chen Industries?" an executive hissed.
I didn't flinch "Business isn't about enemies —
It's about strategy. "And this," I pointed at the screen "is bad strategy."
Damian's fingers drummed on the table. He wasn't angry. He was… amused.
"And your solution?" he asked, voice smooth as a threat.
"Cut expansion plans by eight percent. Reinforce existing markets before you chase new ones. And if you must outpace your rivals—start by investing in talent smarter than them."
All eyes stared at me ..they wonder if I'm here for war or if I just impressed their CEO .
Damian smiled
"You mean Talents like you?"
Heat crawled up my neck, but I kept my face emotionless.
"Talent like anyone capable of seeing the future clearly" I say
His smile was slow but dangerous.
A warning and a promise.
The meeting ended abruptly; Plans rewritten, Pride bruised, Investors shaken.
As chairs scraped and suits exited, Damian remained seated.
Watching me, Waiting.
Mr Chen leaned close "Pack up, we're leaving "
" I'll be right behind you" I said
He hesitated because of Damian's stare and left afterwards. The doors close behind him and everywhere became quiet .
Damian stood and approached me when everyone had left the conference room.
"You're bold, Miss Lawson. Some people tremble when they challenge me, but you, my dear, are different."
My pulse raced too loudly as he came closer .
" I'm not most people" I answered acting all tough .
"Thats exactly why I want you." The air in the room becomes tight, I could hardly breathe.
He walked an inch back before reminding me of his offer I rejected.
"I offered you a job once, You didn't consider it .
I don't work for men who only think of themselves. Men who whose goals I don't believe in.
"And what do you think my goals are ?"
"To crush anyone who stands in your way. Destroy lives in the process if need be."
His expression flickered—More like confusion or hurt but it disappeared fast.
"You talk as if you've studied me," he said.
"I have."
"Not well enough," he murmured "Or you'd know that I don't destroy without purpose."
"Aria, let's work side by side."
"I want you,I will pay triple of what I offered"
He leaned even closer—close enough that I could smell his cologne, the subtle spice and smoky warmth that felt like temptation itself.
"You have fire, Miss Lawson," he continues and I want to own it."
I could barely breathe at this rate. All I could feel was temptation from him.
His Cologne smelled like temptation itself .
"I'll make it clear: I don't take no for an answer "
"I don't care" I managed to mutter
He smiled and gave me a distance so I can finally breathe.
"Good, we'll have fun then "
His phone buzzed. it was a message.He looked at me with a smile like he owned me already.
"Think about it Aria"
"There's nothing to think about. This place ruined my family"
"What did you say?"
"Nothing"
He stopped me from leaving trying to find answers to why I said that.
"You're hiding something from me" he said
" I froze"
"Too much"
"Too soon"
He leaned closer and asked " What did you say?"
"Nothing that concerns you Mr Damian." "Though you feel the world revolves around you."
but it does concern him .
He watched me like he was dissecting the truth beneath my skin.
His eyes narrowed "No, Miss Lawson, I think you revolve around a secret. One I'm going to uncover."
Challenge issued.
War declared.
I turned to leave.
"Aria." His voice and the sudden use of my name stopped me at the door.
I looked back.
"One day," he said, "you'll regret walking away from this offer."
"I don't regret anything."
"Oh, you will," he promised. "Because I always get what I want and right now… I want you."
The words hit me and I could feel it in my heart.
I forced myself to walk away—heels steady, heart not.
But the second the elevator doors closed between us, all the air rushed out of my lungs.
He was dangerous.
He was powerful.
He would destroy anyone in his path.
And I was stupid enough to step right into his world.
Not for love.
Not for ambition.
For revenge.
Right?
My phone buzzed. A message from my uncle:
Did you get close to him?
Don't forget why you're there.
Destroy him.
My fingers tightened around the phone.
My uncle wanted war.
Damian wanted me.
And I…
I wanted the truth.
No matter who burned.