Chapter 3 Art of War

By the time Celina returned to her office the next morning, her resolve was as sharp as her tailored blazer. If Jake Hawthorne thought he could charm his way into controlling the Kingsley project, he was sorely mistaken. She wouldn't let their tangled past or his infuriating smirk distract her.

Mia was already waiting inside, holding a thick packet of notes. "I finalized the client data you requested," she said. "And I flagged a few weak spots in Jake's proposal."

"Perfect." Celina took the notes, scanning them swiftly. She wouldn't be caught unprepared. "How soon can we arrange a strategy meeting?"

"This afternoon," Mia said. "But there's one more thing."

"What?"

Mia hesitated. "Kingsley's assistant called. Jake already booked a one-on-one meeting with them this morning."

Of course, he did.

Celina forced a smile, though her blood simmered. "Let him play his games," she said coolly. "We'll play smarter."

---

The meeting room hummed with tension when Celina strode in at precisely 2:00 PM. Jake was already there, his sleeves rolled up, lounging like he owned the place. He looked irritatingly good-as usual-but Celina refused to let her guard slip.

"Monroe," he drawled, his gaze sweeping over her. "Glad you could join us."

"Wouldn't miss it," she said, dropping her folders on the table. "Let's get started."

Jake arched an eyebrow at her brisk tone but didn't comment. Kingsley's senior team filed in, and within moments, the presentation began.

Celina kept her voice steady and precise as she laid out her vision. Dynamic digital campaigns. Targeted outreach strategies. A comprehensive plan to revitalize Kingsley's aging brand. She noted, with satisfaction, the approving nods from their marketing director.

"Impressive," Mr. Kingsley remarked when she finished. "You've clearly done your homework."

"Always," Celina replied smoothly.

Then it was Jake's turn.

He spoke with the same self-assured ease he always had, weaving in real-time data and consumer psychology with an effortlessness that made her want to hurl something at him. Worse, he was good. Too good.

"Together, our firms can deliver a strategy that's not only innovative but sustainable," Jake concluded, casting a glance her way. "Our combined expertise makes us an unbeatable team."

Unbeatable team? She nearly scoffed. She knew what he was doing-playing the cooperative angle to make himself seem reasonable. But she wouldn't fall for it.

When the meeting ended, the Kingsley executives left, promising a decision by the end of the week. Celina gathered her notes, trying to keep her composure as Jake leaned back lazily.

"Admit it," he murmured. "We make a good team."

She gave him a withering look. "We make a tolerable team. Don't get ahead of yourself."

He chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Still feisty. Some things never change."

"And you're still an arrogant ass," she snapped. "Some things never change indeed."

His smile sharpened. "You used to like that about me."

"I used to tolerate you. There's a difference."

Before he could reply, her phone buzzed. She seized the excuse to escape. "I have work to do. Try not to trip over your ego on the way out."

She didn't wait for his response.

---

By evening, Celina was still fuming when Catherine called.

"How's life in the war zone?" her best friend asked, her voice laced with amusement.

"Exhausting," Celina groaned. "Jake is as insufferable as ever."

"And as attractive?" Catherine teased.

"That's irrelevant."

"Hmm," Catherine said knowingly. "Deny it all you want, but the sparks are still there."

Celina pinched the bridge of her nose. "It's not sparks. It's mutual hostility."

"Whatever you say." Catherine paused. "But be careful, Celina. Jake isn't the enemy. Not really."

Celina's stomach twisted. She wanted to believe that. But years of bad blood weren't so easily forgotten.

---

The next morning, Jake surprised her.

When Celina arrived at her office, there was a coffee cup waiting on her desk-her exact order. A sleek, handwritten note was tucked underneath.

No tricks. Just coffee. –J.

She stared at it for a long moment, torn between suspicion and curiosity. Finally, she took a sip. Perfect, as expected. She hated how well he remembered.

An hour later, he strolled into her office unannounced.

"You're welcome," he said, his tone far too smug.

"For what? Mild caffeine bribery?" she shot back.

"It's called being civil," he said, leaning against the doorframe. "You should try it sometime."

She folded her arms. "If you think coffee makes up for years of being a thorn in my side, you're delusional."

His expression softened just a fraction. "It was never personal, you know."

Her breath caught. "It was for me."

For the first time, his mask slipped. Something flickered in his eyes-a hint of regret. "I know," he admitted. "And maybe... I owe you an apology."

Celina blinked, momentarily speechless. Jake Hawthorne never apologized.

"Why now?" she demanded.

He hesitated, then said quietly, "Because I don't want us to destroy this deal over the past."

His words lingered in the air between them, heavy with meaning. For a heartbeat, the tension shifted from antagonism to something far more dangerous.

"Fair point," she said at last, though her voice lacked its usual bite. "But one cup of coffee doesn't change anything."

"I wouldn't expect it to." His smile returned, but it was softer now. "But it's a start."

And as he walked away, for the first time since this whole mess began, Celina wasn't entirely sure she wanted to fight him.