Chapter 2 2

The moment Harper stepped into her apartment, she kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the couch, exhaling sharply.

Holden Mercer.

Seeing him again had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. His presence still had the power to unravel her composure, but she had managed to keep her emotions in check. Barely.

The apartment was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in her mind. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden hue over the space. The view of the city should have been comforting, a reminder of how far she had come, but all she could think about was the way Holden had looked at her-as if six years apart hadn't erased the past between them.

A sharp knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Lena, her best friend and business partner, burst in, her dark curls bouncing as she kicked the door shut behind her. "Tell me everything."

Harper groaned, rubbing her temples. "You could have at least waited for me to text."

Lena flopped onto the couch beside her, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "No chance. You saw Holden Mercer today, and I need details."

Pulling a throw pillow into her lap, Harper sighed. "It was... complicated."

Lena's brow shot up. "That's one way to put it. Spill."

Reluctance settled in Harper's chest, but she knew Lena wouldn't drop it. "He acted like nothing had happened. Like we were just two professionals discussing business."

Lena snorted. "So, he's a liar. Got it."

Harper hesitated, fingers tightening around the pillow. "I don't know, Lena. There was something different about him."

"You mean besides the billionaire power suit and ridiculous jawline?"

A reluctant laugh escaped Harper's lips. "Yes, besides that."

Lena leaned in, her expression softening. "Be honest with me. Did seeing him hurt?"

The truth lodged itself in Harper's throat, but she forced it out. "It didn't hurt-it just... reminded me."

Silence stretched between them before Lena exhaled. "So what now?"

"I do the job. Nothing more, nothing less."

Lena studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Then I hope you're ready, because something tells me Holden Mercer isn't the type to keep things strictly professional."

Holden leaned back in his office chair, staring at the cityscape beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Harper Quinn.

He had known this day would come eventually, had prepared himself for it. But seeing her again had hit him harder than he expected. The way she had walked into that conference room-confident, composed, completely unaffected-had been a brutal reminder of how much time had passed.

A knock at the door broke his thoughts. Jace Whitmore, his best friend and second-in-command, strolled in, dropping into the chair across from him. "Heard you had an interesting meeting today."

Holden didn't bother denying it. "Word travels fast."

Jace smirked. "Vivian wasn't exactly subtle about her disapproval."

Tension coiled in Holden's muscles at the mention of his stepmother. "She never is."

Jace studied him for a moment before tilting his head. "How'd it feel, seeing Harper again?"

A loaded question, but Holden answered honestly. "Like a punch to the gut."

Jace let out a low whistle. "And yet, you still decided to work with her."

Holden's fingers drummed against the desk. "She's the best for the job."

"Sure," Jace drawled. "And it has nothing to do with unfinished business?"

A muscle ticked in Holden's jaw. "She made it clear this is just business."

Jace leaned back, crossing his arms. "And you're okay with that?"

No.

But Harper had looked at him like he was a stranger, like the past between them had turned to dust. He had no right to ask for anything more.

"I don't have a choice," he muttered.

Jace didn't look convinced. "Just don't let history repeat itself, man."

Holden nodded, but deep down, he knew the past wasn't something either of them could outrun forever.

The next morning, Harper arrived at Mercer Industries, determination burning in her veins. The sooner she got this project underway, the less time she'd have to dwell on the past.

The design team gathered in the sleek conference room, the air buzzing with excitement. Swatches of fabric covered the long table, along with sketches and mood boards showcasing the vision she had meticulously crafted.

Holden entered a moment later, his presence commanding the room instantly. The low murmur of conversation faded, but Harper refused to let him distract her.

"This collection is going to redefine Mercer Industries' luxury brand," she began, clicking to the first slide of her presentation. "It's bold, sophisticated, and completely original."

The team listened intently as she walked them through the concepts- each design a perfect blend of elegance and modern edge. She was in her element, speaking with the confidence that had taken years to build.

When she finished, Holden nodded. "Impressive."

A flicker of satisfaction sparked in her chest, but she pushed it aside. "I'll need full access to the production facilities to oversee the materials firsthand."

Holden leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Already arranged."

Surprise flickered in her expression, but she masked it quickly. "Good."

The meeting continued, running smoothly until Vivian Mercer's sharp voice cut through the room.

"I see we've moved forward without my input."

Harper turned to find Vivian standing at the doorway, her expression unreadable. The rest of the team shifted uncomfortably, the tension in the room palpable.

Holden's jaw tightened. "Harper has full creative control."

Vivian's gaze flicked to Harper before settling back on Holden. "I hope that's a wise decision."

Harper refused to shrink under her scrutiny. "I assure you, Mrs. Mercer, I intend to exceed expectations."

Vivian's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "We'll see."

She turned and walked away, leaving a chill in her wake.

Holden exhaled slowly before standing. "That's all for today. Let's get to work."

Harper gathered her things, ready to leave, but Holden stopped her with a quiet voice. "Stay for a minute."

The others filed out, and the moment the door closed, Holden faced her. "Don't let her get to you."

Harper met his gaze evenly. "She doesn't."

His lips twitched, as if he didn't quite believe her. "You held your ground."

"I've had practice."

Something flickered in his expression, something dangerously close to admiration. "I never wanted-"

"Don't," she cut in, her voice sharp. "We're not doing this."

A muscle in his jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Then let's get one thing straight-we have to work together. That means facing each other, past included."

She lifted her chin. "I'm here for the collection, Holden. Nothing else."

"Then prove it," he challenged.

Harper's pulse pounded, but she refused to back down. This was business. Nothing more. Even if her heart wasn't entirely convinced.