Chapter 2 Tension Rekindled

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick with a silence heavy enough to drown in.

Alexander Vance hadn't changed. He still had that commanding presence, the kind that made people take notice before he even said a word. His tailored suit was charcoal gray, sharp as his jawline. But it was his eyes-those storm-gray eyes-that stole Olivia's breath. They hadn't softened. Not even a little.

"I wasn't expecting you," Alexander said finally, his voice smooth but tinged with something else-surprise, confusion... maybe even anger.

Olivia forced a smile. "I imagine you weren't."

He motioned toward the chair across from his desk. "Please. Sit."

She did, trying to ignore how her hands trembled as she opened her folder. "I'm here on behalf of Ember & Co. We specialize in sustainable fashion, and I believe a partnership with Vance Enterprises could-"

"Stop."

Her breath hitched.

Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was a puzzle he hadn't yet decided if he wanted to solve. "You think you can walk back into my office after seven years, pretend we don't have history, and pitch me like I'm any other investor?"

"I'm not here for us, Alexander," she said, her voice steady. "I'm here for my company."

His gaze didn't waver. "And what if I say no?"

She met his eyes. "Then I'll find someone else. But you'd be missing out."

For the first time, something flickered behind his expression. Interest.

The tension between them was palpable. But the meeting wasn't over. It was just beginning.