Chapter 1 The Case (and the catalyst)

The elevator gave a soft 'ding'. Ava Locke, still glued to her phone, barely glanced up. She was checking out the Veridian Tribune's latest headline:

"VOSS TECH CEO KANE VOSS: VILLAIN OR VICTIM?"

The pic below showed Kane-tall, brooding, and dark-exiting a black Tesla with his lawyers in tow. The caption called him a tech titan turned data thief. Ava snorted. She'd actually seen all the proof.

Ms. Locke?

Ava finally looked up. Mia, her assistant, stood there with a manila folder. The partners want to see you. Like, now.

The 34th floor of Locke & Voss had that usual fancy smell of espresso and a hunger for success. Huge windows showed off Veridian's skyline-shiny skyscrapers and a glimpse of the blue harbor way off in the distance. The conference room door was open, and inside stood her dad, Richard Locke, with two senior partners who looked super serious.

Ava. Richard nodded, his voice tense. Close the door.

She did. Suddenly, the room felt smaller.

We've got a case, said Partner #1 (Ava secretly called him Baldwin since he'd been around since her grandpa's time). Big deal. Potentially...a mess.

Partner #2 (aka Slim, for obvious reasons) slid a file over to Ava. She opened it.

Kane Voss.

Her stomach did a flip.

You want me to defend him? She laughed, a little shocked. The dude's been called the devil. The press is having a field day.

Richard's jaw tightened. Julian Hart is suing him for stealing ideas. Says Kane stole code for some new AI thing. The judge wants them to settle, but Julian wants a trial. A public one.

Ava quickly looked through the file. Julian Hart-CEO of Hart Media, her family's oldest friend (and, if her mom had her way, her future hubby). The proof looked bad: emails, code logs, a leak from a Voss Tech worker.

Why me? she asked.

Because you're the only one who can beat Julian in an argument, Baldwin said. Plus, the judge? She's a friend of the Lockes. She wants this dealt with quietly. By us.

Ava's phone buzzed. A text from her mom:

Dinner tonight. Julian's coming. Be nice.

She ignored it. What's the catch?

Slim leaned closer. Kane's not talking. But his lawyers? They're freaking out. They'll take any deal. We need you to... talk to them. Keep it out of the news.

Ava closed the file. And if I say no?

Richard's eyes got cold. You won't. This is good for the firm. It's good for you. Julian's already said he wants to... get closer to Locke & Voss. After the trial.

Basically: Marry Julian, and the firm's all set.

Ava gripped the table. She'd turned down like three marriage offers (all from perfect guys) in the last year. Her mom was about to lose it.

Fine, she said. But I want to meet him. Just me and him. Before I agree to anything.

Richard nodded. He's at his lab. Voss Tech Tower. 10 AM.

The Voss Tech Tower was this giant black glass thing that towered way over Veridian's financial area. Ava's heels CLACKED on the marble floor as she walked up to the front desk.

Ms. Locke, the receptionist said, already standing. Mr. Voss is waiting for you. 42nd floor. The lab.

The elevator was silent. Ava checked herself out in the mirror-sharp black blazer, white silk shirt, bright red lipstick (her war paint). *Don't let him see you sweat*, she thought.

The 42nd floor opened up to a huge lab. Screens with code flickered everywhere; engineers in hoodies worked at computers. There was a glass office in the middle. Kane Voss was inside, facing a whiteboard with his back to her, writing something.

He turned around.

Ava caught her breath.

The pictures didn't do him justice. He was taller, stronger, with a jaw that looked like it could cut diamonds. His dark hair was messy, like he'd been running his hands through it all morning. His hazel eyes flashed with gold when he saw her.

Counselor, he said, his voice low and unimpressed. What took you so long?

Ava walked into the office. It smelled like coffee and something fresh-maybe citrus. I don't remember setting up a friendly chat, Mr. Voss. I'm here about your case.

He leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. Funny. I figured you'd be here to fix things. Since your family's so... eager to keep stuff quiet.

Ava stood up straighter. I don't care about 'quiet.' I care about the truth. And from what I've read, I think you're being set up.

Kane raised his eyebrows. You read the case files. Good. Now tell me-do you think I'm a villain?

Ava looked right at him. I think you're a guy who's good at keeping secrets. And secrets? They get people in trouble.

He pushed off the desk, stepping closer. You're not here to defend me. You're here to control me. To make sure I don't mess things up for the Lockes. Or your mom's precious dinner guest, Julian.

Ava's cheeks got warm. You know about Julian?

Everyone knows about Julian. Kane's tone was sharp. He's the perfect guy. The one your family wants you to marry. The one who's suing me to get you to notice him.

Ava's heart jumped a little. *Is that true?*

Kane's voice softened. You're here because they think I'll give in. But I don't give in. Not for anyone.

For a second, Ava saw it-the real him hiding behind the tough act. The man the newspapers hadn't shown.

She stepped back, clearing her throat. Meet me at my office tomorrow. 9 AM. Bring your proof. And Mr. Voss? Try to be on time.

She turned to leave, but he stopped her.

Locke.

She looked back.

Your lipstick's smudged.

Ava's hand flew to her mouth. It wasn't. He was smiling-a small, actual smile.

*Idiot*, she thought. But she didn't wipe it off.