One Night Stand With My Nemesis

The polished marble floors of the grand ballroom gleamed under the soft, golden lights. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen rain, casting a glow on the impeccably dressed elites who mingled with ease, champagne glasses in hand. Eva Knight stood at the edge of the room, her fingers gripping the stem of her glass a little too tightly. She had never liked these events, but tonight wasn't about enjoyment-it was about necessity.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, picking out familiar faces from the world of high finance and tech. People she had done business with. People who had tried to cut her down. And one person, in particular, who was both.

Aiden Wolfe.

She spotted him easily-towering over the crowd with his broad shoulders and perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was styled with that infuriating perfection she hated to admit she noticed. He was surrounded by a group of sycophants, laughing at something he said, his hand resting on the arm of a leggy brunette who clung to his side.

Eva's lip curled in distaste as she turned away. She had no patience for men like him-ruthless, arrogant, and always in her way. For years, their rivalry had defined the business landscape. If she was gunning for a deal, he was already ahead, somehow knowing her every move before she made it. And tonight, that was exactly the problem.

"Looking for someone?" A voice sliced through her thoughts, low and smooth with a hint of amusement.

Eva didn't have to look to know who it was. She'd recognize that voice anywhere. Aiden had a way of sneaking up on her at the most inopportune moments. She straightened her shoulders and took a slow breath before turning to face him.

"Hardly," she replied, keeping her tone icy. "Though I'd say you've been looking for me, considering you always show up where you're not wanted."

Aiden's smirk was maddening, his piercing green eyes scanning her face with that familiar intensity. "You wound me, Eva. I'm simply making conversation."

Her fingers twitched against her glass, the urge to throw its contents at him almost too tempting to resist. But she held back, knowing better than to let him see he'd gotten under her skin. That was his game, after all-get close, unsettle her, and then strike when she was off balance.

"If you're making conversation, you're wasting your time," she said coolly. "I'm not in the mood to entertain."

He laughed, the sound low and infuriatingly attractive, a reminder of why half the women in this room would kill for his attention. "You're never in the mood, Eva. But I've learned to be persistent."

She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to read past the casual charm. "What do you want, Aiden? Because I'm sure this isn't about small talk."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "You know exactly what I want."

Her pulse quickened, though she'd never admit it. She hated how easily he could rile her up, how one look or word from him could set her heart racing despite the loathing she felt for him.

"Let me guess," she said, keeping her voice steady. "You're here to gloat about the merger you think you've won."

Aiden's smile widened, but there was a sharpness to it now. "Not exactly. I'm here to give you an opportunity."

Eva raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide her skepticism. "An opportunity? You mean a trap."

"Call it what you want," he said with a shrug, his gaze locked on hers. "But we both know that with the current market instability, a merger is the only way forward for either of us. I'm offering you a chance to protect your company."

She laughed, the sound bitter and harsh. "Protect it? From who, exactly? You?"

Aiden's eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them. "From everyone. Including me, if that's what it takes."

Her laughter died in her throat, his words hitting closer than she expected. For a moment, she studied him, searching for a crack in his cool façade. But he was unreadable, as always, his expression a perfect mask of control.

"Why should I trust you?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "We've spent years trying to destroy each other."

His gaze didn't waver. "Maybe that's why you should."

The silence between them was thick with tension, their rivalry pulsing just beneath the surface. Eva clenched her jaw, fighting to keep her emotions in check. She couldn't afford to let him get to her, not tonight, not when the future of her company was at stake.

"You're delusional if you think I'd ever sign a deal with you," she said, her voice cold.

Aiden stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, his scent-clean and intoxicating-filling the space between them. "It's not just a deal, Eva. It's survival. And deep down, you know that."

Her breath hitched slightly, and she hated herself for the reaction. Damn him for always knowing how to push her buttons, how to make her doubt herself, even for a second. She had built her company from the ground up, fought tooth and nail to earn every bit of success she had. And now he was asking her to trust him? To partner with him?

It was unthinkable.

"I'd rather burn everything to the ground than give you an ounce of control," she said through gritted teeth.

Aiden's jaw tightened, his playful demeanor vanishing in an instant. For a moment, she thought he might snap back, throw some cutting remark her way. But instead, he surprised her by softening his tone.

"This isn't about control, Eva. It's about power. And we both know that together, we'd be unstoppable."

The weight of his words hung between them, thick and undeniable. She hated that he was right. Hated that some part of her couldn't ignore the logic in what he was saying. But there was no way she'd let him see that.

"Unstoppable?" she echoed with a scoff. "You're overestimating yourself, as usual."

Aiden's lips curved into a slow, predatory smile. "Maybe. Or maybe I know you better than you think."

Eva's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anger and something she refused to name. She wasn't sure if she wanted to punch him or kiss him, and the confusion only fueled her frustration.

"You're impossible," she muttered, taking a step back to put some distance between them.

"And yet, here we are," he said, closing the gap once more, his voice a low rumble. "We always end up in the same place, don't we?"

Eva's throat tightened, her body betraying her with the heat that surged between them. This was the problem with Aiden Wolfe-no matter how much she hated him, there was always something simmering beneath the surface, something that pulled her toward him against her better judgment.

She forced herself to look away, her eyes landing on the crowd once again. She needed to get out of this conversation before it went any further. Before she did something stupid. Like admit that maybe, just maybe, he had a point.

"I have other people to talk to," she said, her tone dismissive as she turned to walk away.

But Aiden wasn't done. His hand shot out, gently grabbing her wrist before she could take another step. The warmth of his touch sent an electric jolt through her, and she froze, refusing to look at him.

"Eva," he said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "Just think about it. You don't have to make a decision tonight, but don't dismiss it out of hand. This is bigger than both of us."

For a moment, she didn't move, her heart hammering in her chest. His grip was firm but not forceful, a reminder of the control he always seemed to have-over himself, over others. Over her.

She pulled her wrist free, finally meeting his gaze with a steely look. "I don't need you, Aiden. And I never will."

With that, she walked away, leaving him standing in the middle of the crowded ballroom, his eyes burning into her back.

As she made her way through the throngs of people, Eva's mind raced. Her instincts screamed at her to stay far away from whatever game Aiden was playing, but her gut told her something was off. He wouldn't come to her like this, not unless there was something bigger at stake.

She needed answers. But those would have to wait until tomorrow. Right now, she needed a drink-and some distance from Aiden Wolfe before she did something she couldn't take back.

Later that evening, Eva found herself on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, away from the noise and the crowds. The crisp night air was a welcome relief, and she leaned against the railing, looking out over the glittering skyline of New York City.

Her thoughts, however, were still spinning. Aiden's proposition had rattled her more than she cared to admit. She hated that he could get under her skin so easily, that he could make her question her decisions, her instincts.

Lost in thought, she didn't hear the footsteps approaching until a familiar voice cut through the silence.

"You always did like your quiet escapes."

Eva stiffened but didn't turn around. She knew who it was. Of course, it was him.

"Aiden," she said flatly, her gaze fixed on the city lights.

He moved to stand beside her, his presence imposing but not unwelcome-not

that she'd ever admit it.

"I thought you left," she said, keeping her voice even, as if his sudden appearance wasn't throwing her emotions into a tailspin.

"I never leave without finishing what I start," Aiden replied, his tone both teasing and serious at the same time.

Eva inhaled sharply, steadying herself against the cool metal of the railing. "If you're here to talk business again, save it. I've made myself clear."

"I'm not here to talk business." He shifted closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating off him. "At least, not just business."

Her stomach fluttered, and she cursed the traitorous sensation. This was exactly why she hated being around him-he had a way of making her feel things she didn't want to feel. Dangerous things. And yet, as much as she wanted to walk away, something kept her rooted in place.

"Then what are you here for, Aiden?" she asked, turning to face him, her eyes narrowing. "To mess with my head some more? To make me doubt myself? Or are you just bored?"

Aiden's expression softened, and for the first time that night, she saw something in his eyes that wasn't cold calculation or arrogant confidence. Something that looked almost...vulnerable.

"I'm here because I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, his voice low and rough. "And I'm tired of pretending like I can."

Eva's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected that. Not from him. Aiden Wolfe didn't admit weakness, didn't admit vulnerability-not in business, not in life, and certainly not with her.

"You expect me to believe that?" she asked, her voice quieter now, but still sharp. "After everything? After the deals, the sabotage, the games?"

He took a step closer, so close now that she had to tilt her head up to meet his gaze. "Yes. Because it's the truth. You drive me crazy, Eva. And not just in business. I can't stop thinking about you, and it's been that way for a long time."

Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of anger, confusion, and something she couldn't quite name. She didn't want to believe him-couldn't believe him-but the way he looked at her, the raw intensity in his eyes, made it hard to dismiss.

"Aiden," she started, trying to gather her thoughts, trying to push down the emotions that were rising to the surface. "You don't get to do this. You don't get to play with my life, my business, and then come to me with...this."

He reached out, gently cupping her face in his hand, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I'm not playing, Eva. Not with you. Not anymore."

Her resolve wavered for a moment, her body betraying her as it leaned into his touch. She hated how good it felt-how right it felt. But her mind was still screaming at her to pull away, to not fall into whatever trap he was setting.

"You don't get to control me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to stay strong.

"I don't want to control you," he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. "I just want you."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unsaid words and unacknowledged desires. Eva's heart raced as her mind warred with itself. She had spent so long fighting him, pushing him away, convincing herself that he was the enemy. But now, standing here with him, his hand still gently cradling her face, she wasn't sure what she felt anymore.

And that terrified her.

"You don't know what you're asking," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Aiden's grip tightened just slightly, enough to make her breath hitch. "I know exactly what I'm asking."

Before she could respond, before she could process what was happening, his lips were on hers. The kiss was fierce, intense, and utterly consuming. It wasn't a gentle or tentative exploration-it was a clash of wills, a battle of emotions that neither of them could control any longer.

Eva's mind screamed at her to pull away, to stop this before it went any further. But her body had other ideas. Her hands found their way to his chest, gripping the fabric of his suit jacket as if to ground herself, as if to steady herself against the storm of emotions raging inside her.

Aiden's other hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer, his body pressing against hers in a way that made her head spin. The kiss deepened, and any semblance of control she had left evaporated, replaced by a need that was raw and undeniable.

For a moment, everything else faded away-the rivalry, the anger, the business deals, and the games. All that mattered was the way his lips felt on hers, the way his body fit perfectly against hers, the way he made her feel alive in a way she hadn't in a long time.

But then, just as quickly as it began, reality came crashing back. Eva pulled away, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as she stared up at him, her mind reeling.

"This doesn't change anything," she said, her voice shaky but resolute.

Aiden's eyes darkened, a flicker of frustration passing through them. "It changes everything, and you know it."

"No," she insisted, taking a step back, putting distance between them once more. "This-whatever this is-it's not going to happen. We're still enemies, Aiden. Nothing has changed."

He ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. "You're lying to yourself."

"Maybe I am," she admitted, her chest tightening with the weight of her own words. "But I have to. Because if I don't, I'll lose everything I've worked for. And I won't let that happen. Not for you, not for anyone."

Aiden's gaze softened, but the frustration still lingered. "You don't have to lose anything, Eva. I'm not asking you to give up your company, your independence. I'm asking you to trust me."

She let out a bitter laugh. "Trust you? After everything? You don't get to ask that."

His expression hardened again, the vulnerable moment slipping away. "I'm not the bad guy here, Eva. You might hate me, but I've never done anything to hurt you."

"That's not true," she shot back, her anger flaring. "You've been trying to take me down from the moment we met. Every deal, every move-it's always been a power play with you."

Aiden's jaw clenched, and for a moment, he looked like he was about to argue. But then he sighed, the fight draining out of him.

"Maybe," he said quietly, his voice losing its edge. "But this isn't about power anymore. Not for me."

Eva's heart twisted in her chest, her resolve weakening. She wanted to believe him-wanted to believe that this wasn't just another one of his games. But she had been burned before, and she wasn't sure she could risk it again.

"I can't do this, Aiden," she said, her voice barely audible. "Not with you."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The tension between them hung heavy in the air, and Eva felt the weight of her words pressing down on her. She knew what she was giving up by walking away, but she also knew what she was protecting-herself, her company, her heart.

Aiden's eyes searched hers, and for a brief second, she thought he might fight her on it, that he might push back and refuse to let her walk away. But then, his expression shifted, resignation settling into his features.

"If that's what you want," he said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. "I won't stop you."

Eva's chest ached at the sight of him standing there, vulnerable and defeated in a way she had never seen before. But she knew she had to walk away. She couldn't let herself get swept up in whatever this was, no matter how much her heart screamed at her to stay.

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing on the terrace as she left him standing alone in the night.

But even as she put distance between them, the weight of his gaze lingered, and deep down, she knew that this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Eva didn't stop walking until she was back inside the penthouse, the door to the terrace swinging shut behind her with a soft click. She pressed her back against the wall, closing her eyes and letting out a shaky breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside her. Her lips still tingled from Aiden's kiss, and her mind replayed the moment over and over, refusing to let her forget the way he had looked at her-as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world.

But she couldn't allow herself to get caught up in him. Not now, not ever.

With a groan, she pushed off the wall and made her way through the penthouse. The party was still in full swing, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses floating through the rooms, but Eva barely registered it. Her mind was elsewhere, spinning in a million different directions.

She needed to leave. Being here, in his space, in his world, was a mistake. She wasn't thinking straight, and she knew that if she stayed, she would make another one. Aiden Wolfe had a way of getting under her skin, of making her question everything she knew, and she couldn't afford that kind of distraction. Not with everything she had on the line.

Eva grabbed her clutch from the table near the entrance, her fingers tightening around the small bag as if it could somehow ground her, give her strength. She was halfway to the door when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Leaving already?"

Victoria Harlow.

Eva didn't even need to turn around to know who it was. The sharp tone of the woman's voice was unmistakable. She paused, squaring her shoulders before facing Aiden's ex-fiancée, who stood by the bar, a glass of champagne in hand and a sly smile curving her lips.

"That's right," Eva said, her voice cool, matching the icy calm in her eyes. "Some of us have actual work to do."

Victoria's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with something dark and unpleasant. "Of course. Always so busy, aren't you, Eva? But then again, I suppose it's hard to relax when you're constantly trying to outrun your competition."

Eva clenched her jaw, refusing to rise to the bait. Victoria had always been a snake, slithering around, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Eva wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of getting under her skin.

"I don't have competition," Eva said smoothly, tilting her head slightly. "Not anymore."

Victoria chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Ah, that's where you're wrong. You see, in this world, there's always competition. Even when you think you've won."

Eva's eyes narrowed. "What's your point, Victoria?"

The other woman took a sip of her champagne, her gaze never leaving Eva's. "My point is, you're not as invincible as you think you are. And Aiden... well, he's not the type to settle. Not in business, and certainly not in relationships."

The implication was clear, and Eva's stomach twisted. Victoria was trying to make her doubt, to plant seeds of insecurity, but Eva refused to let it show. She'd dealt with people like Victoria her entire career-people who thrived on manipulation and deceit. She wouldn't let this woman tear her down.

"I'm not interested in whatever game you're trying to play," Eva said coldly. "Aiden and I have nothing to do with each other outside of business. So if you think you're warning me about him, save it."

Victoria's smile remained, but there was a flicker of something-frustration, perhaps-behind her eyes. "Oh, Eva. You really don't get it, do you? You're already in deeper than you think. Aiden's not someone you can just walk away from."

Eva's chest tightened. "Watch me."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode toward the door, her heels clicking against the marble floor. But Victoria's voice followed her, soft and taunting.

"We'll see how long that lasts."

Eva's fingers tightened around the door handle, a surge of anger rushing through her. She wanted to turn back, to say something that would wipe that smug smile off Victoria's face. But she knew better than to engage. Victoria was baiting her, trying to get a reaction, and Eva wasn't about to give her the satisfaction.

She pulled open the door and stepped into the hallway, the cool air a welcome relief from the tension that had been building inside the penthouse. The moment the door closed behind her, Eva leaned against it, letting out a long breath.

Her mind was still spinning, and the worst part was, Victoria's words had hit a nerve. Eva hated to admit it, but she knew there was some truth in what the other woman had said. Aiden wasn't someone you could simply walk away from. And despite everything, despite her best efforts to keep him at arm's length, she was already in deeper than she wanted to be.

Aiden Wolfe was a complication she didn't need. But now, he was also a complication she couldn't ignore.

With a heavy sigh, she pushed off the door and made her way down the hall, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess. She needed to get her head on straight. She needed to focus. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the memory of Aiden's touch, the intensity in his eyes, or the way he had kissed her like she was the only thing that mattered.

And that, more than anything, scared her.

Aiden stood on the terrace long after Eva had left, his hands braced on the railing as he stared out at the city below. The skyline glittered with a thousand lights, but all he could think about was her-Eva, with her sharp tongue, her fiery spirit, and that damn kiss that had nearly undone him.

He hadn't meant to kiss her. At least, not tonight. He'd gone into the party with every intention of keeping things strictly professional. He had business to take care of, deals to make, and Eva was just one piece of that puzzle.

But the moment he saw her standing there, looking like she belonged among the stars, all his carefully laid plans had gone out the window.

Damn her.

Aiden raked a hand through his hair, cursing under his breath. Eva Knight was nothing like any of the other women he'd known. She was a challenge, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve, and it drove him crazy. He was used to being in control, to bending people to his will with little more than a word. But Eva... she defied him at every turn, pushed back when others would have yielded, and somehow, that made him want her even more.

But it wasn't just desire that pulled him toward her. It was something deeper, something he wasn't sure he was ready to face. He had spent years building his empire, amassing power and wealth, but none of that had prepared him for her. Eva had a way of getting under his skin, of making him feel things he had long since buried.

And that was dangerous.

He couldn't afford distractions. Not now. Not when the stakes were higher than ever. Wolfe Enterprises was on the verge of a major merger, and Eva's company was a critical part of that deal. He had planned to acquire her business, to bring her into his fold one way or another. But now, things were more complicated than ever.

Because now, it wasn't just about business.

With a frustrated sigh, Aiden turned away from the railing and made his way back inside. The party was still in full swing, but he barely noticed it. His mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of Eva, with the feel of her lips on his, the taste of her still lingering on his tongue.

He needed to get his head on straight. He needed to focus. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

And he wasn't sure he was ready for it.

As Aiden wove his way through the throng of guests, he barely registered the mingling crowd or the countless congratulations being tossed his way for Wolfe Enterprises' latest success. All he could think about was Eva. The woman had wormed her way into his mind and taken root. No matter how much he tried to shake her off, she lingered.

He caught sight of Victoria standing by the bar, her sharp gaze tracking his every movement like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce. He frowned, already knowing what was coming. Victoria had been increasingly relentless in her attempts to worm her way back into his life. Her presence tonight, uninvited but ever so conveniently there, was just another reminder that she wasn't giving up easily.

As if she sensed his attention, she turned and smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes as she approached him, glass of champagne in hand.

"Aiden," she purred, her voice sickly sweet. "Quite the night, isn't it? You've made some bold moves lately."

He didn't bother with small talk. "What do you want, Victoria?"

Her smile faltered for a moment before she smoothed it back into place. "I can't just congratulate you on your success? Or perhaps I should congratulate you on more... personal conquests?" Her eyes gleamed with something dark, and it was clear what she was implying.

Aiden's jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin. "Whatever it is you think you know, you're wrong."

Victoria tilted her head, her smile sharp and knowing. "Oh, am I? You see, Aiden, I've been watching. You and Eva... now that's an interesting development. But we both know you're not the kind of man to get distracted by a pretty face. What's the endgame here? Are you planning to wrap her up in one of your mergers, or is this something... else?"

Aiden's temper flared, his fingers tightening into fists. "Stay out of it, Victoria. This has nothing to do with you."

She stepped closer, her voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "Everything about you concerns me, Aiden. You know that."

Aiden met her gaze, cold and unyielding. "We're done, Victoria. We have been for a long time. I suggest you remember that."

Victoria's eyes narrowed, her mask of charm slipping for a fraction of a second. She straightened, regaining her composure, but her smile was laced with venom. "We'll see about that."

Without another word, she turned and strode away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Aiden watched her go, the tension in his muscles refusing to ease. He didn't trust Victoria, and he knew she was up to something. She always was.

But right now, she wasn't the problem.

Eva was.

Or rather, his inability to stop thinking about her was.

With a deep breath, Aiden made his way to his office, leaving the party behind. The moment the door shut behind him, the noise of the party was replaced with silence, a stark contrast to the chaos in his mind. He crossed the room and poured himself a drink, staring down into the amber liquid as if it held the answers to his dilemma.

He had wanted Eva for a long time, that much was clear. But this was no longer just physical attraction. There was something more at play-something he wasn't sure how to handle.

Eva wasn't just another woman. She was a force of nature, and the more time he spent around her, the more he realized how much she challenged him in ways no one else had. She wasn't someone who would fall at his feet or bend to his will. And as infuriating as that was, it was also what drew him to her.

He took a long sip of his drink, letting the burn of the alcohol distract him for a moment. But even that wasn't enough to drown out the thoughts swirling in his mind.

He had to make a decision. He couldn't keep teetering on the edge of whatever this was between him and Eva. Business or pleasure. Control or surrender. Power or vulnerability.

Aiden set his glass down with a sharp clink and stared out the large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city.

He wasn't a man who backed down from a challenge. And Eva Knight... she was the greatest challenge he'd ever faced.

But that didn't mean he would lose.

Eva stood at the curb, waiting for her car to arrive, the cold night air doing little to cool the heat still coursing through her. She tugged her coat tighter around her body, as if the physical act could shield her from the emotions swirling inside her.

Aiden's kiss had ignited something in her-something dangerous. She had spent years building walls around herself, determined to stay focused on her goals, her company, and her independence. She didn't need a man, least of all someone like Aiden Wolfe, getting in the way of that.

And yet, despite her best efforts, he had slipped through the cracks, making her question everything she had worked for.

Her phone buzzed in her hand, and she glanced down to see a text from her assistant, Charlie.

Tomorrow's meeting with the board has been moved to 9 a.m. Do you need anything before then?

Eva quickly typed a response, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen.

No, I'm good. Thanks, Charlie.

She pocketed her phone and looked down the street, searching for her car. But her thoughts were elsewhere, racing with questions she didn't want to answer.

How had she let things get this far? How had she gone from despising Aiden to... whatever this was?

But it wasn't just attraction. It couldn't be.

No, there was something deeper at play. And that terrified her.

Because as much as she wanted to pretend she could walk away from Aiden, the truth was, she was already too far gone.

The sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb, and Eva climbed in, giving the driver her address. As the car sped through the city streets, her mind was a tangled mess of emotions and unanswered questions.

She had to figure out a way to deal with Aiden, to put this entire mess behind her. But as much as she tried to convince herself that it was just business-that she could walk away from him and never look back-she knew it wasn't that simple.

It was never that simple when it came to Aiden Wolfe.

And deep down, Eva was beginning to realize that she wasn't sure if she even wanted it to be.

The next morning, Eva arrived at her office earlier than usual, needing the distraction of work to push away thoughts of Aiden and the mess she found herself in. She strode into the building, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floors, her mind already focused on the meeting with the board.

"Good morning, Ms. Knight," her assistant greeted her as she passed.

Eva offered a curt nod, her mind preoccupied. "Morning, Charlie. Make sure the boardroom is ready for the meeting."

Charlie gave her a quick thumbs-up, already on top of the task as always. Eva appreciated Charlie's efficiency, especially on days like this when she needed everything to run smoothly.

She stepped into her office, closing the door behind her and letting out a long breath. For the next few hours, she needed to be focused. She needed to prove to the board that Knight Industries was stronger than ever and that she was more than capable of steering the ship.

Eva sat down at her desk and opened her laptop, scanning through the financial reports and market projections that would be the focus of today's presentation. But no matter how hard she tried to focus, her thoughts kept drifting back to Aiden.

To the kiss. To the way he had looked at her, as if he was seeing straight through her carefully crafted defenses.

And, damn it, to the way she had wanted him in that moment. Wanted to give in, to let herself feel something other than anger and ambition.

A soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts, and Charlie poked her head in.

"The board is ready for you, Ms. Knight."

Eva nodded, shutting her laptop and standing. She smoothed down her skirt, straightened her shoulders, and reminded herself that this was what mattered. This was what she had worked for-control, power, success.

Aiden Wolfe wasn't going to ruin that for her.

But even as she walked into the boardroom, ready to face the meeting head-on, Eva couldn't shake the feeling that Aiden was already inside her head, planting seeds of doubt, pushing her in ways she wasn't sure she was ready for.

And for the first time in a long time, Eva felt the distinct tremor of uncertainty.