The next morning, the headlines were everywhere.
"Aurora & Vale Joint Gala Sets New Standard for Luxury Events."
"Adrian Vale and Alina Ross—Rivals or the Perfect Power Duo?"
Alina scrolled through the articles, jaw tightening.
"Perfect duo?" she muttered, tossing her phone onto her desk. "I worked for weeks to make that event flawless, and now people think it's his brilliance too?"
Sophie peeked in, holding two coffees. "Well… technically, it was both of you."
Alina shot her a look. "Whose side are you on?"
Sophie smiled. "The side that enjoys the drama."
---
The Office Visit
Hours later, a knock sounded at her door.
"Come in," she called, not looking up.
"Ms. Ross," Adrian's smooth voice said.
Her pen froze midair.
He stepped inside, calm and confident as ever, setting down a folder on her desk. "A courtesy copy of the final report. And," he added with a faint smirk, "an invitation."
Alina blinked. "An invitation?"
"To a private business dinner. The sponsors want to thank both of us," he explained. "Joint recognition. Apparently, we make quite the impression together."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm sure we do."
Adrian chuckled softly. "You almost sound like you don't hate me."
"I don't hate you," she said carefully, "I just… strongly dislike your existence."
"That's progress," he murmured.
---
An Unexpected Confession
When he turned to leave, she spoke without thinking.
"Why do you do it?"
He paused. "Do what?"
"Always try to get under my skin. Always… act like you have everything under control."
For a second, the usual teasing in his expression faded. His eyes softened—barely.
"Because you're the only one who ever pushes back," he said quietly. "Everyone else either fears me or flatters me. You fight me."
Alina was caught off guard. Her throat felt dry. "That's not a compliment."
"It's the closest thing you'll get from me," he replied, voice low, before leaving the office.
---
Late Night Reflections
That night, Alina sat in her penthouse, gazing out at the city lights.
Sophie had gone home hours ago, but her words from earlier echoed in Alina's head.
"You're thinking about him again, aren't you?"
She hated that she was. She hated that she couldn't stop.
But every time she closed her eyes, she saw his faint smirk, heard that teasing tone, remembered the warmth of his hand during the dance.
For the first time, her thoughts about Adrian Vale weren't just sharp—they were confusing, tangled, and warm.
---
Meanwhile, across the city, Adrian stood by his office window.
Marcus glanced up from his desk. "You're unusually quiet. Something wrong?"
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
Finally, he said, "She's infuriating."
Marcus grinned. "And you love it."
Adrian's faint smile returned. "Maybe I do."