The morning sunlight spilled through the tall glass windows of The Aurora Group, glinting off Alina Ross's polished desk. The building buzzed with excitement — today marked the first day of her next big collaboration. Unfortunately, it was with him.
Adrian Vale.
The very name made her blood pressure rise — and her stomach flutter in equal measure, though she would rather be struck by lightning than admit that.
---
A Familiar Enemy
Sophie knocked softly before entering, tablet in hand.
"Good morning, boss. The hotel expo's opening meeting is in thirty minutes. And yes…" she paused dramatically, "Mr. Vale's team is already there."
Alina didn't look up. "Let them wait."
Sophie smirked. "Petty. I like it."
Alina sighed. "It's not petty, it's strategy."
"Sure," Sophie said, clearly not convinced. "You're totally not stalling to avoid him."
Alina shot her assistant a glare sharp enough to cut glass, but Sophie only grinned wider.
---
When Sparks Fly Again
By the time Alina arrived at the conference hall, Adrian was already seated, suit crisp, tie immaculate, an expression of calm boredom that somehow made her want to throw something.
He rose smoothly when she approached.
"Ms. Ross," he greeted, voice smooth as silk. "A pleasure, as always."
"Mr. Vale," she replied with equal chill. "You seem… early."
He smiled faintly. "Punctuality is a virtue. Not that you'd know."
Sophie hid her grin behind her tablet as Alina's jaw tightened.
"Let's just get started," she muttered.
Liam, Adrian's assistant, exchanged a look with Sophie — the look of two people silently agreeing this is going to be fun.
---
The Project: A Joint Presentation
The committee outlined their task: both companies were to present a unified hotel chain concept at the Global Luxury Expo in Paris. That meant months of collaboration — design, marketing, budgeting, and constant contact.
Alina's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Delightful."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, looking far too amused. "You'll survive, Ms. Ross. I promise not to outshine you too much."
"Please," she scoffed, "you'd trip over your ego before you got the chance."
Their assistants shared another discreet high-five behind their backs.
---
Later That Day
They ended up side by side in the planning room, reviewing architectural mock-ups and hospitality models. It was quiet, except for the rustle of papers and Alina's pen tapping impatiently.
"You're doing that thing again," Adrian said.
"What thing?"
"The pen tapping. It's distracting."
She stopped, glaring. "Then stop listening."
"I can't," he replied, tone infuriatingly casual. "You're loud."
She exhaled slowly, fighting the urge to throw the pen at him.
---
Accidental Teamwork
Hours later, their arguing turned into something unexpected — cooperation.
When a design proposal hit a snag, Adrian quietly offered, "Your layout's strong, but your floor flow misses a luxury rhythm. Try aligning the suite wings like this."
He leaned in, hand brushing hers as he turned the tablet screen.
Her pulse jumped.
She cleared her throat. "That's… actually good."
He smiled faintly. "Try not to sound too shocked."
"Try not to gloat," she shot back, but the corner of her lips betrayed her.
---
The Moment That Changed the Mood
By evening, most of the team had left. Only Alina, Adrian, and their assistants remained, sorting through last-minute notes. The soft city glow reflected through the glass walls.
Sophie excused herself for coffee; Liam followed.
Now it was just the two of them.
Alina sat across the table, tired but radiant. Adrian glanced up from his laptop and studied her quietly.
"You don't stop, do you?" he said softly.
"What do you mean?"
"You keep pushing. Even when you've already won the day."
She frowned, caught off guard. "Is that an insult?"
He shook his head, gaze steady. "It's… an observation."
For a long moment, neither spoke. The air thickened with something unspoken, unfamiliar, but neither of them dared to name it.
Finally, Alina looked away. "You're still impossible."
"Maybe," he said with a small smile. "But you keep showing up."
---
Later That Night
Back in her apartment, Alina tossed her heels aside and sank onto her couch. The city lights flickered beyond the window.
Her phone buzzed.
Adrian Vale: Good work today, Ms. Ross. We might even make a decent team if you stop trying to kill me during meetings.
Alina stared at the message, lips curving before she caught herself.
She typed back:
Don't get used to it.
Adrian Vale: Wouldn't dream of it.
She turned off her phone, but the smile lingered.
Maybe he was impossible.
Maybe she was worse.
But one thing was clear — this collaboration was going to cross more boundaries than either of them planned.