ves like armor, the kind that demanded respect-and, in some cases, fear. Her dark hair was swept back into a sleek ponytail, her cri
n to know it was her assistant, Harper, reminding her of the meeting that had been circling her calend
ed bitter, like the wine you sip out of obligation at charity events. The man who stood at the
ing windows. New York looked deceptively serene from this height. The chaos of the streets belo
nst the marble floors like gunshots. The lobby was abuzz with early morning energy, a blend of sharp s
rper greeted, her tone forma
d, stepping into the elevato
es betraying her thoughts. "But... for the re
the button for the 35th floor, her jaw tightening. "The tech world's gol
er to agree or stay silent. She chose the latter
of icy composure was firmly in place. The doors swung ope
ady seated at the
fortlessly poised, with a sharp jawline that seemed carved out of marble. His dark hair was neatly s
ooth, confident, and laced with just enough mockery to set her te
from him, her smile cold and calculated. "Mr. Hank. I wasn't aware punctuality w
sat back down, his gaze never leaving
ck, her tone saccharine
kward glances darting between the two combatants. Raven barely noticed. Her focus
ar collaboration designed to revolutionize artificial intelligence. Raven clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She'd fought toot
r the backrest. His confidence was infuriating, and Raven could feel his gaze burning int
ondescension. "But don't you think it's a bit... ambitious
is what drives innovation, Mr. Hank. Perhaps Hank Industries s
nsion thick enough to slice. Matt's smile didn't falt
inherited success, we could discuss how GenexaTech's founder-oh, wait. My leg
ening to crack. "That's funny, Matt. I didn't realize your lawyers were so concerned about
, his face pale as he tried to steer the conversation back on track.
s she leaned back in her chair. She wasn't going to l
palm. Matt lingered, of course, because he lived to irritate her. As the room c
ersational, "you don't have to try so hard to hate
Let me make one thing clear, Matt. I don't need to get to know you. I already k
d how infuriatingly handsome he looked. "If tha
ing her laptop and heading for the door
of his smirk lingering in the air like a challenge. It was on
and sixty-five days of
t was a nightmare-or an opportu