Hearts Under Contact

Lexi Thompson stepped into the grand lobby of Ryder Enterprises, the polished marble floor gleaming beneath her heels. The towering glass walls reflected the bustling energy of Manhattan outside, but inside, everything was calm, controlled-intimidatingly so.

Her heart hammered in her chest, though she refused to let it show. She didn't have time for nerves. This meeting was the culmination of months of relentless effort, late nights, and more coffee than any one person should consume. Today wasn't just about landing a client-it was about securing the future of Thompson & Co.

As she waited for the elevator, Lexi caught her reflection in the sleek metal doors. Her dark green power dress fit perfectly, her hair was pulled into a sleek bun, and her makeup was flawless. She looked every inch the part of a confident businesswoman, but beneath the polished exterior, her stomach churned.

You've got this, she reminded herself. No one knows this pitch better than you.

The elevator dinged, and she stepped inside, clutching her portfolio tightly. By the time it reached the 50th floor, she had forced herself into a state of calm. Or at least something that resembled it.

The receptionist greeted her with a practiced smile. "Ms. Thompson? Right this way."

Lexi followed her into a conference room that screamed power. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a stunning view of the city skyline, while minimalist décor kept the focus on the massive table in the center. Sitting at the head of that table was the man she had researched obsessively for weeks.

Liam Ryder.

He looked up as she entered, his storm-gray eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pause. The photos in business magazines hadn't done him justice. His tailored charcoal suit fit him perfectly, but it wasn't just the clothes-it was the way he carried himself. Every inch of him exuded control, precision, and authority.

"Ms. Thompson," he said, standing to greet her. His handshake was firm, his touch cool. "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, Mr. Ryder," she replied, her voice steady.

As she settled into her chair, she took a moment to steady her breathing. The weight of his gaze never left her, and it felt as though he was studying her-not just her presentation, but her.

Lexi launched into her pitch, the words flowing effortlessly as she highlighted her company's innovative strategies and proven results. She knew her material inside and out, but Liam's expression gave nothing away. He didn't interrupt, didn't look at the slides-he just watched her, his face an unreadable mask.

When she finally finished, she paused, waiting for his response. The silence stretched, and for the first time in years, Lexi felt the uncomfortable stir of doubt.

"You're good," he said at last, his voice low and measured.

Lexi blinked, unsure if that was praise or merely a statement of fact. "Thank you."

"But I'm not looking for good," Liam continued. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I need exceptional. Ryder Enterprises isn't like the companies you've worked with before. We're not just trying to stay competitive-we're about to launch a venture that could change the entire industry. I need someone who can think beyond the usual boundaries. Someone willing to take risks."

Lexi's spine straightened. "With all due respect, Mr. Ryder, if I weren't exceptional, I wouldn't be sitting here."

His lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile, but his eyes remained sharp. "Fair point."

Before she could gauge his reaction further, the door to the conference room burst open. A man in a tailored suit strode in, whispering urgently in Liam's ear. Liam's expression darkened instantly.

"I'll be back in a moment," he said, rising abruptly. His gaze lingered on Lexi for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. "Wait here."

As the door closed behind him, Lexi exhaled slowly, her nerves buzzing. She stood and walked to the massive windows, staring out at the city below. The stakes of this deal loomed larger than ever. If she could win Liam Ryder's trust, it would mean more than success-it would mean survival.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening again. She turned too quickly, colliding with someone hard enough to send her stumbling.

"Easy there," a deep voice said. Strong hands gripped her arms, steadying her.

Lexi looked up and froze. The man before her was tall, impeccably dressed, with sharp blue eyes and a smirk that immediately set her on edge.

"You must be the new player," he said, releasing her. "I'm Harold Bennett."

Lexi's pulse quickened. She recognized the name immediately-one of Ryder Enterprises' key investors and, according to every article she'd read, one of Liam Ryder's fiercest critics.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bennett," she said, forcing a polite smile.

"Is it?" he replied, his tone dripping with condescension. "Let me give you some free advice, Ms. Thompson: don't tie yourself too tightly to Ryder Enterprises. Liam Ryder has a tendency to... overreach."

Before she could respond, the door opened again, and Liam returned, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Bennett.

"Harold," Liam said coldly. "What are you doing here?"

"Just meeting the new talent," Bennett said smoothly. "Don't worry-I won't take up any more of her time."

With that, he walked out, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Liam turned to Lexi, his jaw tight. "Stay focused on the project," he said, his voice clipped. "And don't listen to anything he says. Harold has been trying to derail this company for years."

Lexi nodded, but her mind raced. She didn't know what kind of battlefield she had just walked into, but one thing was clear: this deal wasn't going to be simple.

As Liam returned to his seat, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his jaw deepened.

"Ms. Thompson," he said, standing again. "Our meeting will have to continue another day. Something's come up."

Lexi opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, he was already walking toward the door.

She watched him go, unease curling in her stomach. For all her preparation, nothing could have prepared her for this-the enigmatic man, the unspoken power struggles, or the faint but unmistakable sense that she had just stepped into something far more dangerous than a business deal.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?