Beneath the Rivalry

The ballroom glittered with the kind of excess only the elite could afford. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls, their light casting a golden sheen over the crowd. Celina Monroe took a steadying breath as she adjusted the sleek black dress hugging her curves. The air buzzed with conversation, but beneath the refined elegance was the ever-present pulse of competition.

She wasn't here for the champagne or the meaningless small talk. Tonight was about business-and about proving she could hold her own against Montgomery's wealthiest power players.

"Deep breaths, Celina," she murmured to herself, smoothing an imaginary wrinkle from her dress. This gala marked her first major step toward securing a partnership that could elevate her boutique marketing firm into the upper echelons of corporate influence.

The last thing she needed was a distraction.

Which meant the universe was clearly out to get her.

"Didn't think I'd see you here, Monroe."

That voice. Low, smooth, and instantly recognizable. The sound scraped against her nerves like it always had.

Celina turned slowly, already regretting it. And there he was-Jake Hawthorne. Looking just as insufferably polished as he had in college. His tailored charcoal-gray suit fit his frame with casual perfection, and his dark hair was styled in a way that made it seem as if he hadn't tried at all. But his piercing green eyes still held the same cocky glint that set her teeth on edge.

"Jake," she said coolly, tilting her chin upward. "I figured you'd still be busy coasting on your father's legacy."

His smirk deepened. "And I figured you'd still be bitter about coming in second."

Her blood heated. Of course, he had to mention it. Their rivalry in college had been the stuff of legend-a never-ending battle of wits and ambition. She had worked harder than anyone, fought for every opportunity. And he had still beaten her for the valedictorian title by a razor-thin margin.

"I've been doing just fine on my own," she said, keeping her voice even. "Unlike some people, I don't need my last name to open doors."

Jake chuckled softly, the sound far too pleased. "Still scrappy. I always liked that about you."

She should walk away. Engaging him never ended well. But there was something about his calm arrogance that made her want to prove him wrong all over again.

"What are you even doing here?" she asked. "I didn't realize real estate tycoons had time for charity events."

"We do when the right partnerships are at stake," he said, his gaze flicking over her with unsettling focus. "I hear Monroe Marketing is in the running for the Kingsley contract. Ambitious of you."

Her pulse quickened. The Kingsley Group was one of the most sought-after clients in the region, and landing their account would be a game-changer. Of course, Jake knew. He always knew how to find the weak spot and press it.

"Let me guess," she said. "Your family wants it, too."

"Naturally," he said, as if the outcome was already decided. "And you should know by now-I don't lose."

Celina stepped closer, her voice a near whisper. "You might want to prepare for disappointment. I'm not that girl you could outmaneuver anymore."

His smile curved slow and dangerous. "I never underestimated you, Celina. That was your mistake."

Before she could respond, a voice interrupted. "Ah, Miss Monroe, there you are. And I see you've already found Mr. Hawthorne."

Celina shifted her attention to the speaker-Alexander Kingsley himself. The silver-haired mogul was the reason she had spent weeks perfecting her pitch. He extended his hand, and she met his shake with a firm grasp.

"Mr. Kingsley," she said smoothly. "It's an honor."

Jake slipped into an easy charm beside her. "Always a pleasure, sir."

Kingsley smiled, but his shrewd gaze bounced between them with interest. "I hear you both have impressive proposals on my desk. It seems I have quite the decision ahead."

"I'm confident Monroe Marketing is the right fit," Celina said, letting none of her anxiety show. "We understand the heart of your brand."

Jake, never one to back down, added smoothly, "And Hawthorne Industries has the resources to take your vision global."

Kingsley chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. "Well, I do love a bit of healthy competition. In fact," his smile sharpened, "I was just thinking how beneficial it might be if you two collaborated on the next phase of the project."

Celina stiffened. "Collaborated?"

Jake didn't blink. "We can manage that."

Of course, he would agree. It gave him a front-row seat to pick apart her work. Celina swallowed down her protest. Kingsley held all the power here, and refusing wasn't an option.

"I'm sure we can," she said, her voice smooth as glass.

"Excellent," Kingsley said, clearly pleased. "I'll expect a joint proposal in two weeks. Surprise me."

With that, he moved on, leaving them in a charged silence.

"You didn't even hesitate," Celina said, narrowing her eyes at Jake.

He tilted his head. "I'm not afraid of a challenge. Are you?"

Her fingers curled into her palm. "I just don't like wasting time playing games."

Jake leaned closer, his voice dropping to that infuriatingly smooth register. "Then you'd better keep up, Monroe."

Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away, leaving her with the sinking realization that she was now locked in a battle she couldn't afford to lose.