Two months had passed.
Nancy's firm was growing fast. Faster than anyone predicted.
She had clients that used to belong to Blackwood PR. Ones Adrian had never thought would leave his orbit. But Nancy wasn't just good—she was better.
And that? That made her dangerous.
To him.
To his brand.
To his heart.
---
Wednesday – City Council Contract Bidding Event
Nancy adjusted the mic on the conference podium. The city was launching a massive rebranding project—worth millions—and both BlackwoodEnterprises and Carter & Co. had made it to the final round of contenders.
The councilwoman cleared her throat.
"We're asking the top two agencies to collaborate on the initial phase of the campaign. If it works, we proceed with one. If it doesn't… neither gets the contract."
Nancy blinked.
"Wait," she said calmly, though her heart dropped. "You want us to work together?"
The woman smiled tightly. "Yes. Consider it a challenge. And a test."
And just like that, the council had spoken.
Nancy Carter and Adrian Blackwood—forced partners on a six-week campaign.
---
Later That Night – Carter & Co. Office
Nancy was pacing.
"This is sabotage," she said, practically fuming. "This is how rom-coms turn into psychological thrillers."
Mia just smirked. "It's also how people get stuck in elevators and fall back in love."
Nancy shot her a glare. "Not happening."
"Oh come on," Mia said. "You're telling me the man shows up in a suit, all smirking and tortured, and you don't feel something?"
"I feel like punching him."
"See? Feelings."
Nancy groaned. But deep down?
Yeah. She felt something.
---
First Strategy Meeting – Joint HQ
They met in a neutral space arranged by the council.
Nancy arrived early. She always did.
Adrian walked in five minutes late, eyes trained on her.
She didn't stand. She didn't offer a smile.
"Let's set some ground rules," she said coldly. "Keep it professional. No personal drama. No flirtation. No emotional manipulation."
Adrian leaned against the table, arms crossed. "What about unresolved sexual tension?"
Nancy looked him dead in the eye. "You can keep that to yourself."
He grinned. "Noted."
But beneath the sarcasm, the room buzzed with a tension that was no longer just business.
It was old wounds. Lingering want. Unfinished fire.
---
Later That Week – Campaign Prep
They worked late. Fought. Debated. Collaborated.
Nancy challenged every decision. Adrian countered every point. But somewhere in the storm of ideas and irritation—they created magic.
Clients were impressed. The media buzzed.
But in the quiet moments between meetings…
They looked at each other too long.
Laughed a little too easily.
And one night, when they reached for the same file—
Their hands touched. And didn't pull away.
Adrian spoke first.
"You're still the smartest person I've ever known."
Nancy met his gaze. "And you're still the most dangerous."
"Why?"
"Because I never hated you," she whispered. "Even when I wanted to."
Adrian stepped closer, heart in his throat.
And just before he could say anything—
Nancy turned away.
"We've got a job to do," she said, voice tight. "Don't confuse progress with forgiveness."
He nodded. But deep down, he knew.
Forgiveness wasn't the finish line.
It was the beginning of war.