Page 20 of Rivals Next Door

“I did no such thing!”

“You were willing to sell until you discovered I was the buyer.”

The slightest tinge of pink highlighted her cheeks. “If that’s the impression you got, you were wrong. Nevertheless, I’m here to discuss terms.”

I almost laughed out loud at her audacity. “Strictly your terms, I take it? Because for some reason, you think you’re still in charge. That’s a very Brentwood attitude to have. You’re more like your old man than I realized.”

Her eyes narrowed to slits, and it was all I could do not to smile. There weren’t many who could get Olivia this riled up. The fact that I still could was satisfying. It would be nice to toy with her a little before her ultimate demise.

“I’m willing to propose a deal,” she said. “One that would be beneficial to both of us.”

“Hmmm.” I steepled my fingers and watched her with raised eyebrows. “Let’s hear it.” I didn’t care what it was. I’d shut it down regardless. I was simply curious.

The glint of hope that shone in her eyes would make my refusal that much sweeter. “BioTech isn’t just a reflection of the Brentwood empire. We’ve helped many?—”

“You can save the education session,” I interrupted. “I’m well aware of BioTech’s contribution to medical science. It would be foolish of me to not educate myself on a company that’s soon to be mine.”

The Ice Princess’s expression remained neutral, but I saw the flash of temper in her eyes. It was so brief it could have easily been missed. “So, you must understand the importance of having someone with my expertise run the company. You’re a tech mogul, Alex. I know science. I’m who BioTech needs at the head.”

“I’ll hire another scientist… an entire team of world-renowned ones,” I shrugged. “My interest in BioTech isn’t philanthropic…”

I could see her gearing up to argue. That familiar fire of defiance sparked in her eyes. I was the one who stoked that fire to life back in the day. Before Olivia and I dated, she was her daddy’s perfect little soldier who was willing to do anything he said whether it made her happy or not. I held her hand and helped her out of her fear of defying him. And how did she repay my love and support? By practically ripping my heart out and spitting in my face, that’s how. The memory reinforced the steel wall I had around my heart and I stared at her as if she were any other opponent about to be crushed under my feet.

“Then what’s your motive?” she asked.

“Money,” I continued. “I’m not interested in dismantling everything the Brentwoods have built. Kudos to you for your contribution to society. I mean to continue the good work. However, I’m here to win, Olivia, to expand my empire.”

Her posture stiffened. “Money has never been your main goal. You’ve never been like that.”

“Then you didn’t really know me,” I lied. Claiming to be a heartless businessman like the ones I loathed while keeping a straight face was harder than I thought it would be.

Olivia stared at me intently as if waiting to see the crack in my stony facade. She’d never see it. That boy who wore his heart on his sleeves and was eager to express his emotions was long gone. He was buried in the grave that she put him in.

When she shook her head sadly, I thought she’d give up. However, she continued to push.

“Fine. Since you’re all about money and winning now, I’ll sell you a fraction of BioTech. You can be a silent partner. You can help BioTech’s mission while making a hefty profit.”

After a few beats of silence to make her think I was actually considering, I laughed. “A fraction? Not a chance. I’m taking it all. There’s nothing you can do to convince me otherwise.”

Her cool expression finally crumbled. “At least take a day or two to consider. It’s a win-win deal.”

“The thing is, I’m not willing to let you win anything. I’m in this for the solo win.” I smiled serenely, which had her face turning red.

“My God, Alex. You’ve become a… a… power-hungry, ruthless asshole.”

“What’s the matter, Olivia? Are you disappointed that I’m outdoing you in the heartless department? You’ve always been a competitive monster…”

She jumped to her feet. “You’re full of crap. You’re doing all of this to get back at me!”

I sat back in my chair and regarded her with cool amusement. “My, my, aren’t you full of yourself.”

Her eyebrows snapped together as she studied me for a moment. She then sighed. “What’s happened to you, Alex? You weren’t like this.”

“Maybe getting involved with a heartless Brentwood degraded my character.”

The crimson in her cheeks seeped away, leaving her pale. She used to vent to me about the underhanded methods she heard her old man used to stay on top. She’d always desired to do things differently. Maybe taking a shot at her family’s name like that was a low blow. Honesty, I had nothing against her entire family, but… collateral damage and all that…

Olivia’s nostrils flared. “I’m not going down without a fight, Alex. Don't take it too hard when you miss out on that win you’re so hungry for.”

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