Page 1 of Claws and Controllers

PROLOGUE

The gentle clinking of champagne flutes and the melodious tinkle of laughter filled the opulent penthouse overlooking Central Park. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the gathering of New York’s elite book clubers. At the center of it all sat Gerri Wilder, her silver-white bob gleaming as she raised her glass in a toast.

“To Cat and Keir,” Gerri proclaimed, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief and satisfaction. “May their love story be as epic as the journey that brought them together.”

A chorus of “hear, hear,” echoed through the room as the women sipped their blueberry mimosas. Gerri settled back into her plush armchair, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Another successful match, another happily ever after. It never got old.

As the excitement of the toast died down, Mara Ashford and Letty Madden approached Gerri, settling onto a nearby settee. Both women exuded an air of elegance and success, but there was an undercurrent of maternal concern in their expressions.

“Gerri, darling,” Mara began, her voice low and tinged with curiosity. “Earlier, you mentioned something about a surprise regarding our children. Care to elaborate?”

Letty leaned in, her warm brown eyes alight with interest. “Yes, do tell. You’ve piqued our curiosity.”

Gerri’s smile widened, a cat-that-ate-the-canary grin that spoke volumes. She set her mimosa on a delicate side table and folded her hands in her lap. “Well, my dears, it seems your little cubs are about to cross paths in a most interesting way.”

Mara’s perfectly shaped eyebrow arched. “Zy? My son is many things, Gerri, but ‘little’ isn’t one of them.”

“Neither is my Elliot,” Letty chimed in, a hint of pride coloring her tone. “Though I suppose next to Zy, most people would seem... diminutive. Especially a woman like my Ellie.”

Gerri chuckled, the sound rich and knowing. “Size isn’t everything, ladies. But in this case, it’s the size of their ambitions that has me intrigued.” She paused for effect, enjoying the way Mara and Letty leaned forward expectantly. “I hear there’s quite the gaming convention coming up. One where both Ashford Entertainment and Madden Gaming will be showcasing their latest and greatest.”

Understanding dawned on Mara’s face. “Ah, yes. Zy’s been working himself to the bone preparing for it. He’s convinced this new console will revolutionize the industry.”

“And Elliot’s new game is set to debut there as well,” Letty added, her expression a mix of pride and concern. “She’s been pouring her heart and soul into this project.”

Gerri nodded sagely. “Indeed. Two brilliant minds, two innovative companies, one high-stakes event. It’s a powder keg of potential, wouldn’t you agree?”

Mara’s brow furrowed slightly. “Potential for what, exactly? A corporate showdown? Zy can be quite... intense when it comes to business.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Letty muttered, earning a sharp look from Mara. “Oh, come now. We all know our children can be a tad... competitive.”

“A tad?” Gerri repeated, her tone dripping with amused sarcasm. “My dears, your offspring redefine the word. But that’s precisely what makes this so exciting.”

Mara shifted in her seat, her designer dress rustling softly. “Exciting? Gerri, you can’t possibly be thinking of... No. Absolutely not. Zy and Elliot? They’d tear each other apart!”

Letty nodded in agreement. “As much as I’d love to see Elliot find someone, I’m not sure pitting her against a man like Zy Ashford is the answer. She’s had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.”

Gerri’s expression softened, a touch of compassion tempering her mischievous grin. “Ah, yes. The infamous divorce. Nasty business, that. But my dears, you’re missing the forest for the trees here.”

“How so?” Mara asked, her tone cautious but curious.

Gerri leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Think about it. When was the last time either of your children met someone who could truly challenge them? Someone who could match their drive, their passion, their intellect?”

Letty and Mara exchanged glances, a spark of realization flickering between them.

“It’s been... a while,” Letty admitted. “Elliot’s always complaining that the men she meets are either intimidated by her success or trying to compete with it.”

Mara nodded slowly. “And Zy... well, let’s just say his standards are impossibly high. He claims no one understands the pressures of his position.”

Gerri’s smile was positively feline now. “Exactly. But what if they met someone who not only understood those pressures but thrived under them? Someone who could push them to be better, to reach even greater heights?”

“You really think Elliot and Zy could be that for each other?” Letty asked, a hint of hope creeping into her voice.

“Oh, I don’t think,” Gerri replied with a wink. “I know.”

Mara still looked skeptical. “But they’re rivals, Gerri. Their companies are constantly vying for the same market share. How could that possibly lead to romance?”

Gerri’s laugh was like the chiming of bells. “My dear Mara, haven’t you heard? There’s a fine line between love and hate. And an even finer one between competition and attraction.”

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