Page 31 of My Ruthless Opponent

Is he serious? Does he have a potential client? If it’s true, then that means he is at the same stage I am.

And here I thought I have an advantage by being a step ahead of him.

But I underestimated Raleigh. He is always prepared.Alwaysa step ahead of everyone.

“Who’s this new potential client, Archer? You might know since he wants to discuss things with you.” I squint at Raleigh.

“That’s confidential as it’s my project. And discussing it with my rival is something only an idiot would do. Right, Archer?” Raleigh smirks at me.

“Granted, it’s a fair point, but there should be no problem for you to at least share the name of the client. Am I wrong, Archer?”

He’s a weasel. I have to know who he is pitching to.

Raleigh can’t top Mr. Smith but it’s better to know what your enemy is up to. It may come in handy in the future.

It won’t surprise me if Raleigh came sniffing around my potential client. After all, he is the one who started with all the questioning. It’s only fair that I do the same.

Archer sighs. “So dramatic.”

Our heads snap toward him.

“It’s clear you are taunting each other by using me as a crutch.” He chuckles.

He sobers up and then, “Judging by your talks, it seems that you both have your arsenal ready for war. Now that each of you has a potential client, the one who snags the contract first is going to get the promotion.”

He stands. “You both are meticulous. And never balk at hard work. I should’ve known you both could never back down from a challenge.” He gives a wry smile. “No matter whoever gets the promotion, know that you both will always be winners for me.”

We both remain seated long after Archer leaves the meeting room.

I have to win this race. Even if that means Raleigh could quit his job.

I don’t feel guilty now after seeing how eager Raleigh is to get rid of me.

If I have to choose between me and Raleigh, then it’s obvious I would choose myself.

“You should give up while you still can, princess.”

I look up to find Raleigh now standing at my side. I push out of my chair and face him.

“Afraid you might lose to me, RJ?”

He flashes me a devilish smirk. “No, I am worried you’ll have a breakdown much worse than the one you had a year ago. After all, it is not your heels but your job on the line here.”

My chest tightens. He loves to bring that up every time, doesn’t he?

He reminds me of that awful day when I broke up with Andrew every chance he gets.

I never let it get to me. But now it’s testing my patience.

I close the gap between us, my chest grazing his slightly.

“You keep bringing that up. Why is that, RJ? I am starting to believe that you’re obsessed with me.”

He scoffs. “You wish.”

“What I wish is for you to pack your things, RJ. Because the moment I take over the creative department, I’m going to make your life hell until you’re forced to submit your resignation.”

“Fuck, you’re giving me a boner. I love a good challenge. But you know what I’ll do when I win?” He leans down to my ear, his breath hot on my neck. “I won’t make you quit. I’ll keep you. All to myself. I won’t make your life hell, princess. I’ll make you wish you had never met me.”

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