Page 71 of My Ruthless Opponent

When it’s our turn, we stand and make our way to the huge black door.

Raleigh holds it open for me to enter.

Mr. Smith’s office is humongous. The floor-to-ceiling windows are providing a stunning view, and the beautiful paintings across the walls are depicting different stories.

The space is luxurious and screams money. After all the office belongs to a billionaire.

There’s a modern desk in the center with a couch and coffee table to the opposite. All in gray and white.

Mr. Smith was standing by the window wall. He is wearing a button-up shirt and a pair of black slacks. He turns as we enter.

“Good morning, Mr. Smith.” I greet him as I approach his desk.

He walks toward us, gives us a warm welcoming smile as we shake hands.

“Please have a seat, Ms. Cooper. Mr. Jackson.” He says as he rounds his desk to sit in his chair.

“Hannah, please,” I say at the same time Raleigh objects to the formality.

Mr. Smith chuckles. “All right. Then please call me Victor.” The man is sweet and humble.

Not an ounce of arrogance and pride in his body language or his tone. It shows that Victor has a rich heart. He didn’t let his worldly possession get to his head.

Victor rings his staff to send in refreshments for us.

We sip our coffees and chat for some time. It makes me more comfortable, the jitters forgotten.

After finishing off the drink, Victor starts, “I am a pretty straightforward man so I’ll cut to the chase. You both left a good impression on me at the gala. Your idea for my resort was unique. It focuses on marketing the concept of love. It resonated with my vision.”

I quickly glance at Raleigh. He turns his head at the same time and we lock eyes.

His baby blue eyes are gleaming. We break the eye contact and turn our eyes to Victor when he speaks again.

“But I wanted to be sure. This all seemed too good to be true. So, my people did some digging and gathered information about you two and your agency.”

There’s nothing to be offended about. He is a businessman. Of course, he’ll want to do his research before handing us the contract. But my stomach tightens nonetheless. What if he finds out something that I have been hiding from everyone?

Archer had used his contacts that helped me sever all the ties between my past and present.

There’s no way he can figure out who I am. But the fear is still there. It is always there.

Victor reaches for a black file on his desk. “You two are known for your rivalry. In fact, your agency has two separate creative departments.” He stares at us for a few beats. His eyes are filled with skepticism.

Raleigh breaks the silence. “The information you gathered is accurate, Victor. We are two headstrong, career-oriented individuals. Yes, we have two creative departments because we both have leadership qualities and our boss decided to form a new department for Hannah to takeover. The rivalry you mentioned is purely professional. We compete and try to conquer each other.” Raleigh pauses and reaches for my hand. Linking our fingers together, he continues, “Our rivalry is the reason we are together, It ignited a spark between us. We are like magnets, two opposites who are attracted to each other. This pull between us was so strong. Try as I might, I couldn’t stop myself from claiming her as mine. Couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with her.”

Raleigh glances at me, his gaze intense and tender at the same time. Like he wants to devour me whole but also wants to cherish me like his most valued possession. Hot. Damn.

Victor clears his throat, a small smile playing on his lips. His eyes crinkle. “Seeing you both reminds me of my Greta. She was so strong and kind-hearted.”

His smile dims as he stares in the distance.

Like Victor, I looked him up too. Since the night of the gala when I got to know about Greta, I couldn’t stop myself from searching the internet about her.

Greta Smith was a philanthropist. She was also a chairperson of an international school for the underprivileged.

She was petite and had a charismatic face. She reminded me of Mom.

Victor’s career demanded time apart from his family, so she devoted herself to charities and social work.

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