Page 19 of Clashing with the Ice Queen

“Just be careful, okay? You know how some rich people operate. There’s often a catch,” she cautioned, a serious tone creeping into her voice.

He nodded slowly, the smile fading from his face as he absorbed her words. “You know, you’re right. This whole situation has me thinking about what I really want. I mean, I love living life, but I don’t want to lose myself in it.”

Nadine’s heart softened. She appreciated Phillip’s ability to reflect on his experiences honestly. “I just wonder…do all wealthy people get involved in age-gap relationships for the wrong reasons? It doesn’t seem like a healthy dynamic.”

Phillip looked thoughtful. “It can feel like that, can’t it? Sometimes I think they want someone younger just to boost their own ego or justify their wealth. It’s sad.”

“Exactly,” Nadine said, her mind still racing. “We all deserve real connections based on respect and understanding.”

“Totally,” Phillip agreed, lifting his glass of water. “To finding the right kind of love, then!”

Nadine raised her glass, clinking it with his. “And to knowing our worth.”

As they took a sip, Nadine couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friendship they shared. In a world where connections could feel superficial, laughter and understanding were their best tools. And perhaps tonight’s conversation would be a step toward helping Phillip find the right kind of adventure—one filled with joy and respect, rather than discomfort and objectification.

As they laughed about their days, Nadine found herself feeling more hopeful. The complexities of love and rivalry faded away as she enjoyed the comfort of a night out with her best friend.

7

CASSANDRA

Cassandra sat behind her glass-encased desk, her blonde hair neatly tied back, allowing her piercing blue eyes to focus on the files spread before her. As a CEO, she’d learned the value of precision and strategic thinking long ago. The sun streamed through the large windows of her lavish office.

With deadlines looming and the excitement of the next collection bubbling in her thoughts, she was surprised when her phone buzzed with an incoming call. The screen lit up with the name of Elara Silver, the formidable CEO of Silver Resorts and Residences. Their conversations had often drifted into competitive tension, but there was something magnetic about Elara’s charm.

“Cassandra! It’s always a pleasure,” Elara said. Cassandra could picture her, tall and poised, a woman who commanded attention with every word she spoke.

“The pleasure is all mine, Elara,” Cassandra replied, faking a warm smile so that Elara could hear it in her tone.

They exchanged small talk. Elara spoke of her recent travels to Paris and the stunning resorts she’d visited, while Cassandra listened intently, maintaining her professional demeanor.

But as the conversation stalled, it soon turned to the reason why Elara had called, and Cassandra noted a shift in Elara’s tone. “I wanted to discuss our upcoming campaign,” she said, a hint of eagerness in her words. “We need to capture a new audience, you know? Chic, wealthy guests who can effortlessly blend luxury with trend.”

Cassandra leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. “Well, that’s certainly an admirable goal. Wynter Fashion has always aimed to provide that experience. How can we help make that happen for you?”

Elara hesitated for just a heartbeat before continuing. “I obviously want to use you, Cassandra. But, I want you to work with Pulse Media. I believe their CEO is the next bright spark and I think you collaborating with Pulse Media could really amplify your efforts. They have a knack for attracting the younger demographics, especially those with new money.”

The mention of Pulse Media twisted something dark and tight in Cassandra’s chest. Nadine James stood at the very edge of her professional frustrations, a rival whose rising influence had rattled Cassandra in more ways than one.

“I appreciate the suggestion, Elara,” Cassandra began, her voice tight. “But Wynter Fashion has a unique aesthetic that we’ve spent years sculpting. Integrating Pulse’s approach might?—”

Elara interrupted, her tone firm yet persuasive. “Cassandra, I truly value Wynter’s presence in the fashion world, but this campaign is about reaching a new audience. Pulse Media has the edge in social media engagement, and their visuals have captured the younger crowd’s attention. We can’t afford to miss out on their influence.”

Cassandra’s heart raced as she weighed her options. She knew Elara was right about the value of engaging a fresh demographic, and even though Nadine’s style often clashedwith her vision, Pulse Media had the audience. Reluctantly, she recalled the professional courtesy that had propelled her through the ranks of the fashion elite.

“Alright, then,” she sighed, her teeth clenched just slightly. “If you believe that a collaboration with Pulse is essential, I trust your judgment. We can explore how to integrate Wynter’s identity with their reach.”

Elara’s voice was overly happy. “Wonderful! I knew you’d see the potential. I’ll set up a meeting with Nadine James from Pulse. I think you’ll be surprised by what we can create together.”

Cassandra hung up the phone and slammed it on the table. How had the conversation managed to slip away like that? Collaborating with Nadine James felt like inviting a storm into her carefully calculated world.

Although it did feel so terribly satisfying to have her begging me to fuck her.

With another sigh, she looked out over the city skyline.

Should she stay professional within this partnership? Should she take Nadine further down this pathway of submission? Which way would this go?

Cassandra adjusted her blazer as she stepped out of her sleek black car, her blonde hair glistening in the morning sun. With each step she felt the weight of the decision she’d made to confront Elara Silver. A day had passed since Elara had proposed the collaboration with Nadine and upon reflection, Cassandra had decided it would be way too messy to try and work with Nadine. She didn’t known what she wanted withNadine and she found it hard to resist her, so she decided it would be the best for everyone to just avoid it entirely.

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