Aiden Drake Cross hated mornings, not because he wasn't a morning person, discipline had burned that weakness out of him years ago.
But because morning usually meant people
we're waiting to ask him favors.
standing shirtless in the centre of his glass walled penthouse, watching the manhattan skylines dissolve into daylight.
He was a vision of quiet danger.
He had a chisel chest with abs, high cheekbones, and a sharp jawline.
Broad-shoulders, a lean, muscular frame honed from relentless training, ink- black hair still damp from the shower.
His icy blue eyes- cold, calculating caught
his own reflection.
He pulled out a crisp white shirt and a tailored navy suit, A Rolex submariner graced his wrist. No tie, he hates ties unless absolutely necessary.
His phone buzzed.
"Mother" he said.
"I need you to attend a meeting for me"
Aiden pinched the bride of his nose" I don't do board meetings anymore, that's what lawyers and negotiators are for"
"I know but this is not just business " His mother's tone softened slightly, the way it only did when she was trying to manipulate him.
"A friend of mine is selling a property
the Aurelian. She doesn't want vultures ripping her apart she is currently in a tight spot and can't be present. you show up they behave."
"Your friend owes you favors doesn't she?" he said irritated.
" And I'm cashing one in consider it charity.
" So you want me to go for a dying hotel's board meeting? I'm not in the business of resuscitation "
" you're in the business of control, and my friend needs you there"
" This is emotional blackmail"
"Call it motherly persuasion"
"Mother"
" Don't take that tone with me Drake you're going to the Aurelian board meeting."
"You really enjoy playing chess with me as a pawn."
charity wasn't in Aiden's vocabulary, but his mother rarely asked him for anything. He owed her too much to say no.
" Fine but I'm not staying long"
An hour later...
He entered the Aurelian boardroom five minutes early as always.
Evan, his assistant and long time friend trailed behind him carrying a sleek leather briefcase.
"You really hate doing favors"
Evan muttered under his breath.
" I hate wasting time."
Aiden gaze swept the room- nervous men in suites, shuffling papers whispering like cowards.
"You are in no mood"evan murmured
" I'm in a room Full of cowards ." Aiden replied. He moved like a predator graceful, assured dangerous.
Glancing at his watch,
he hated lateness.
when the sharp click of stilettos echoed in the hall he felt irritation coil in his chest.
He didn't turn at first, he never did.
But the sound steady,
measured powerful, and demanded attention.
Then she appeared, Victoria steel he definitely knows who she is.
Her 5- inches stilettos, long legs wrapped in sleek black pants , a fitted black blazer that fitted her hourglass figure with precision. Red satin blouse underneath the blazer hugged her chest catching light and drawing attention.
A Hermès Birkin bag rested on her arm like a trophy, her rolex cashing the lights as she moved. Her dark hair was pulled into a sharp ponytail.
she didn't look at anyone as she entered, the board room, didn't offer a smile or nod.
She carried herself like a queen entering her throne room.
For a moment even he had to admit it she was... impressive.
Then she spoke...
"Let's make this quick," she said, her voice smooth but edged with ice. "I'm offering 50 million for the property. That's generous considering the current state of your finances."
Aiden leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. His gaze swept over her lazily, like a predator studying its prey.
He'd heard of her, of course. Who hadn't? The woman who flipped businesses like coins and sold them for billions. Confident. Ruthless. Arrogant.
But now, seeing her in person… she wasn't just arrogant. She was entitled.
The way her voice cut off the older man who tried to speak. The way her eyes swept the room like everyone else was beneath her.
Something twisted in his chest. Amusement? Annoyance? It didn't matter.
He wanted to see how far she could be pushed.
"100 million," Aiden said lazily. "I'll pay double."
Her stormy gray eyes snapped to him, widening in shock. Then narrowing in rage.
Aiden smirked.
He stood, straightening his perfectly tailored navy suit. "Finalize the formalities with my assistant," he added, his voice smooth and commanding.
He didn't give her a second glance as he walked past her. But he caught the faint scent of her perfume—rich, intoxicating—and the way her jaw clenched.
She is trouble.
My kind of trouble he said to himself.
Back at Aiden's office..
"Get me everything on her," Aiden said, sinking into his office chair later that day.
Evan raised a brow. "Everything?"
"Victoria Steele. Her businesses. Her habits. If she has a cat or a lover. I want to know what keeps her up at night."
"You're interested." Evan smirked.
"She's… inconvenient." Aiden's voice was calm, but his fingers drummed lightly against the glass desk. "And interesting. Dangerous combination."
Evan chuckled. "Planning to crush her, or…?"
"Maybe both." Aiden's eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "Let's see how she likes being on the other end of a hostile takeover."