A Battle Brewing

Demitri paced his office, running a hand through his hair for what felt like the hundredth time. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the reports scattered across his desk, Ethan’s invitation to Ashley kept replaying in his mind.

Why would Ethan ask her out? he fumed silently.

He knew Ethan well enough to recognize the charm behind his smile. Ethan wasn’t just a business partner—he was a long-time acquaintance, the kind of man who thrived on competition and never hesitated to pursue what he wanted.

But what made Demitri’s blood boil was that Ethan didn’t know the truth. He had no idea that Emerald Donaldson, the poised and confident CEO he’d invited to dinner, was Demitri’s ex-wife.

Demitri grabbed his car keys, and his decision was made. Sitting around wouldn’t solve anything.

If Ethan thought he could waltz into Ashley’s life and whisk her away, he had another thing coming.

****

When Demitri arrived at Ethan’s office, he was greeted by a bright-eyed receptionist who looked up in surprise.

“Mr. Demitri” she exclaimed. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“Is Ethan in?” Demitri asked curtly.

The receptionist nodded. “Yes, sir. Do you have an appointment?”

Demitri gave her a tight smile. “I don’t need one.”

Without waiting for her response, he strode toward Ethan’s office. Their friendship granted him liberties others wouldn’t dare take, and today, he was going to make full use of them.

Ethan looked up from his desk as Demitri entered, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Demitri?” Ethan said, leaning back in his chair. “This is unexpected. We just saw each other an hour ago.”

Demitri closed the door behind him, his expression tense. “I need to talk to you.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Sounds serious. What’s going on?”

Demitri didn’t waste time. “Why did you ask Ashley to dinner?”

Ethan blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Ashley?” he repeated, confusion evident in his tone.

Demitri cursed inwardly. Damn it. He had to be more careful. “I mean Emerald. Emerald Donaldson.”

At this, Ethan’s confusion melted into a knowing smile. “Ah. Is there a reason I shouldn’t ask her?”

Demitri’s jaw tightened. “This is business, Ethan. I don’t want you or anyone else jeopardizing the partnership.”

Ethan chuckled, leaning forward on his desk. “Jeopardizing the partnership? Come on, Demitri. You know me better than that. Taking her to dinner isn’t going to affect our deal.”

Demitri didn’t answer, his fists clenching at his sides.

Ethan tilted his head, studying him closely. “Unless…” A smirk played at his lips. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Demitri snapped, though the defensiveness in his tone betrayed him.

Ethan’s grin widened. “Oh, I see. You like her, don’t you?”

Demitri froze, his silence more telling than any words.

Ethan laughed, shaking his head in amusement. “You do, don’t you? I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s stunning, intelligent, and confident. But come on, Demitri, you just got divorced. She’s probably not interested in stepping into that mess.”

“Shut up,” Demitri growled, his voice low and dangerous. “It doesn’t matter, does it?”

“Oh, but it does,” Ethan said, clearly enjoying himself. “It explains a lot, actually. The way you stormed in here like a man on a mission. The way you’re acting so possessive. You’re not worried about the partnership—you’re worried about me.”

Demitri’s jaw clenched, but he refused to take the bait.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his smirk now a full-blown grin. “You know what, Demitri? I like this. It makes things more interesting.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m saying,” Ethan said, standing and walking around his desk, “that I’m still taking Emerald to dinner. And you, my friend, are free to do the same.” He extended a hand as if sealing a deal. “May the best man win.”

Demitri stared at him, his blood boiling. Ethan’s casual arrogance was infuriating, but deep down, Demitri knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t about to lose Ashley—Emerald—to anyone, least of all Ethan.

The room was thick with tension as Ethan’s words hung in the air. “May the best man win,” he repeated, his smirk unwavering.