ALICE RILEY
"You are determined. Beauty with intelligence. Vivian Scott isn’t an easy man. I’m impressed you got the signatures on time."
Alexis Segal, the head of Lexis Consultants, praised my work in front of the entire department. I’d just returned to the office the next day after that awkward, yet successful, meeting with Mr. Vivian Scott, the CEO of Scott Group.
Only two months into my internship, and I’d already earned enough goodwill with Mr. Segal for him to assign me to assist with the company’s key accounts. He wasn’t always the hard-nosed leader he pretended to be, but when critical clients weren’t handled properly, his wrath was legendary. I knew working at Lexis Consultants was a stepping stone to my ambitious career plans. One day, I wanted to run the best legal firm in the city.
Thanking Mr. Segal, I smiled politely and returned to my section. Maria and Sofia, my fellow interns, waved at me as I settled into my seat.
"How did it go?" Maria asked eagerly.
"Success," I said with a grin.
"Thank god, we’re saved. I was not ready to face Segal’s wrath," Sofia muttered, throwing a cautious glance toward his office.
"Relax. I’ve got it covered," I replied with a smirk, exuding confidence I wasn’t entirely sure I felt.
A week ago, I was added to the Scott Group account when Sussane Donovan, the account manager, went on sudden medical leave. While Maria and Sofia had been assisting her for six months, I was the new addition, eager to prove myself. The infringement case involving Scott Group was up for hearing next week, and we were still scrambling to get the required documentation in order. The last-minute chaos had infuriated Mr. Segal, creating the perfect opportunity for me to step up.
When I volunteered to visit Scott Group’s office and secure Mr. Scott’s signatures, I knew it was a calculated risk. Fortunately, it paid off, and I had earned my boss’s approval. Yet, despite the success, I felt far from satisfied.
"So, tell us, Alice," Maria leaned in conspiratorially, distracting my thoughts. "Did you actually get to meet him? The infamous Vivian Scott?"
I gave her a questioning look. "Why does that sound so dramatic?"
"Because Sussane Donovan said he’s the kind of guy you don’t forget after the meeting," Sofia interjected. "She said he’s ridiculously handsome—like unfairly handsome. Is that true?"
I rolled my eyes, trying to appear nonchalant. "I met him. He’s fine. Nothing to write home about." A blatant lie, but I wasn’t about to fuel their curiosity.
"Come on!" Maria nudged my arm. "Fine? That’s all you’re going to give us? Wasn’t he intimidating? Or charming? Or both?"
"Maybe a little intimidating," I admitted grudgingly. "But honestly, I was just focused on getting the signatures."
"Sure, sure," Sofia said, smirking. "Focused on work while standing in front of a Greek god. I totally believe you."
I shook my head, forcing a laugh. "You two have active imaginations. Trust me, he’s just another CEO—rich and arrogant."
In reality, I was furious with myself for letting Vivian Scott intimidate me. In my twenty-one years, I’d never allowed anyone to rattle my confidence. Life taught me to be strong and self-reliant, and I lived by those rules. Men flirting with me wasn’t new, but the way my body reacted to Mr. Scott’s words and proximity was something I couldn’t ignore.
I didn’t want to feel those fluttering butterflies or entertain any romantic thoughts. Emotions led to vulnerabilities, and I refused to let anyone have that kind of power over me. I was stubborn, driven, and fiercely independent—qualities most men would likely find off-putting. So, I’d always kept my guard up, and it worked. But then, why had Vivian Scott’s whispered words and smirking gaze left me breathless?
I cursed myself, replaying the encounter in my mind. Yes, the day was a professional success, but I couldn’t shake the lingering embarrassment. It had to be a one-time lapse in control—a moment where I let my hormones override my senses. That wouldn’t happen again.
With a deep sigh, I pushed the memory aside. This was no time to dwell on distractions. Turning back to the stack of work on my desk, I steeled my focus. There was no room for weakness in my plans, and Vivian Scott, no matter how charming, was not going to be the exception.
The news must have spread before the official announcement. "What is it with you and Scott Group, girl? Did I hear you are now the key contact for them?" Maria almost attacked me as I occupied the seat beside her the following morning. Turning on my computer system, I flashed at her proudly. "Hard work pays off." When I said that, I meant it. I was working my ass off to build a career for myself. More girls in Lexis Consultants worked hard, too. But unlike them, I knew how to grab the opportunities. Of course, ethically. Glancing long across the cubicles to the entrance and then to the cabin of Mr. Segal, I turned to Maria, who was engrossed in her system. I asked, “Has he come in yet?” Maria reached before me today, and I hoped she might have a clue if Mr. Segal was in already. I badly wanted to talk to him. I wanted to know if my new responsibilities would mean I was in regular contact with Vivian Scott. “Do you mean the boss? Yes, he is in already. You could get a call anyti
ALICE RILEY Is this for real? I questioned myself as I took long and quick strides to the office of Vivian Scott on the fifteenth floor of his Head Office. Kate, his assistant, directed me to his cabin this time instead of the conference room like earlier. As I neared the door of his office room, I remembered my last visit and all of the stupidity that followed later. How on earth did I think I would never have to face this man again? Fidgeting my fingers nervously, I stood there a moment and started contemplating escape opportunities, which were none, of course. Taking a moment to pull myself together, I knocked on the non-transparent glass door. “Come in,” the deep voice of Vivian Scott hit my ears pleasantly. Using my right-hand fingers, I pushed the door just enough to squeeze my body inside. The scent of premium leather and polished wood filled the air. Dressed in a cream-colored suit, Vivian Scott sat behind the long table, browsing his phone. His soft and silky light bro
VIVIAN SCOTTWomen often fell into two categories: those who were intimidated by my position and those who tried to use it to their advantage. Alice, however, was neither. She had this maddening ability to challenge me without saying much, a subtle defiance in her demeanor. She seemed to hate my authority but respected her own boundaries. That, more than anything, intrigued me—but not for long, or so I thought.The responsibilities of running a company like Scott Group didn’t allow room for distractions. Meetings, reports, deadlines—they kept my mind occupied, leaving little time to dwell on fleeting encounters, no matter how captivating. By the time the weekend rolled around, I’d convinced myself Alice Riley was nothing more than a passing thought.Until today."And dinner meeting today at 6:30 pm. Ms. Riley from Lexis Consultants will accompany you," Kate's voice came crisply over the phone as she updated me about the day's schedule.I paused for a moment before replying. "Alright."
VIVIAN SCOTTShutting down my laptop, I glanced at my phone screen. It was exactly six in the evening. An hour ago, Kate had mentioned that Ms. Riley would be arriving around now, and sure enough, I spotted her as I walked to the parking lot.She was standing there, and damn, she looked stunning. Her blouse, with its plunging neckline, paired with those sharp, pointed-toe pumps, made her look every bit the confident, fierce woman I had yet to fully understand. The way she walked toward me like she knew exactly the effect she was having, made my pulse quicken. She wasn’t the timid woman I’d met days ago. No, she was all poise, elegance, and an undeniable presence.It would’ve been a lie if I didn’t admit that she caught my attention in a way few women could. I found myself watching her with a keen intensity, and I didn’t look away until she spoke."Are we set to go?"I smiled, the playful challenge from our earlier meeting still lingering between us. "After you." I motioned for her to s
ALICE RILEYFinally, it was my turn to wear the victory smile. Wasn't he as flustered as I had been days ago in his office? The look on his face told me everything. It was like a moment of payback. His usual composed demeanor had slipped, just a little, and it felt good.Feeling satisfied, I pulled out my phone and booked an Uber when I heard footsteps approaching. Before I could react, his smooth and unhurried voice came from behind me.“Alice, I always believe in games that are even,” Vivian said, his tone a mix of confidence and mischief, as if hinting at something deeper, something more dangerous.As his words hit my nerves, a shiver of unease crawled up my spine, but I kept my expression steady.Vivian held my hand, his grip tightening around my wrist, and before I could even process what was happening, he pulled me toward him. My body collided with his chest, and for a brief moment, I was completely off balance. His steady hold kept me there, chest to chest, our faces mere inches
ALICE RILEYThe buzz of office life greeted me as I walked in the next morning. The usual sounds of keyboards clicking, phones ringing, and murmured conversations created a comforting rhythm, grounding me in a way I desperately needed. After the whirlwind of last night, I needed the distraction.Maria and Sofia, however, had other plans.“Alice! Over here!” Maria called out as soon as she spotted me, practically dragging me to the break area. Sofia trailed close behind, her eyes alight with curiosity. I should’ve known they’d be waiting for me, ready to pounce.“So?” Sofia started, leaning in conspiratorially. “How was the meeting? And more importantly, how was he?”Maria grinned, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Did Mr. Scott try anything? Susan says he’s impossible to resist when he turns on the charm.”I rolled my eyes, trying to appear unbothered, even as their questions stirred the memories I was trying to bury. “It was just a business meeting,” I said, shrugging.“He’s a CEO, no
VIVIAN SCOTTThe low hum of classical music filled the dimly lit room, and a glass of whiskey rested on the table beside me. I sat on the plush leather couch, leaning back, my gaze fixed on the flames flickering in the fireplace. It was a rare evening without work calls or deadlines. Time to relax, to unwind. And yet, I couldn’t shake the restlessness coursing through me.It had been days since I last saw Alice Riley. Days since her sharp tongue and fiery defiance had sparked something in me, I hadn’t felt in a long time. She was unlike anyone I’d encountered—challenging, intriguing, maddening.I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. When was the last time a woman had occupied my mind like this? I couldn’t recall. Since that night, I hadn’t even sought the company of another woman, which was uncharacteristic of me. Normally, my weekends were a blur of charm and indulgence, a distraction from the pressures of business.But now, as the weekend loomed, my
ALICE RILEYThe long, drawn-out meeting filled the conference room with formal discussions and a rigid sense of professionalism. At the center of it all was Vivian Scott, the epitome of a polished CEO—sharp, composed, and utterly engrossed in Alexis Segal's numbers and strategies. His focus remained unwavering, fixed entirely on Alexis, with barely a glance spared in my direction.I couldn't deny it. A small part of me—perhaps my ego, perhaps something more—had hoped for at least a flicker of recognition, a glance in my direction. But no, his piercing gaze never once met mine. He was all business today, his words measured, his tone calm but authoritative. His tailored navy suit, crisp white shirt, and the faintest hint of cologne only added to the power he exuded.As the conversation paused briefly for coffee, I heard Maria and Sofia whispering from their seats beside me.“Did you see him just now when he leaned back in his chair?” Maria muttered; her voice low but laced with exciteme
ALICE RILEYMonday morning arrived too soon. Standing in front of the mirror, I adjusted the collar of my blouse, making sure everything looked perfect—even if I didn’t feel that way inside. The extra day off had given me time to clean my apartment, but it had done nothing to declutter my mind. No matter how hard I tried, the emotional turmoil of my past continued to churn within me, relentless and consuming, keeping my mood a little off.I shook my head, determined to focus on work. No distractions. No complications. Grabbing my bag, I stepped out of my apartment, expecting to see the usual sedan waiting to pick me up. But the sight that greeted me made me freeze.A sleek black luxury car sat in its place, polished and intimidating, the kind of vehicle that turned heads.My brows furrowed. Was this some kind of mistake?As I stood there confused, a man in his late thirties, dressed in a crisp black suit, stepped forward and nodded politely.“Good morning, Ms. Riley. I am at your serv
ALICE RILEYBy the time Vivian pulled the car onto the curb outside my apartment building, it was well past midnight. The quiet hum of the engine stopped, and for a moment, neither of us moved. The night hung heavy with exhaustion, yet the events of the day still lingered in my mind.Vivian turned to me; his expression softer than usual. “I’m sorry, Alice,” he said quietly. “For ruining your weekend and making you wait so long at the hospital. You didn’t sign up for any of this.”I shook my head, offering him a reassuring smile. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad I got to meet Tristan,” I replied. “He’s an adorable kid, and it’s easy to see how much he looks up to you.”His brows lifted slightly at my words, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Adorable isn’t usually a word people use to describe him,” he said, chuckling softly.When we finally stepped out of the car, the cool night air wrapped around us. I led the way upstairs to my apartment, unlocking the door and pushing it o
ALICE RILEYTristan shifted on the hospital bed, wincing slightly as he adjusted his position. The bruises along his jaw and the cut near his eyebrow were stark against his pale complexion, but his demeanor was anything but weak. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who had already decided he wouldn’t be beaten—not by the pain, and not by the situation that landed him here.“Do you know what happened?” I asked softly, not wanting to push but feeling curious.Tristan shrugged; his nonchalance almost convincing. “Just a stupid fight. A couple of guys thought they could mess with me. Guess I proved them wrong—mostly.”The “mostly” hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the hospital bed he was currently confined to.“They shouldn’t have messed with you in the first place,” I said firmly. “No one deserves that.”His lips quirked into a half-smile. “You sound like Vivian.”At the mention of his brother, my gaze flickered to the door. Tristan noticed, his smirk deepening. “
ALICE RILEYThe drive to the hospital was quieter, just as I expected it to be. What truly surprised me, though, was Vivian's decision to bring me along. I had assumed he would drop me off—perhaps at my apartment or somewhere nearby—before heading to handle his family matters. Instead, he drove straight to the hospital, his expression unreadable and his focus unwavering on the road ahead.When we arrived, he didn’t hesitate. He parked, got out, and gestured for me to follow. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I walked beside him into the brightly lit hospital lobby, but I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves. Whatever lay ahead, it mattered deeply to him.We made our way to the room where Tristan was admitted. I braced myself, not knowing what state we’d find him in. When we stepped inside, the sight of the boy on the bed caught me off guard. Tristan looked strikingly like a younger version of Vivian—same sharp jawline, same piercing eyes, though his face was slightly bruise
ALICE RILEYSilence took over the space between us as we sped away from the resort. The evening sky was darkening, and the soft glow of headlights illuminated the empty road ahead. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, sneaking glances at Vivian. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by something I hadn’t seen in him before—worry, perhaps even frustration. His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, and his gaze was fixed on the road, his jaw clenched.It was strange to see him like this. Vivian was always in control, always so composed. Now, he looked like a man carrying the weight of something heavier than he wanted to admit.“Vivian,” I said softly, breaking the silence. “Are you okay?”He didn’t respond immediately, as if debating whether to answer or brush it off.Finally, he sighed, his voice quieter than usual. “I’m fine.”Fine. The word was unconvincing, and I could tell there was more beneath the surface. His eyes didn’t leave the road, but there was a flicker of something—
ALICE RILEYAfter spending hours wandering the resort and soaking in the quiet beauty of the surroundings, we returned to our private villa, both of us slightly tired but content. As I stepped inside, my mind still lingered on the moments we'd shared by the lake, on the boat, and in the gardens. There had been laughter, easy conversation, and an unspoken connection between us that felt almost too perfect.Vivian walked in behind me, but as soon as we crossed the threshold, his phone rang.I saw the shift in his posture—the familiar way his eyes narrowed, signaling a call he couldn’t avoid.“Sorry, I’ll take this,” he said, his voice apologetic but already distant. He made his way to the other side of the room, his focus shifting entirely to the call.I nodded and took the opportunity to slip outside for a walk. The air was cooler now, the sky painted with hues of pink and purple as the sunset. I wandered aimlessly at first, enjoying the peaceful isolation. Something was calming about
ALICE RILEYThe morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the room. I stretched, my body still feeling sore from last night’s intimacy. My muscles felt tender, my skin still tingling from where his hands had roamed, his touch seared into my memory.The air carried the faint scent of him—an intoxicating mix of his cologne and the warmth of his skin. It was a scent I hadn’t realized I’d begun to associate with comfort. As I shifted, the sheets, soft against my bare skin, reminded me of how completely I’d given myself to him.Vivian was already up, standing by the window, wearing only a pair of shorts that hung low on his hips. His bare chest was bathed in the morning sun, each defined line of his torso catching the golden light. In one hand, he held a steaming cup of coffee, bringing it to his lips for slow, measured sips as his gaze lingered on the view outside.I simply watched him for a moment. There was something about the way he moved, the confidence wi
ALICE RILEYThe car rolled to a stop in front of the resort, its grandeur glowing against the night. The manager, a well-dressed man in his forties, stood at the entrance, his posture poised and welcoming.“Mr. Scott,” he greeted with a courteous nod as Vivian stepped out of the car.“Everything has been arranged as per your instructions. The private villa is ready for you.”Vivian returned the nod, his voice smooth and composed. “Thank you. We’d appreciate some privacy for the night.”“Of course,” the manager said, glancing briefly at me before stepping aside. “If there’s anything you need, just let us know.”Vivian walked around to my side of the car and opened the door, his hand outstretched. I took it, letting him guide me out into the crisp night air.As we followed the manager toward the villa, I couldn’t help but take in the beauty around me—the soft glow of lanterns lighting the path, the perfectly manicured gardens, and the quiet elegance of the resort.The manager stopped at
ALICE RILEYThe car rolled to a stop in the well-lit parking lot of a shopping mall, its sleek glass facade gleaming under the overhead lights. I glanced at Vivian, my brows furrowing slightly.“Why are we stopping here?” I asked, though I already had a guess.He turned off the engine and looked at me, a small, mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “You said you didn’t pack anything. This is where we fix that.”I blinked at him, caught somewhere between annoyance and amusement. “You can’t be serious. It’s nearly midnight.”“I’m always serious,” he replied smoothly, already stepping out of the car. Before I could argue, he was on my side, opening my door like it was second nature.Reluctantly, I climbed out, the cool night air brushing against my skin. “You could’ve warned me,” I muttered.“And miss your reaction?” He chuckled, shutting the car door. “Come on. I’ll even carry the bags.”I shot him a skeptical look but followed him inside.The mall was quieter at this hour, with the us