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Leah stood in the dim light of her penthouse, the city sprawling beneath her like a living entity. She could still feel the weight of Zayan's gaze lingering on her, the tension from their encounter electrifying the air around her. His cockiness had irked her, but there was something else, too-a spark of challenge that ignited her determination.
As she paced the room, thoughts raced through her mind. Zayan was everything she despised-bold, ruthless, unyielding. Yet, a part of her couldn't deny the thrill of their exchange. She had held her ground, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of confidence.
Glancing at her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling windows, Leah straightened her posture. This was her domain now, and she wouldn't let anyone-especially not Zayan-think she was weak. She had to prove herself, not just to him, but to everyone who doubted her ability to lead.
Leah picked up her phone and scrolled through the contacts, lingering on her husband's name. A wave of sadness washed over her. She missed him, but she also felt a growing sense of independence. She was no longer just his widow; she was Leah, a force to be reckoned with.
A knock at the door broke her reverie. Her assistant entered, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay? You seemed... intense earlier."
Leah forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just preparing for the upcoming meeting with Zayan. We need to stay one step ahead."
"Are you sure it's wise to engage with him directly? He's unpredictable."
Leah turned, her resolve hardening. "That's exactly why I need to. He thinks he can intimidate me, but he doesn't know who he's dealing with."
As her assistant nodded, Leah felt a surge of determination. She was ready to face whatever Zayan threw at her, and she would do it on her own terms.
•••
I stood in the penthouse, the city lights flickering like stars against the dark canvas of night. The encounter with Leah had left a lasting impression. She wasn't what I expected. There was an intensity in her eyes that hinted at a fire beneath the surface, and it intrigued me.
Leah had a way of standing her ground, challenging my every word with an unwavering confidence that caught me off guard. Most people cower in my presence, but she didn't. Instead, she faced me head-on, her resolve palpable. I admired that, even if it annoyed me.
I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than just a grieving widow trying to hold onto her husband's legacy. She was determined, and there was something dangerous about that. It made me want to push her, to see how far she would go.
The rivalry with her was shaping up to be more than just a battle for business. It was personal. I found myself wanting to unravel the layers of her, to understand the complexities that lay beneath that tough exterior.
As I leaned against the window, looking out at the bustling streets below, I considered my next move. Leah was a wildcard, and I needed to keep her guessing. It would be a game-one that I intended to win. But I couldn't help but wonder if, somewhere along the line, I might end up underestimating her.
For now, I'd play it cool. Let her think she had the upper hand. But deep down, I knew I was in for a challenge. And challenges were what I thrived on.
