Rebirth of The Crimson Rose

Chapter 3: Stormy Ties

Next day.

The restaurant buzzed with subdued conversations, the occasional clink of silverware against porcelain punctuating the hum. Dimmed chandeliers bathed the space in a soft, golden glow, reflecting the understated elegance of the clientele. Rosalind Bennett sat opposite Alexander Carter, her sleek black dress a quiet declaration of poise and control. Tonight, they were the picture of the perfect couple—powerful, poised, and, to the outside world, completely aligned.

Alexander leaned back, his gaze steady on her. "You've been unusually quiet these days," he remarked, swirling the wine in his glass. His tone was light, but the underlying challenge was unmistakable.

Rosalind let the corner of her lips lift into a practiced smile, one that carried just enough warmth to keep him at ease. "Just absorbing the moment," she replied. "After all, it's not every day that two legacies unite."

A flicker of amusement crossed Alexander's face. "True. The Carter and Bennett names together—there's no ceiling for what we can achieve."

Or destroy, Rosalind thought, hiding the bitterness that threatened to surface. In her past life, this exact dinner would have felt like a dream. She had once believed in his promises, the whispered vows of partnership and loyalty. But now, she understood the game he was playing. Every move was calculated, designed to bring her closer to him and under his control.

"Speaking of partnerships," Alexander continued, leaning forward slightly, "I've been reviewing opportunities for integration between Bennett Innovations and Blue Veil. Our logistics networks, for example. Streamlining those could create unparalleled efficiency."

Rosalind traced the edge of her glass with a finger, her gaze dropping briefly to the table. "An interesting thought," she said lightly, her tone giving nothing away. "But Bennett Innovations has always thrived on its independence. It's a core part of our identity."

Alexander tilted his head, studying her with a faint smile. "Independence is admirable, but collaboration often unlocks potential neither side can achieve alone."

"Provided both sides benefit equally," Rosalind countered, meeting his gaze. "Otherwise, it's not collaboration—it's consolidation."

The smile on Alexander's face didn't waver, but Rosalind noticed the brief flicker of something sharper in his expression. "Consolidation isn't necessarily a bad thing," he said smoothly. "Sometimes it's the most logical way forward."

Rosalind held his gaze, her smile unwavering. "Only if both parties agree to it willingly."

Before Alexander could respond, a new presence shifted the energy of the room. Adrian Sterling, dressed in a sharply tailored suit, moved through the restaurant with a confidence that turned heads without effort. He approached their table with the kind of quiet authority that made it impossible to ignore him.

"Sterling," Alexander greeted, his tone measured.

"Evening, Carter," Adrian replied, his voice smooth. His eyes flicked to Rosalind, lingering just long enough to acknowledge her. "Miss Bennett."

Rosalind inclined her head slightly, her smile polite but reserved. "Mr. Sterling."

Adrian returned her smile, his expression enigmatic. "I thought I'd enjoy a quiet dinner tonight," he said, glancing around the restaurant. "But it seems fate has other plans."

"Indeed," Alexander said, his tone edged with curiosity. "It's always a pleasure to cross paths with someone of your stature."

Adrian's lips twitched, though whether it was amusement or something else, Rosalind couldn't tell. "Likewise. Though I wouldn't want to intrude on such an important evening."