Dr. Aria Monroe hated everything about biotech conferences—the overpriced name tags, the empty compliments, and most of all, the self-important CEOs who thought the world owed them for having money.
So naturally, Julian Westwood had to be here.
The ballroom buzzed with artificial charm. Waiters glided between groups in tuxedos, serving champagne to people pretending to like each other. Aria stood near the back, nursing her drink, her black blazer sharp and unbothered. She scanned the crowd until her eyes landed on him.
Julian.
He hadn't changed—sleek suit, arrogant smirk, the kind of man who looked like he woke up every morning knowing the world would bow. Aria clenched her jaw. She'd read enough about his company—Westwood Biogenics—to know what he was: a corporate vulture. They'd tried to buy out her lab twice. She refused both times.
He noticed her.
Of course he did.
He strode over like he owned the air around him. "Dr. Monroe," he said smoothly, eyes flicking down her body before settling on her face. "Didn't think I'd see you here. Thought you hated 'corporate vultures.'"
"I do," Aria replied, her voice crisp. "But sometimes even vultures have scraps worth stealing."
Julian laughed, low and amused. "Still charming, I see."
"Still slimy, I see."
The tension between them buzzed like static. She should have walked away. Instead, they kept talking—bickering, teasing, challenging each other with every word. One drink turned into two. The conference dragged into night. Somehow, they ended up at the bar.
Then at the elevator.
Then in his suite.
It wasn't supposed to happen. It was supposed to be a mistake—one fueled by anger, curiosity, and just enough whiskey to make her forget everything else. They didn't kiss like strangers. They kissed like enemies set on ruining each other.
When Aria woke the next morning, sunlight sliced across the penthouse suite like guilt. She sat up slowly, her hair tangled, her mind racing.
Julian was still asleep—bare-chested, too relaxed, like nothing about the night had been a disaster.
Aria stared at him.
Then she quietly gathered her clothes, pulled on her boots, and left without a word.