Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Ethan Sullivan sat behind his desk.
Olivia Laurent pushed the door open.
A practiced smile graced her lips.
"Ethan, why didn't you answer my calls last night?"
He turned a page of the document before him.
"Since when does the Laurent family care about me?"
Her smile faltered slightly.
She had texted him an invitation to a family dinner.
He hadn't even bothered to reply.
If Greenwood Group didn't need Sullivan Corporation's support...
She wouldn't be here enduring his cold demeanor.
Olivia took a deep breath.
"I was worried about you."
She pulled a file from her bag.
"I came to discuss a collaboration."
The documents slid across the desk toward Ethan.
Olivia circled around to his side.
"Father wants me to gain experience in the company."
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
The elegant curve of her neck lengthened.
"I just returned from abroad and know nothing about business."
A faint trace of perfume drifted between them.
Ethan frowned and leaned away.
Olivia pretended not to notice.
"Greenwood wants to co-host an event with Breeze Perfumes."
She outlined the proposal in detail.
Her gaze lingered on Ethan's sharp profile.
The man's angular features were devastatingly handsome.
Regret twisted in her chest.
She never should have broken off their engagement.
Now he stood at the pinnacle of the business world.
While she faced the collapse of her privileged life.
Greenwood Group teetered on the edge of disaster.
Ethan was her only hope.
"We can collaborate."
His voice held no warmth.
Olivia's eyes brightened.
"Thank you, Ethan!"
With Breeze Perfumes' backing, they'd survive this crisis.
Her pulse quickened.
Once this was over, she'd win him back.
"What would you like in return?"
She said it lightly, teasing.
"Shall I offer my hand in marriage?"
Ethan closed the file with a snap.
His gaze cut like a blade.
"Don't push your luck."
His tone was icy.
"This collaboration repays an old debt to the Laurent family."
Olivia's face paled.
That had been her greatest bargaining chip.
Now expended in a single transaction.
Her nails bit into her palms.
"I didn't mean..."
Ethan looked down, dismissing her.
"My assistant will handle the details."
The dismissal was clear.
Olivia pressed her lips together.