I walked into the country club, determined to find Mr. Harris, the owner of Star Grove. He was proving to be quite stubborn, but I was equally determined to persuade him to sell me his hotel. I knew he often played golf with his friends here, so I hoped that after the game, he might be in a more agreeable mood.

It had been over a week since I'd seen William, which was a relief. Our recent interactions had been tense, and we both needed some space. The situation was becoming toxic, and I had to admit, I was getting too comfortable in his presence.

As I approached the clubhouse, I spotted him sitting at a table on the terrace. My heart sank when I saw who was sitting across from him—William. He looked entirely too comfortable, casually leaning back in his chair with a drink in hand, his signature smirk firmly in place.

I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to approach them or not.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and walked over to them. "Mr. Harris," I greeted with a polite smile, "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Mr. Harris looked up, his face breaking into a smile. "Isabella! Not at all, please join us." He gestured to an empty chair, but I remained standing, my gaze shifting to William.

"William," I acknowledged curtly, my voice tight.

"Isabella," he replied smoothly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "What a pleasant surprise."

I sat down. "At this point, it shouldn't be because somehow you're always around." My tone didn't hide my sarcasm or annoyance. "You two are well acquainted?"

"We met at the golf course," William explained happily.

"Sure you did." My smile tightened. "Mr. Harris, I was hoping we could discuss the proposal again. I've thought of a few more points that might interest you."

"Of course," Mr. Harris said, but before I could say more, he turned to William. "You know, William was just sharing some fascinating stories about his family's ventures. Quite impressive."

"Oh, you flatter us, Elliot," William replied with a cheeky smile. "But you're definitely right. The Montgomery name is famous, far and wide. One would say people look up to us for guidance," he said, the last part directed at me.

As William's words hit me like a slap in the face, I clenched my jaw, struggling to maintain my composure. I couldn't let him get to me, not now, not in front of Mr. Harris.

"That's one way to put it," I replied coolly, forcing a smile. "But I believe every family has its own legacy, Mr. Harris. Some more colorful than others."

"One thing we always say is, it's crucial to make sure that any changes made to any hotel respect its legacy," he continued. "Wouldn't you agree, Isabella?"

I forced a tight smile. "Absolutely."

"Ah, and you also mention the importance of stable financial backing in such ventures, William," Mr. Harris said. "It's another thing to worry about."

My jaw tightened. "My team and I are more than capable of securing the hotel."

"Yes, but having the right people in charge is another important factor."

I shot him a withering look but kept my tone measured. "That's exactly why I'm here—to assure Mr. Harris that our team is committed to making this hotel a success. We have the experience, the vision, and the resources."

William chuckled softly, clearly enjoying my struggle. "Sometimes it's better to think carefully about who you trust with such an important legacy."

My patience snapped. "We're not here to talk about trust issues, William. Mr. Harris—"

Mr. Harris raised a hand, looking between the two of us. "I appreciate both of your perspectives, but this decision isn't easy for me and it's a big one. I have to think."

William leaned back, his eyes never leaving mine, a hint of triumph in his gaze. "Well, whatever you decide, Elliot, I'm sure it will be the right choice."

"You're not helping," I said through gritted teeth.

He shrugged, unbothered. "Just stating the obvious."

Mr. Harris nodded slowly. "Alright, Isabella. I'm willing to give your proposal another look. How about we schedule another meeting to discuss it in more detail?"

Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Mr. Harris. I'll have my assistant call yours—"

William stood abruptly, spilling his drink. The cold liquid soaked through my shirt and jeans.

"I'm so sorry, Isabella," he said, reaching to pat down my shirt.

I stepped back quickly, forcing a tight smile. "It's fine." I shot William a murderous glare but kept my tone civil. "I'll just....freshen up."

His grin widened. "Let me help—"

"No need," I cut him off, turning to Mr. Harris. "I'll be back in a moment."

I stalked off to the restroom, muttering curses under my breath. As I reached the sink, trying to blot the stain from my blouse, the door swung open. I glanced in the mirror to see William leaning casually against the wall, a smug expression on his face.

"What do you want?" I snapped, turning back to the sink.

"Just making sure you're all right," he said, his voice infuriatingly calm. "You seemed a bit flustered back there."

I glared at him through the mirror. "Cut the crap. You did that on purpose, and don't think I don't know that you're trying to sabotage me."

"Sabotage? Now why would I do something like that?"

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Oh, I don't know, maybe because you can't stand the thought of me succeeding without you?"

He chuckled, stepping closer until he was standing right behind me, his breath warm against my ear. "Is that what you think, Isabella? That I'm threatened by you?"

I felt his breath tickle my neck. Goosebumps rose, and my heart thumped in my chest.

I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to whirl around and confront him face to face. "You tell me, William. You seem awfully invested in ensuring I fail."

He leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing against my earlobe. "Maybe I just enjoy watching you squirm."

I struggled with my body reacting to his scent and words. He reached out slowly and put a hand on my waist. My throat felt too clogged up to speak.

Heat flickered in his blue eyes, turning them almost gray, and his eyes dropped to my lips.

This was not happening.

Not again.

My heart thundered in my chest, and the blood in my ears roared so loudly. My body was reacting insanely to his touch.

It took all my effort to make my mouth form words. "I hate you. I really do."

He leaned in and put his mouth to my ear. "Confession."

I closed my eyes as my heart began to beat deep and slow.

"You've been on my mind." His deep, hushed voice on my neck sent shock waves through my system.

William pressed his hips forward and pinned me against the sink. My insides began to melt.

"Imagine, in another alternate reality, there are no bets, rivalry, or games between us," he whispered. "We'd just be two people so fucking hot for each other," he breathed as he took a handful of my hair and gripped it hard.

I struggled to breathe.

"Haven't you thought about it, Isabella? What it would feel like to relive that night again? To get high on the real thing? That sound you made when you came all over my cock?"

My brain snaps, and I pushed back from him, more like stumbling to get enough space to breathe. I turned around, gripping the sink between my fingers.

"Isabella—"

"Don't," I warned. "Don't say another fucking word, Montgomery."

"Why?" he pressed. "Why is it so hard for you to accept this? Is this because of that idiot? Was that kiss everything you've ever imagined?"

I laughed. "You really want to know? Fine. That kiss was ten times better than anything you could ever dream of giving me."

"You think this is about jealousy? I don't give a fuck, Isabella."

I sighed. "I thought you were too mad to speak to me? Why don't you go back to that?"

"Why don't you tell me what the real problem is, and we can address it?"

Address it. Like I'm something he wants to figure out and fix.

"Are you kidding me right now? Because it's you, William, a narcissistic asshole who wants everything. If you desperately want confession, then you fight hard to get it out of me because one way or the other, the only way you'd get what you want is to crush me."

A smug smile spread across his annoyingly handsome face. "My hunger, Isabella, is just as fiery as my passion." He reached out and gripped my arm, hurling me against his chest. His eyes roamed over my face with a cheeky grin.

"Let me go, William." I tried to sound firm, but my voice wavered.

"Why? Afraid you might like it?" His grip tightened, his breath hot against my skin.

I glared up at him, refusing to show how his touch made my pulse race. "I hate you."

"Good," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to mine. "Because if you didn't, this wouldn't be half as much fun."

Then held out his hand.

"For all the luck that you'd need," he added.

I hesitated for so many reasons. William only offered handshakes when he meant business, and he'd always won against all the hands he shook.

I looked up at him. "Is that a threat?"

His mouth curved into a smirk. "It's war."

So, while every bone in my body told me to avoid him at all costs, I placed my hand in his.

I made my way back to the terrace. Mr. Harris was still there, but William wasn't.

"Isabella, good thing you're here. I've made a decision. I'm selling Star Grove to you."

I blinked. "What? You are? But what—"

"William had some interesting things to say about your proposal."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He did?"

Mr. Harris nodded. "Yes, he actually convinced me that your vision for the hotel is quite impressive. I've decided to sell. Let's set up a meeting tomorrow. I'll bring my people to your office and sort everything out."

I was still in shock as I walked out of the country club. It wasn't until I was standing by my car that it dawned on me—I got the hotel. A grin spread across my face, and I jumped a little, laughing.

Jones' call came right as I was about to enter the car.

I picked up. "Jones, you'd never believe—"

"Isabella, we have a problem."

My heart sank. "What is it?"

"Philip and Harrison pulled out. They got cold feet, something about the market being too volatile right now. Without their investment, we can't go through with the purchase."

I closed my eyes, trying to stay calm. "Did they say anything? Have you contacted them?"

"They're not picking our calls."

"Okay, wait for me."

I ended the call and gripped my hair. "Fuck."

I had finally secured the hotel, but without the financial backing, it would slip through my fingers.

I couldn't lose this chance. I needed a new investor, and fast.

But where would I find someone willing to back me at the last minute?