Zee Pruk was used to moving through rooms filled with ambition without ever raising his voice. He led with composure that was often mistaken for distance. The alpha did not rush—he observed, calculated, and then decided. To him, the business world was a map of risks to be understood, not conquered through ego.

Nunew’s name appeared on that map as a quiet disruption. Not because of scandal, nor failure, but because of speed. Too fast. A company rising aggressively, led by an omega who refused to be simplified. Zee did not underestimate that. If anything, he paid closer attention.

Nunew, on the other hand, had long grown tired of how the world looked at him. He knew his reputation—emotional, bossy, difficult to manage. None of it was entirely false, yet none of it was complete. He worked relentlessly, took risks others avoided, and never asked permission to grow. For him, survival meant moving forward.

The regional CEO forum became their first point of intersection. The event was formal and measured, like most gatherings of those who held power. Zee sat in the front row, posture straight, expression unreadable. He listened, made notes, occasionally lifting his gaze toward the screen.

Then the doors opened.

Nunew entered without drawing attention—yet attention followed him anyway. His steps were steady, unhurried. His suit was clean and sharp, not designed to hide who he was. A few heads turned. Whispers stirred, then faded.

Zee looked up—and paused.

For the first time, he was not seeing data or projections. He was seeing a presence. An omega standing with quiet confidence, not demanding space, simply occupying it. Nunew caught his gaze and did not look away. There was no challenge, no retreat—only assessment.

When the discussion session began, tension surfaced without raised voices. Nunew spoke first—direct, precise, unapologetic. His strategy was bold, bordering on reckless to some. Zee responded calmly, questioning the sustainability of such risk.

The room held its breath.

Nunew turned to him, one brow lifting slightly. “Risk is necessary,” he said evenly, his tone sharp beneath the calm. “Stability without courage only leads to stagnation.”

Zee replied without emotion. “Courage without control only accelerates collapse.”

No one won. No one lost. But something shifted in that room—a silent recognition that both perspectives carried weight.

When the session ended, they stood almost at the same time. In the hallway, their steps slowed without agreement. Zee offered a brief nod. Nunew returned it with a faint, knowing smile.

Rivals.

No feelings yet. No intentions beyond testing boundaries. But beneath the professionalism, two worlds had just collided—and both of them knew this would not be their last encounter.