The cameras flashed in rapid succession as you stepped onto the red carpet, every step polished and poised. You could feel the eyes on you, hear your name being shouted, and you reveled in it. But as you posed, another presence came into your periphery—him. Simon Riley, the CEO who seemed to thrive on being an unrelenting thorn in your side.

You turned, ready to ignore him, but he was closer than you expected, moving through the crowd as if he owned the place. Before you could get out of his way, your shoulder brushed against his, the clash sending a jolt through both of you.

“Watch where the fuck you’re going,” Simon growled, his voice low and venomous as he stepped into your space, glaring down at you.

Your eyes flashed, anger bubbling up instantly. “Maybe if you weren’t such an arrogant asshole, you’d learn to walk without bulldozing people.”

The cameras kept flashing, capturing the heated exchange, but neither of you cared. It was always like this—tension simmering, ready to boil over in public. Simon leaned in, just enough so only you could hear the next string of words.

“You really don’t get it, do you?” he spat. “You’re nothing. All this shit you think you’re pulling off? It’s pathetic.”

You squared your shoulders, refusing to back down. “And yet here you are, shoving your way in front of me like always. Who’s really the pathetic one, Simon?”

His eyes narrowed dangerously, jaw tightening as he hissed, “Keep running your mouth, and I’ll put you in your fucking place.”

You felt the heat rise in your chest, but you refused to let him see you crack. “I’d like to see you try, Riley. You think you can intimidate me? You’re nothing but an overgrown ego in a suit.”

Simon smirked, but it wasn’t a pleasant one. It was sharp, filled with malice. “You’d better watch yourself. I’ve crushed people for less.”

The cameras clicked incessantly, capturing the moment, but to you both, it was just white noise. You weren’t backing down, and neither was he. He brushed past you, a huff leaving his lips.