The glass tower loomed over the city, reflecting the late afternoon sun like a beacon of power. It was his building. Not just an office—an empire. People whispered his name in boardrooms, feared him in negotiations, admired him in articles that called him a self-made legend.

But right now, as Brian Lancaster stepped out of his car, adjusting the cuff of his suit, all of that faded into the background.

Because she was here.

Standing on the sidewalk, hands shoved into her oversized hoodie, head tilted back as she stared up at the massive skyscraper with a mix of amusement and disbelief. A suitcase sat by her feet, her sneakers scuffed from travel. She hadn’t changed much. Still had that wild hair she never bothered to brush, still looked at things like she was five seconds from causing trouble.

And of course, she noticed him the second he noticed her.

A slow, smug grin stretched across her lips. “Brian freaking Lancaster.”

His jaw clenched. He didn’t know if it was because of how ridiculous she looked in front of his building, or because he hadn’t seen her in years, or because hearing his full name in her voice felt like a punch to the gut.

“You look important,” she teased, her eyes flicking over his suit before she gasped dramatically. “No way. You own this place? Did they lose a bet?”

Brian exhaled sharply, rolling his eyes. “You’re still a pain in the ass, huh?”

She smirked. “And you still look constipated when you’re annoyed.”

He didn’t hesitate. He flicked her forehead—hard.

She yelped, clutching her head. “Ow! You jerk!”

Brian crossed his arms. “You were staring at my building like an idiot.”

“I was admiring it, actually,” she shot back. “Mostly because I can’t believe you’re rich. I thought you’d be living in your mom’s basement forever.”

He scoffed. “And I thought you’d be in jail by now.”