Avery stormed into Sinclair Interiors, the glass door swinging shut behind her with more force than necessary. The familiar scent of fresh coffee and scented candles did little to calm the fire raging in her chest. She dropped her portfolio onto her desk with a loud thud and let out a frustrated breath.
Lila Chen looked up from her computer, one perfectly arched eyebrow raised. “That bad? I thought the Parker project was a big win.”
“It is,” Avery said, kicking off her heels and sinking into her chair. “We got it. But the client is… impossible.”
Lila wheeled her chair closer, smelling drama. “Spill. Is he old and creepy? Or young and entitled?”
Avery rubbed her temples. “Young. Extremely good-looking. And the coldest human being I have ever met. I bumped into him at the gala last night by accident and apologized. Twice. He acted like I was invisible. Then today, when I walked into the meeting, he remembered everything and threw it in my face like I was beneath him.”
Lila whistled. “Ferdinand Parker. I should have warned you. People say he’s ruthless since he returned. They call him the Ice King for a reason.”
“Ice King?” Avery laughed bitterly. “That’s too kind. He’s more like a block of frozen stone with zero manners. He spoke to me like I was nothing. Then he gave us the project while threatening me in the same breath.”
Sophie, their young intern, poked her head into the office. “Wait… you met Ferdinand Parker? Is he as terrifying as everyone says?”
“Terrifying isn’t the word,” Avery muttered. “He’s empty. Like there’s nothing behind his eyes. He looked at me like I was an insect he could crush whenever he felt like it.”
Lila leaned back, studying her friend. “But we really got the project? That’s huge for us, Avery. The exposure alone could take Sinclair Interiors to another level.”
Avery nodded, though her jaw was still tight. “Yes, we got it. And I’m going to do an incredible job. Not for him. For us. I refuse to let that arrogant man rattle me.”
Her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and sighed. It was her father.
“I have to take this,” she told Lila.
Stepping into her private office, Avery answered. “Hi, Dad.”
“Avery, my darling,” Richard Sinclair’s voice boomed through the speaker. “I heard you had a meeting with Ferdinand Parker this morning. How did it go?”
“We got the project,” she replied flatly.
“Excellent! That’s wonderful news.” There was a short pause. “And… have you given any more thought to the other matter?”
Avery’s stomach tightened. “If you mean the marriage arrangement, the answer is still no. I’m not selling myself to secure a business deal.”
Richard sighed heavily. “This isn’t just a deal, Avery. It’s about securing our family’s future. The Parker Empire is powerful. A marriage would protect everything we’ve built. Ferdinand is a strong man. He would take care of you.”
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” she shot back. “I’ve built this firm with my own sweat and tears. I won’t marry a man who treats people like they’re disposable.”
Her father’s voice hardened. “Sometimes we don’t get to choose, Avery. Think about your mother. Think about the company. At least keep an open mind. The Parkers are expecting an answer soon.”
Avery ended the call before she said something she would regret. She leaned against her desk, eyes closed. The pressure from her family had been building for months, but after meeting Ferdinand Parker, the idea of marrying him felt suffocating.
Meanwhile, on the top floor of Parker Tower, Ferdinand sat behind his massive desk, staring out at the city. The meeting with Avery had ended over an hour ago, yet he had not moved.
Claire entered quietly with documents. “The contract for Sinclair Interiors has been prepared. Should I send it over?”
Ferdinand gave a single nod.
Claire hesitated before speaking again. “Miss Sinclair seems… different from most designers we work with.”
Ferdinand’s voice was ice cold. “She is reckless and disrespectful. But her work is competent. That is all that matters.”
Claire nodded and left the room.
Alone once more, Ferdinand allowed himself a moment of reflection. Avery Sinclair was nothing like Sophia. Where Sophia had been sweet and calculating, Avery was direct and unafraid. She had looked him in the eye and challenged him without caring about his power. That should have angered him.
Instead, it unsettled him.
He picked up his phone and dialed his mother.
Elena answered on the second ring. “Ferdinand. How was your meeting with Avery?”
“I gave her the project,” he said flatly. “She is… difficult.”
Elena’s soft laugh came through the line. “Good. You need someone who challenges you. The Sinclairs are pressing for an answer on the marriage. I think it would be wise to move forward.”
Ferdinand’s grip on the phone tightened slightly, the only sign of emotion he allowed himself.
“I will consider it,” he replied. “But do not expect anything more than a business arrangement. My heart is not part of this deal.”
He ended the call and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. Avery’s angry hazel eyes flashed in his mind again. Her sharp words. Her refusal to cower.
A very small, almost invisible crack appeared in the ice around his chest.
He crushed the feeling immediately.
Emotions had destroyed him once. He would not allow it to happen again.