Chapter 3

THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN

Asher stormed out of the conference room, his mind racing with thoughts of the meeting with Ryder. He couldn't believe that his father was actually considering a merger with Blackwood Incorporated.

As he walked back to his office, Asher's assistant, Emily, looked up at him with concern. "Asher, how did the meeting go?" she asked.

Asher shook his head. "It was a disaster," he said. "Ryder Blackwood is a shark. He's going to destroy this company if we're not careful."

Emily's eyes widened. "What are you going to do?" she asked.

Asher's jaw clenched. "I'm going to fight him every step of the way," he said. "I'm not going to let him destroy everything my family has worked for."

As Asher sat down at his desk, he began to brainstorm ways to stop the merger. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to do whatever it took to protect Thompson Industries.

Meanwhile, Ryder was sitting in his office, a smile spreading across his face as he thought about the meeting with Asher. He had to admit, he was impressed by Asher's passion and determination.

But Ryder wasn't going to let Asher's feelings get in the way of his plans. He was going to do whatever it took to make the merger happen, even if it meant going up against Asher.

As the days went by, the battle between Asher and Ryder intensified. They clashed in meetings, exchanged heated emails, and even got into a shouting match in the hallway.

But despite their differences, Asher couldn't help but notice the way Ryder's eyes sparkled when he was angry. Or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.

Asher pushed the thoughts aside, telling himself he was being ridiculous. He hated Ryder Blackwood, and he was going to do everything in his power to stop him.

But as the tension between them continued to build, Asher couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Ryder than met the eye.

One night, as Asher was working late, he received an email from Ryder. His heart sank as he read the message, his mind racing with thoughts of the latest development in their battle.

But as he looked closer at the email, Asher noticed something strange. Ryder's tone was different, softer somehow. And at the end of the message, he had included a personal note.

"Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th street at 7am tomorrow," the note read. "Come alone."

Asher's eyes narrowed as he read the note. What did Ryder want? And why did he want to meet in secret?

As Asher sat at his desk, staring at the email, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He didn't trust Ryder, and he wasn't sure what he was getting himself into.

But as he looked at the note again, Asher felt a spark of curiosity ignite within him. He had to know what Ryder wanted.

And so, the next morning, Asher found himself standing outside the coffee shop on 5th street, wondering what he had gotten himself into.