Melting the Ice King : The Billionaire's Heart

Standing in the corner of his large office, Darius Knight could see the expansive metropolis below via floor-to-ceiling windows. Although the metropolitan skyline gleamed like a sea of diamonds, Darius saw more in it than simply the surrounding scenery. It was the empire he owned. All the buildings, all the deals, and all the people in it seemed to be within his reach. His cold blue eyes darted over the horizon as though the lowering sun had come to follow his orders.

His life had been a meticulously constructed tower of perfection, designed to keep the outside world at arm's length. Power was his inheritance. His authority was unquestionable by everybody. Not his employees, not his competitors, and certainly not any of the women who tried, and failed, to penetrate the barrier he had built around his heart. The entire world saw Darius as a wealthy, powerful, and in control man. But there remained a hole—an unfathomable loneliness that even he refused to accept—for those few who ventured to look closer.

Oliver, his assistant, greeted him as he came in the door and said, "Mr. Knight." "The Greene lecture is about to begin."

Darius took a while to reply. His hand fluttered over his perfectly coiffed black hair; his thoughts were already somewhat diverted. Although he was aware of Aurora Greene, the newest IT superstar, she was only a transaction, another component of his expanding empire. He would meet with her, evaluate her presentation, and determine if Knight Enterprises would benefit from her or toss her aside like so many others had those who came before her.

Still, he was drawn to something about her reputation. Not only was she intelligent, but he had heard tales about her attitude as well. The untamed, courageous redhead who would not submit to authority. He had, of course, seen pictures of her. It didn't matter that she was lovely. She was in town to conduct business, and if she lived up to the hype, he may have acquired a useful new resource.

Darius pulled his tie straight, gazing at himself as if he were the ice king in the mirror of the glass. He said, "Let's get this over with," and moved in the direction of the meeting room.

Aurora Greene was in the heart of all the excitement that was buzzing around the conference room. She got up, and as she prepared her presentation, her eyes flashed with confidence, and her wild red locks cascaded down her back. As she spoke to her colleagues, her fingers skittered over her tablet and a rush of technical jargon spilled from her lips.

Aurora was accustomed to being the focal point of interest. She demanded it, not because she looked for it. Her bright, fearless personality illuminated the space. She wasn't simply another face in the crowd today, yet it was still the same. She will soon meet him.

Knight Darius.

She was aware of the tales. In the corporate world, the guy was a legend who was both admired and feared. Aurora had a rush of exhilaration when she entered the room with him, in contrast to most individuals who would feel anxious. Challenges were what she lived for, and Darius was the best.

The commotion subsided when the meeting room door opened. With the calm, intimidating confidence of a predator, the man entered the room and all eyes in the room turned to watch him. With each stride, Darius Knight radiated strength, his icy gaze surveying the room before settling on her.

When their gaze met for a brief instant, Aurora had an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach that resembled a flash of fire colliding with a wall of ice. There was an elemental conflict, and neither side was willing to concede.

Darius sat at the head of the table and stated, "Miss Greene," in a deep, authoritative voice. "I hope you've got anything remarkable to present to us today.

Aurora smiled; her lips quirked. "Mr. Knight, impressions don't jive with me. I work with outcomes.

As Aurora held her ground and daringly challenged him with her sparkling green eyes, the room became quiet. Darius arched an eyebrow, a little shocked by her boldness. His cold attitude would have brought most people to their knees, but not her.

He folded his hands in front of him and replied, "Results, then." "Let's check out your inventory."

As the presentation got underway, Darius was having trouble concentrating just on the technical aspects. He observed Aurora moving with a self-assurance that was uncommon in others, particularly in someone who wasn't attempting to win him over. Instead of fawning or flirting like the ladies he was accustomed to, she was only in her element, sharing her innovation with an almost contagious enthusiasm.

Her remarks were short and snappy, and her voice had a silky, musical tone, but what really got to him was her enthusiasm. Aurora was lively, full of life. It was obvious that she didn't care if he approved or not; she was there because she believed in her job, not to get his approval.

When she was done, there was a hush in the room, and Darius was the center of attention. Leaning back in his chair, he contemplated the ramifications of her pitch, his countenance inscrutable. What she had developed was a technology that could propel his business forward and was nothing short of revolutionary years of the competition.

At last, Darius replied in a calm, steady voice, "Impressive." "However, I'm not sure how scalable it is."

Aurora remained unfazed. Rather, she stood up straight and addressed his eyes directly. That's because you're considering it using antiquated criteria. Mr. Knight, this is more than simply a product. It's a complete change in how we view technology. Perhaps you're not the proper spouse for me if you can't think creatively.

Everyone in the room held their breath. While Darius had faced challenges in the past, none nearly matched this one. Not only did she not agree with him, but she also questioned his methods, his vision, and him personally.

Darius observed her for a long while without saying anything, his ice-blue eyes narrowing. Everyone in the room was waiting for his response. But a little, imperceptible smile pulled at the corner of his lips, replacing his wrath.

"I understand," he murmured quietly, his tone lowering to a foreboding whisper. "You believe you are smarter than I am."

Aurora gave a casual shrug. In relation to this? Yes, I do.

The room was filled with shock, but Darius didn't appear to be phased. Rather, he inclined forward, his gaze meeting hers with an enhanced passion. You have audacity, Miss Greene. That's what I'll offer you. To be clear though, I make the final say on what works and what doesn't in this room and firm. You're in for a surprise if you expect to come in here and dictate conditions to me—a startling realization.

With a rebellious lift of her chin, Aurora answered his stare with equal intensity. "I'm not giving orders here. I'm giving you the opportunity to take part in something greater than you could have ever dreamed. It's your loss if you're too set in your ways to see that.

The room became hushed again, the tension sharp enough to cut. However, this time there was more at play than merely a disagreement between astute businesspeople; there was something more fundamental. Between them, there was a war of wills that none of them was ready to lose, and the air crackled with electricity.

Darius's mind raced as he fixed a long momentary gaze on her. She was really annoying. Brazen. careless. Nevertheless, he was unable to ignore the odd attraction he felt for her. Someone had the audacity to challenge and push him for the first time in years. And it surprised him more than he had anticipated.

"Very well, Miss Greene," Darius eventually murmured in a silky, quiet voice. "You've stated your position. We will proceed with your project—subject to my approval."

Aurora smiled once again. "So I guess we've made a deal."

Darius felt a strange and unexpected sensation seeping into his chest as he watched Aurora leave the conference room as the discussion came to an end. Someone had gotten under his skin for the first time since he could remember.

He also wasn't quite sure how he should feel about it.