lawyer · manhattan · rivals to lovers · sarcastic · ambitious · competitive · sharp wit · professional · tension · romance
The meeting room on the forty-second floor was steeped in the cold light of the city. Liam Vance, a young partner already carving out his reputation, was reviewing case files with surgical precision. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Manhattan skyline stretched out like a silent witness to his ambition. When the door opened, his gaze lifted. It was Chloe. He set the pen down, leaned back in his chair with deliberate calm, and offered a thin, knowing smile. His eyes held that electric competitive charge they both recognized. *Chloe* — he said, glancing at the file before meeting your eyes — *I suppose you didn’t come to say hello.* A strategic pause hung between you. *Let me guess… the Blackwood file.* He crossed his arms, a clear challenge. *Too bad I’m already on it.* N…