Chapter 2: The Billionaire’s Interest

Max’s POV

"Max, have you seen this?"

Lindsay, my assistant, burst into my office without knocking, as usual. I looked up from the pile of acquisition reports on my desk, already annoyed by the interruption.

"What is it?" I asked, my tone clipped. Lindsay knew better than to waste my time.

She held up a glossy business magazine, flipping it open to a page she’d marked with a bright red tab. "It’s an article about Seraphina Luxe," she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

I arched an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Seraphina Luxe? Sounds like another wannabe fashion brand. Why should I care?"

Lindsay shook her head. "It's not just another fashion brand, Max. It’s different. Look at this." She thrust the magazine at me, and I took it, scanning the page.

The headline read, "The Rise of Seraphina Devereaux: Fashion’s New Power Player." Below it was a photo of a striking woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and an air of unyielding confidence.

She stood amidst a crowd of well-dressed elites, her presence commanding attention even on the printed page.

I skimmed the article, my interest piqued despite myself. Seraphina Devereaux—Sera, as she was more commonly called—wasn't just another designer.

She was the founder of Seraphina Luxe, a startup that had somehow managed to carve out a niche in the notoriously brutal fashion industry.

And not just any niche—an ethical, sustainable niche that was already causing ripples in a sea dominated by sharks.

"She’s been making waves," Lindsay continued, clearly reading the expression on my face. "And not just in fashion. Investors are starting to take notice. She’s smart, savvy, and her brand is growing fast. Too fast."

I leaned back in my chair, tapping my fingers against the armrest. "You think she’s a threat?" I asked, my mind already calculating the angles.

Lindsay hesitated. "Maybe not a threat yet. But she could be. If she keeps growing at this rate, she could pose a serious challenge to our interests in the luxury sector. And you know how quickly these things can escalate."

I nodded, my thoughts racing. I hadn’t gotten to where I was by ignoring potential threats—or opportunities.

If this Sera was as smart and ambitious as she seemed, she could be either. Or both.

"All right," I said finally, closing the magazine and tossing it onto my desk. "Get me everything you can find on Seraphina Devereaux. I want to know who she is, where she came from, and what she wants."

Lindsay nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "I’m on it, Max."

As she turned to leave, I called after her. "And Lindsay?"

She paused, looking back at me expectantly.

"I want a meeting with her," I said, a plan already forming in my mind. "Arrange it. But make it look like a coincidence."

Lindsay's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Understood."

I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face as I contemplated my next move.

Seraphina Devereaux didn’t know it yet, but she was about to become the most important player in a game she didn’t even know she was in.

It didn't take Lindsay long to gather the information I needed. By the end of the day, I had a complete dossier on Seraphina Devereaux sitting on my desk.

I flipped through it, scanning the details: her background, her education, her early career in fashion, and her decision to strike out on her own and create Seraphina Luxe.

It was all there, every carefully curated detail of her public persona.

But there was something else too—something deeper. As I read, I found myself becoming more intrigued by this woman who had seemingly come out of nowhere to build a brand that was already challenging some of the biggest names in fashion.

She was clever, ambitious, and from the looks of it, fiercely independent. The kind of woman who didn’t take no for an answer.

I liked that.

"Max, you’re not seriously considering this, are you?" a voice interrupted my thoughts.

I looked up to see Simon, my head of acquisitions, standing in the doorway, his expression a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

"Considering what?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.

"Going after Seraphina Luxe," Simon said, stepping into the office and closing the door behind him. "It’s a small company, barely more than a startup. Hardly worth your time."

I arched an eyebrow. "Is that so? From what I’ve heard, Seraphina Luxe is making quite the name for itself. And I don't like potential competitors sneaking up on me, especially not in my own backyard."

Simon shrugged. "Maybe so, but there are easier targets, Max. Bigger fish to fry. Why waste your time on this?"

I leaned forward, folding my hands on the desk. "Because this isn't just about the company, Simon. It’s about the woman behind it. Seraphina Devereaux. She’s smart, ambitious, and she’s built something out of nothing. That’s not the kind of person you ignore. That’s the kind of person you either crush... or bring into the fold."

Simon frowned. "And which are you planning to do?"

I smiled. "I haven’t decided yet. That’s why I want to meet her. I need to know what kind of player she is before I make my move."

Simon sighed, shaking his head. "You always did love a challenge."

I chuckled. "You know me too well, Simon."

He nodded, a resigned look on his face. "Just be careful, Max. This one might be more trouble than she’s worth."

I waved him off. "Don’t worry, Simon. I know what I’m doing."

Simon left, and I turned my attention back to the dossier on my desk. I flipped to a photo of Seraphina, her eyes fierce and determined as she stood in front of a crowd of adoring fans. Yes, I thought, this one would be worth the effort.

I picked up the phone and dialed Lindsay’s extension. She answered on the second ring.

"Lindsay, I want you to arrange a meeting with Seraphina Devereaux," I said, my voice calm and measured. "But I don’t want her to know it’s a meeting. Make it look like a chance encounter."

Lindsay hesitated for a moment. "How do you want me to do that?"

I smiled. "Use your imagination. You’re good at this. Just make sure it happens soon. I want to meet her before she knows we’re watching."

"Understood, Max," Lindsay said, and I could hear the wheels turning in her head as she thought of how to pull it off. "I’ll take care of it."

"Good," I said, hanging up the phone. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the photo of Seraphina Devereaux once more. This was going to be interesting.

Two days later, I received a text from Lindsay.

Lindsay: Meeting arranged. Seraphina will be at the Blue Orchid restaurant tomorrow evening. I’ve made a reservation for you under an alias.

I smirked, impressed by Lindsay’s efficiency. The Blue Orchid was one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city, a favorite among the elite. It was the perfect place for a "chance" encounter.

The following evening, I dressed in my finest suit and made my way to the restaurant. The Blue Orchid was dimly lit, with soft music playing in the background and the low hum of conversation filling the air.

I spotted Seraphina almost immediately, seated at a table near the back, her head bent over a menu.

I approached her table with confident strides, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I reached her, I cleared my throat, and she looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she took in my appearance.

"Good evening," I said, flashing her a charming smile. "I’m sorry to intrude, but I couldn’t help but notice you were dining alone. May I join you?"

She blinked, clearly taken aback by my sudden appearance. For a moment, I thought she might refuse, but then she nodded, gesturing to the empty seat across from her.

"Of course," she said, her voice cool and composed. "Please, have a seat."

I sat down, my eyes never leaving hers. "Thank you. I’m Max. Max Thorne."

Her eyes flickered with recognition, and I could see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to place the name. "Thorne Industries," she said slowly, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "I’ve heard of you."

I smiled. "I’d be surprised if you hadn’t. We’ve been making quite a splash lately."

She nodded, her expression guarded. "So, what brings you to the Blue Orchid tonight, Mr. Thorne? Surely you’re not here by chance."

I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "Caught me. I’m here for the same reason you are—to enjoy a good meal and maybe make a few connections."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and I could tell she wasn’t buying it. But she played along, her tone polite but firm. "Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for."

I smiled, my gaze intense as I met her eyes. "Oh, I’m sure I will, Ms. Devereaux. I’m sure I will."

She stiffened at the mention of her name, and I could see the realization dawning in her eyes—she understood now that our meeting was no coincidence. Her polite facade slipped for just a moment, replaced by a flash of wariness.

"You did your homework," she said, her voice low and edged with caution. "So, what’s this really about, Mr. Thorne?"

I leaned forward, keeping my tone light but my gaze unwavering. "I’m interested in people who make waves, Ms. Devereaux. And you’ve certainly caught my attention."

She held my gaze, her jaw tightening as she weighed her next words. "If you think you can just waltz in here and… what? Intimidate me? Buy me out? You’re in for a surprise."

I smirked, admiring her spirit. "Who said anything about buying you out? I’m here because I see potential—for both of us. But that depends on whether you’re willing to play the game."

Her eyes flickered with defiance, but before she could respond, a sudden commotion near the entrance of the restaurant drew our attention.

I turned to see two men in dark suits, clearly security, moving swiftly toward our table.

And then, as if right on cue, the maître d’ appeared at our side, his face pale as he whispered urgently in my ear, "Mr. Thorne, there’s someone here who insists on speaking with you. Immediately."

I looked back at Sera, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Looks like we’re not the only ones playing games tonight," I said, standing up.

As I followed the maître d’, leaving Sera behind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our encounter had just set something much larger into motion.

And I wasn’t sure if either of us was ready for what came next.