The Billionaire’s Dangerous Game

Fate or Stalking?

Lexi could barely focus after returning to her boutique. The lingering heat of embarrassment clung to her skin, making every task feel heavier than usual.

She had to visit Cooper Holdings the next day to sort out some final details for the gala, and now, the thought of facing Ethan on purely professional grounds felt almost impossible.

What would he think of her?

Would he see her as clumsy, awkward… or worse?

She regretted stepping out for that coffee at all. She could have asked Riley to go instead. She could have ignored the craving. But now, the image of him appearing at her shoulder, voice smooth and certain replayed in her mind.

Almost too certain.

Lexi paused mid-sketch, pen hovering over the paper. Ethan didn’t seem like the kind of man to simply wander into a random café. And yet… there he was.

The thought lingered, unsettling and unwelcome, as she forced herself back to work. But no matter how hard she tried, the question clung to her, silent and sharp.

Was it just coincidence… or something else?

She pushed through the rest of the day, hiding behind her work until the sun dipped low and the boutique’s windows caught the amber glow of evening. Riley packed up with a cheerful goodbye, but Lexi’s distracted responses betrayed her wandering thoughts.

By the time she locked the boutique and stepped into the cool night air, she’d managed to rehearse a dozen ways to explain the encounter to her friends, none of which made her sound any less flustered.

****

Her apartment was warm and alive with chatter when she walked in. Ava was curled up on the couch, scrolling through her phone, while Zoe stood at the kitchen counter, spoon in hand, stirring something fragrant.

“You’re late,” Zoe called without looking up. “Busy day?”

Lexi dropped her bag onto the armchair and kicked off her heels. “You could say that.”

Ava looked up, curiosity sharpening. “That tone… okay, spill. What happened?”

Lexi hesitated, then sighed, running a hand through her hair. “You know that café next to the boutique?”

Both of them nodded, already sensing the incoming drama.

“I went in for a coffee. And guess who decided to show up at the exact worst possible moment.”

Ava’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh no. Don’t tell me…”

Lexi sank into the couch, cheeks warming all over again. “Ethan Cooper. Paid for my drink like some… knight in shining armor.”

Zoe set down her spoon, grinning. “Ooooh, this is good.”

“It’s not good,” Lexi muttered. “It was awkward. And now I have to see him tomorrow at his company.”

Ava leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Is this the universe telling us something? First the bar, now the café?”

Lexi groaned, sinking deeper into the couch. “The universe needs to mind its own business.”

Zoe smirked, leaning against the counter. “Or maybe it’s trying to tell you Mr. Tall, Hot, and Billionaire has a thing for fashion designers who don’t swoon at his feet.”

“That’s not it,” Lexi said quickly, though her pulse betrayed her with a traitorous flutter. “He just… happened to be there.”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “Twice within 24 hours? Two different places? Come on, Lex. That’s either fate or he’s stalking you.”

Lexi shot her a look. “Not funny.”

Zoe crossed her arms. “Maybe not.”

The words settled in her chest like a stone, though she was quick to dismiss it. Why on earth would Ethan Cooper stalk her anyway?

She gave a short, incredulous laugh at the thought, yet the sound rang a little hollow.