Haven's expression remained glacial, her grape old wine scent offering no purchase to the flirtation. "Merger discussions are confined to the executive board, Emara. I appreciate the offer, but my schedule is committed. And my priorities are here." She glanced pointedly at Althea.

"Are they?" Emara challenged, her eyes glinting. "Or are they contractually obligated to be here?"

The air in the booth turned to ice. Emara had plunged a knife directly into the heart of the secret Althea only whispered to Sushi.

Furious that this woman was succeeding where she had so often failed, Althea decided to interrupt with the only weapon she had left: unapologetic Omega entitlement.

"She can't, Emara," Althea chirped, picking up her fork and tapping it loudly against her water glass. "Haven is my head of security tomorrow. We have a very important date at the library to discuss fern propagation and African Violets. It's doctor's orders. You wouldn't want to be responsible for my tragic relapse, would you?"

Emara laughed, a sound like shattering crystal. "You always were so dramatic, Althea. Well, I won't keep you from your... domestic duties," she said, making the words sound like a terminal diagnosis.

She gave Haven one last, lingering look. "Call me, darling. We have so much history to catch up on."

With that, Emara swept away, leaving a trail of aggressive floral scent and simmering tension in her wake.

Haven sat down heavily, releasing a long, weary breath. She looked more drained than she had all evening.

"That," Haven stated, picking up her wine glass but not drinking, "was Miss Emara Vale Sinclair. Your cousin. And a significant corporate adversary."

Althea stared at her plate, her playful facade completely obliterated. Her heart hammered, fueled by a bitter, agonizing jealousy she didn't know she could feel. She kissed her. She flirted with her. And Haven barely reacted.

"Yeah," Althea whispered, her voice rough. "I got that. So, why did she call you 'darling,' Secret Chef? Was that also a necessary part of the 'consolidation of assets'?"

The enjoyable dinner date was over. The battlefield was now officially open.