Zoe

I wiped the sweat from my forehead as I stood back to admire our booth. After six hours of setting up non-stop, our little corner of the trade hall finally looks amazing.

"What do you think, team?" I asked, turning to my small but incredibly talented crew.

Lissie, my marketing manager in charge, gave me a thumbs up. "It's perfect, Zoe. We nailed it!"

We made our booth stand out with a vibrant green and white color theme. The backdrop featured a stunning forest mural that made our company name—Vital Harvest—shine in elegant gold lettering. We artfully arranged our product samples on bamboo displays that complemented our eco-friendly packaging. The highlight was a massive screen, playing our promotional video on the loop. It featured happy families enjoying our healthy snacks in parks, beaches, and hiking trails.

"I'm so glad we got that living wall," I said, admiring all the herbs and small veggies in our booth. People could pluck a leaf of mint or basil to taste the freshness we infused into our products.

Robert, our marketing wizard, adjusted the lighting to highlight our newest product line. "The interactive taste test station is going to be a hit tomorrow," he said, pointing to the small counter where we'd offer samples.

I couldn't help feeling so proud. Two years ago, Vital Harvest had been just a dream in my kitchen. Now, we were at the biggest food industry expo in the world, ready to wow potential investors.

"Zoe! This booth is incredible." I turned to see Oliver striding toward us, with Amy close behind.

"Oliver! Amy!" I hurried over to hug them both. "I'm so glad to see you both. How's your booth doing?"

"Still not done." Amy pouted. "Our team is struggling with the display shelves. We must fix it to open our booth tomorrow."

"Stuff happens, but I'm sure it'll be alright," I said, then turned to Oliver. "What about you?"

Oliver gestured around the massive trade hall center. "Just setting up in the beverage section. We started late, so we're cramming now."

"Oh, that's too bad. I'm sure you'll finish it today."

"We have to." He smiled and glanced at his watch. "Oops, I must get some stuff. I just stopped by to say your booth looks fantastic. Very on-brand and eye-catching."

"Thank you. I'll check out your booth later once we're finished here," I said.

"Then maybe we can have dinner together later?" he suggested, his eyes gleaming.

As good-looking and impressive as Oliver was, I couldn't help the twist in my gut as I thought about Zeus. After our talk in the garden, I was finding it difficult to keep my mind from wandering to him.

"Umm... I can't," I said apologetically. "I need an early night for tomorrow's opening."

His smile dropped a bit, as if he was hoping for a different response.

"Okay, some other time then," he said and waved goodbye.

"He seems to like you a lot," Amy said after Oliver had left. "He's a nice guy, you know. Good family background and into business like you. You'd make a great couple."

"Oh, please stop. I'm not looking for romance right now. My focus is on my business."

And of course, to secure a distribution deal with Fresh-Food.

"I know, girl. But hey, Oliver is single now, just like you. Who knows, maybe it's fate that you two met in the trade expo. Why don't you give him a chance?"

My parents had mentioned meeting someone special, and Oliver certainly fit in the criteria. He was kind, intelligent, and came from a family of entrepreneurs, just like ours. I felt certain my family would approve of him.

But...

He didn't make my heart flutter or beat faster, nor did I feel distracted or bothered by him. He didn't give me butterflies in my stomach like Zeus did when I was near him.

Darn it, why did I have to see Zeus again? He's messed up not only my brain but also my heart.

"Yeah, I'll think about it," I told Amy before taking her on a tour of my booth and showing my food products. When she left, I turned back to my team with renewed energy.

"Let's finish the last details and then break for a late lunch. We've earned it!"

We were just arranging the last of our business cards and brochures when a familiar voice made my stomach clench.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't little Zoe Stavrakos playing with the big kids."

I took a deep breath before turning around. "Ivy. What a surprise to see you here."

Ivy Lecter stood there in her designer pantsuit, perfect makeup, and not a hair out of place despite the chaos of setup day. Her company was my biggest competitor in the healthy snack market in England. And she never let me forget she considered us to be an inferior brand.

"I'm right across the aisle," she said, pointing to her half-finished booth.

Yeah, who would miss checking her booth? It was sleek and modern, with lots of steel and glass—the opposite of our natural, warm approach.

"Isn't that just perfect?" she continued. "The buyers and potential investors can compare our products side by side."

"How convenient," I replied, keeping my voice light.

Ivy ran her fingers along our bamboo display. "So...rustic. Very farmers' market vibe. I guess there's always a place for the homespun approach."

Lissie shot me a warning look that clearly said, 'Don't punch her.'

I forced a smile. "We prefer 'authentic.' Not everyone wants their healthy food to look like it came from a lab."

Ivy briefly looked over at her booth, likely to see if it resembled a laboratory. She then turned back to me, her smile tightened. "I heard that you're also pursuing a distribution deal. Sorry, sweetie, but you won't get a chance. John and I have been discussing my healthy food products since the trade expo announcement dinner last month."

My heart sank—just a little—knowing she was already cozying up to John.

I steadied my voice, forcing a confident smile. "John is particularly interested in our growth numbers."

"How cute," she said with a condescending smile. "I'm sure your little operation has an impressive growth percentage. I mean, when you start tiny, doubling your size must feel like a big deal."

"Actually, we've increased our retail presence by four hundred percent this year, and our online sales have—"

"I'm sure it's all very exciting for you, dear," she cut me off with a patronizing tilt of her head. "But when you're playing in the smaller leagues, the stats don't really translate to the major markets."

I bit back my irritation. "You sound very confident. Let's see who wins the contract."

"Oh, I'm not worried," she said, dismissing me with a flick of her wrist. "I have a strong relationship with Zeus Petrakis. He doesn't just handle the logistics for John's entire product line—he also advises him on strategic partnerships. Zeus will make sure I get the deal."

I blinked. "Oh really? You're that close to him, huh?"

I tried to appear unconcerned, but something twisted in my stomach—sharp and uninvited. Were they...Involved? Dating? Lovers? I felt the unmistakable sting of jealousy creep in, followed quickly by anger. But I shoved it down. This wasn't about him or her. It was purely business.

"Yes, dear. Quite close," she said with a smug chuckle, watching me too closely. "I must admit, I feel a bit sorry for you. You don't have any connection with Zeus, do you? I bet you're not even friends."

The audacity of her.

My jaw clenched. I was so close to telling her about Zeus and me—our complicated history, a history she clearly knew nothing about. A few words, and that smirk would be gone.

But I didn't. I bit my tongue and forced myself to stay quiet.

It wasn't worth the risk. Revealing my past with Zeus, the depth of our connection, would only unleash problems I'd rather avoid. It could even ruin my chances with John.

She glanced at her diamond-encrusted watch. "Well, I must go. My team is waiting for my input on our multimedia presentation. We have celebrity endorsements to highlight."

As she turned to leave, I couldn't help myself. "Hey Ivy, quick question."

She paused, raising one perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"Does all your packaging still contain microplastics? Just checking, because I saw that exposé in Health & Food magazine about companies greenwashing their image while still using harmful materials."

Ivy's face flushed.

"That article wasn't about Lecter Foods specifically," she hissed.

I tapped my chin thoughtfully. "No? My mistake. But didn't you recall that protein bar line last year because of packaging concerns?"

Lissie coughed to hide her laugh.

"Our temporary packaging supplier made an error," Ivy snapped. "Which we corrected immediately."

"Of course you did," I said sweetly. "Environmental responsibility is so important, isn't it?"

Ivy's eyes narrowed. "Enjoy your quaint little booth, Zoe, because that's all you'll have in this trade expo. I'll make sure you won't secure a distribution deal with John."

As she walked away, Robert let out a low whistle. "Boss, that was both terrifying and awesome."

I let out the breath I'd been holding. "She brings out the worst in me."

"No," Lissie disagreed, "she brings out the fighter in you. And we're going to need that fighter tomorrow when the buyers and investors come through."

I nodded, trying to push away thoughts of Ivy courting John for the distribution deal. We had a solid, healthy product and business model. That had to count for something.

"Let's take that break now," I suggested. "I need food and possibly a very large coffee."

As we headed toward the food court, I couldn't help glancing back at our booth one more time. It really looked amazing—warm, inviting, and genuine. Just like our company.

Tomorrow would bring a new battle, but for today, I stood my ground against Ivy Lecter, and that victory felt worth celebrating.

But still...her words lingered.

If Ivy was using her so-called connection with Zeus to secure the distribution deal, then I needed to step up, too. I couldn't simply sit back and let her win. My company desperately needed this deal.

I needed a clever approach, maybe even befriending Zeus.,

But honestly? I doubted that was even possible. Every time Zeus and I were around each other, we clashed. Just like last night in the garden—we couldn't even have a proper conversation without arguing. And the second I brought up the past, he shut down. He wouldn't even go there.

If we were going to work together professionally, we needed to talk about what happened. Get it out of the way. Otherwise, we couldn't move forward.

I sighed. Depending on Zeus to help me secure the deal? Yeah...probably not going to happen.

So now, I've got one job—impress John Somersby and win him over before Ivy does. Even if I'd do it right under her perfectly powdered nose.

***

Oliver: Dinner tonight?

I stared at Oliver's text message and remembered what Amy said earlier about giving him a chance.

Not now. I had to focus on my goal first.

Me: I can't. Let's do it some other time.

I texted back and placed my phone back in my bag.

It was six in the evening when I got back to Somersby Estate. I was looking forward to having dinner with John and Margaret. It was a great opportunity to discuss my products with them.

At seven, I was all set and headed to the dining room. Being aware of the Somersby's tradition of dressing up for dinner, I carefully chose my outfit - a black dress paired with matching stiletto heels. I opted for minimal makeup and put my hair up in a bun.

"Good evening, Miss Stavrakos," Edgar greeted me. "You look absolutely lovely tonight, miss."

"Thank you, Edgar. You look wonderful as well." I smiled and followed him.

Before he opened the door of the dining room, he said. "By the way, Mr. and Mrs. Somersby won't be joining you for dinner tonight. They have a prior engagement."

"Oh." I sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment. I had missed the opportunity to catch up with John and Margaret. "So, I'll be having dinner alone."

"Don't worry, Miss Stavrakos," he reassured me. "You won't be alone at all."

He smiled and opened the door wider, revealing the familiar man already seated behind the square table—elegantly adorned with chinaware, silver utensils, candlelight, and roses.

It looked like a romantic dinner.

What was happening?