Kira Reed has devoted herself to his company for years, yet his insufferable nature has finally pushed her to her breaking point. She tells herself she despises him—that his domineering ways are unbearable. But deep down, she knows the truth is far more complicated. With the holidays approaching, she's determined to return home and reclaim what matters most. When Mark arrives uninvited, Kira doesn't hesitate. She positions herself as a shield, refusing to let him manipulate her life any longer. Mark meets her defiance head-on, his words sharp and accusatory. "You can't just waltz back in and erase what happened between us," he demands, his body tensing for confrontation. "Erase it?" Kira fires back, her hands gripping his shirt collar as her composure shatters. Restraint has never been her strength, especially not when her emotions are running wild.