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“But they can’t kick my ass the way you can.”

She laughed, and it was a pure and beautiful sound that made me smile.

“And that ability attracts you?” Curiosity bloomed in her eyes.

“Damn right. I’m a man intrigued by a challenge.”

She changed the subject and gestured to the wine bottles on the table. “Why bamboo?”

“Why not? It’s different and profitable. Unlike grapes, bamboo is versatile. It can be made into furniture, build homes, create materials for clothing, eaten as food, and made into drinks, not to mention used for medicine, which Forrestis an expert at.” I held up a bottle. “When I see something extraordinary, I go all in studying it.Unravelit. Make itmine.”

Her lips opened slightly as though she was releasing a slight gasp. Her eyes connected to mine. The topaz in her iris shifted to a darker shade. What was she thinking?

“Sounds very methodical. Like a business transaction that would garner you profits.”

She was partially right. That was a proven business practice that made me successful. But why did her comment rub me the wrong way?

“Vivian?”

A man with short dark hair interrupted us, and I immediately didn’t like him. I recognized him as the Tai Lok representative I hadn’t met yet.

“Calvin,” Vivian said with hope in her voice.

Okay, I HATE him.Why didn’t she react to me the same way?

He stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulders, surveying her like he had every right to. “You look amazing. It’s been so long.”

I wanted to push his hands off her, but that would make me look stupid, irrational, and out of character. Definitely out of character. I needed to be the Arrow Holt who ran a successful wine empire to ensure my bamboo wine made it to the second round of the competition.

I was here for clues involving The Trogyn, not to fight over a woman. It irked me that, for a moment, I’d forgottenwhyI was at the convention.

What the fuck had gotten into me?

How did they know each other anyway? Was he the reason she didn’t want to go on a date with me?

Something uncomfortable stirred in my gut. She wasn’t mineyet. I had no claim to her to do anything.

“I’m Arrow Holt.” I offered my hand. “Tai Lok is an exceptional wine.”

He shook my hand with firmness. “Calvin Wong. Yours is fabulous. My boss has been raving about it.”

Calvin stood a couple of inches shorter than me, but he was built. He had a good posture that conveyed confidence and sharp eyes that told me he couldn’t be trusted.

He looked at me, then at Vivian. “You also know Vivian?”

“We have mutual friends,” I said.

Vivian looked at Calvin with a serious expression. “Do you have a minute? I’d like to speak to you privately, please.”

Irrational jealousy surged into me.Hewas the reason she was at the convention. Why?

My strategy to give her time and space had shifted. On a battlefield, a methodical plan ensured victory. I wouldn’t stand around while an enemy posed a potential threat to what was mine.

“Arrow!” Remi waved me over. The look on his face showed me he had pertinent information regarding our reason for this wine expo.

I turned to Calvin. “Good luck tonight.” My gaze slid over to Vivian. “See you soon.”

It was a promise.