Business and Passion

Chapter 2 Lessons in Romance

Evelyn sidled up to Chris under his gaze.

Chris placed an cigarette between his lips, holding it there without lighting it.

Evelyn's hand, adorned with crimson-painted nails, flicked open a lighter. The flame briefly illuminated their faces, with differing thoughts concealing behind them.

The man's cigarette was lit, and through the smoke, his eyes fixed on her with a hint of amusement.

Evelyn felt a shiver run down her spine. She had heard about the unpredictable nature of the Kensington heir, whose actions were always unexpected.

She had no assurance of success, but without attempting, there was no chance at all.

As Chris stood up, Evelyn rose with him, her face blossoming into a flirtatious smile. "Mr. Kensington, might we have a moment?"

He looked her over, his black shirt accentuating his broad shoulders and well-defined arms, his eight-pack vaguely available. His physique was clearly the product of rigorous training, carrying an overwhelming charm.

Chris' gaze shifted to her face, his eyes crinkling slightly in amusement. "For what?"

"Dexys Group might be in a bind, but it's only temporary. With adequate cash flow—" Evelyn's words were cut short as Chris grabbed her wrist and pulled onto a sofa.

He leaned over her, his hands bracing her shoulders. "I don't discuss business with women. I prefer a more... flirtatious vibe."

Stunned, Evelyn caught her breath. "Sir, underestimating women often leads men to their downfall."

Chris chuckled softly, his eyes scanning her. "I agree, but you can't make that happen."

Evelyn's face darkened as she struggled to steer the conversation back on track.

"The Dexys Group has substantial assets. You won’t lose out."

Chris started at her. As she looked up at him, her eyes were filled with allure, flattery, and schemes, completely devoid of any sincerity and arrogance he remembered.

"Before we discuss business, shouldn't you settle your previous debt?"

He chuckled, his voice merely a whisper.

Confused, Evelyn realized he was referring to his role in getting her into the banquet. She couldn't believe he insisted on keeping accounts. 'How petty of him!'

Evelyn forced a smile. "So, Mr. Kensington, how shall I repay you?"

Their interaction was interrupted by someone approaching Chris, "Ms. Aliyah Melon knows you're here. She'll arrive soon."

Chris furrowed his brows and looked intently at Evelyn, his lips curving into a slight smile. "Just in time. Let's settle it now."

He leaned in close, his handsome face almost brushing against hers. Evelyn tried to back away nervously, but her back hit the sofa, and she was cornered.

Chris' breath sprayed on her face, his lips a hairbreath away from hers.

Instinctively, Evelyn broke their eye contact. The oppression of such intimacy was painting her cheeks red.

"What are we settling?" she managed to ask, her voice barely a whisper.

Chris pulled her up, his eyebrow raised playfully. "An exciting display of affection, Ms. Dexys. Can you handle that?"

"I can't!" she blurted out.

"Not even after all this time with Herman?" His gaze pierced her as if seeing through to her very core.

Evelyn's face darkened. The mention of Herman was a painful thorn, a wound reopened.

Chris chuckled softly. "Let me teach you." Without waiting for a response, he gently held the back of her head and pressed his lips against hers.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. The situation had completely drifted away from what she had expected.

His lips were unexpectedly soft, tinged with the taste of tobacco. The kiss, gentle yet deliberate, made her feel treasured, as if she were a precious jewel.

Chris’s lips left hers, trailing a new path as they brushed gently against Evelyn’s delicate earlobe. His voice, husky and laced with temptation, whispered, "Miss Evelyn, your ears are turning red."

A jolt of electricity seemed to flood her senses, coursing through her and settling in her chest. Her heart pounded wildly, her entire body tensing in response.

Before she could react, the VIP lounge's door burst open.

Aliyah stormed in, catching Evelyn in Chris' arms, and she instantly lost her mind.

"Evelyn?!" Aliyah charged forward, reaching out to grab Evelyn's hair. "You w***e! You're always thirsty, aren't you?!"

Caught off guard, Evelyn fell to the cold marble floor. Her arm scraped against the marble floor, the chill biting into her skin. As Evelyn's emotions plummeted to new depths, a flood of unwelcome memories surged back into her mind.

'Did the Melons curse her day?' First, that detestable name was mentioned, and then Herman's sister came to insult her.

Evelyn pushed herself up, her piercing eyes suddenly lifting, looking as sharp as if they could cut through Aliyah's flesh.

Chris observed coldly, and no one else dared intervene.

Observing the meekness of the onlookers, Evelyn couldn't help but sneer.

The Dexys family once basked in the glory of Rhine City, and her beauty had made her the object of everyone's favor.

However, times had changed; as the Dexys family fell, so too did her pillars of support.

Unrelenting, Aliyah strode over and slapped Evelyn. "You've destroyed my brother's future. I told you, I'll hit you every time I see you."

Evelyn gripped Aliyah's wrist fiercely, but even from her fall, Evelyn managed to keep her chin up, displaying her inherent dignity.

The seductive allure in her eyes had vanished, replaced by an icy chill. "Aliyah, I've given you some leeway out of respect, but don't push me." Arrogance etched across her face as those harsh words escaped her rosy lips. Chris swallowed hard, feeling a rush of desire running through his nerves.

"You despicable woman," Aliyah spat aggressively, "Dexys Group deserves its downfall, and your brother deserves to be in jail for manslaughter..."

The next second, a slap cut through her words sharply.

Evelyn clenched her teeth tightly, her fingers trembling at her side. Her brother's imprisonment was a wound that cut deep, and she wouldn't allow anyone to malign him in her presence.

"Aliyah," Evelyn said coldly, her face sullen. "I may not be the toughest, but I'm ruthless enough. This is your last warning: don't ever mess with me."

Aliyah stood frozen, covering her face.

Few knew of Evelyn's ruthless streak, but Aliyah was all too aware.

Yet, the Dexys family was no longer a threat to anyone.

Just as Aliyah was about to erupt in fury, Chris signaled to his men, and they restrained her attack.

He let out a chuckle, amused by Evelyn.

Chris finally looked at Aliyah. "Enough of this scene, I'll have someone escort you home."

"She thinks she can hit me? I should knock her teeth out," Aliyah blurted, waving her arms in anger. But with Chris staring her down coldly, she didn't dare to act recklessly.

Chris simply picked up his coat and headed out.

Driven by a mix of emotions from Aliyah's reckless behavior, the unexpected kiss from Chris, and an unfinished conversation, Evelyn grabbed his arm abruptly. "Mr. Kensington, are you done teaching?" She lifted her striking but defiant face to meet his gaze.

She would never let him walk away just like that!

Chris laughed, bold and unrestrained, savoring the lingering softness of her lips from their recent kiss—it left him wanting more. His fingers brushed across Evelyn’s lips, and as he leaned down to her ear, his voice softened to a teasing whisper, almost like he was flirting. "So eager to learn the art of romance, huh? Come to my place tonight, and I'll teach you more... slowly."