Business and Passion

Chapter 3 Stay Overnight

Evelyn immediately regretted her boldness, but she realized she had no room to back down now.

Her voice was soft yet seductive. "Why not? I've paid my tuition, and I'm eager to learn whatever you're teaching." Chris was somehow impressed by her acting skills.

Aliyah was on the verge of exploding as the two flirted openly, oblivious to her presence. If she couldn't see the blatant cues, she'd be a fool, but she knew better than to challenge Chris.

Soon, Evelyn and Chris left the venue.

As the car pulled away, Evelyn turned to the man beside her.

His face was expressionless, but she could see the madness in his eyes.

The driver mentioned, "Sir, Ms. Melon is following us."

"Let her be," Chris said dismissively, and Evelyn suddenly chuckled.

"What's so funny?" he asked, turning towards her.

"Mr. Kensington, are you using me as a shield?" she teased.

Wealthy families were often connected by marriage. It seemed Aliyah was smitten with Chris, but his interest in her was nonexistent.

Chris clasped the back of her head. "Can't I do that?"

They were too close, and even Chris' presence felt overwhelmingly assertive. Evelyn instinctively stepped back. She had a bad feeling when she saw Chris raising an eyebrow, but she couldn't stop herself in time. With a loud thud, her head smashed against the car window.

"Damn it!"

Chris suddenly loosened his grip!

She couldn't help but curse as her head throbbed painfully, tears nearly spilling from her eyes as she shot him a furious glance.

Under the flickering streetlights, it might have seemed like a coy complaint from a lover, prompting a chuckle from him.

"It's a fair trade," Evelyn said, touching the back of her head with a smile. "I've just repaid a debt by slapping Ms. Melon. My hand still hurts from it."

She continued, "As for now, I'm risking my reputation to play this game with you, so now you owe me one."

Her tone was breezy, the grin on her face cunning.

Chris scoffed, "You keep score so clearly? Doesn't it exhaust you?"

"Not really, I learned it from you," Evelyn shot back smoothly.

*****

Soon, the car stopped in front of a grand villa.

'This is... Desiya Estate?!'

Evelyn paused, momentarily dazed. She glanced around, but everything was shrouded by silence and darkness.

The dim glow of the street lamps revealed no familiar figure.

The cold wind slapped her face, dispelling any fleeting, unrealistic hopes she harbored.

Chris glanced at her before stepping forward, and she hurried to keep up.

He turned on the light, and the interior of the villa seemed to come back to life.

It was a striking blend of modern and classic, not Chris' usual style.

As she pondered, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and steered her towards the large window.

"What are you doing?" she asked tensely.

"What do you think?" he retorted.

Outside, a red sports car was parked by the roadside with its headlights on.

Evelyn recognized it. This was Aliyah's car.

Chris' hands slid to her sides, resting on the railing. "What were you thinking about earlier? Your old flame?"

Evelyn clenched her teeth, her brief hesitation betraying her thoughts.

"Old, indeed. I always prefer something new," she replied coolly.

Chris chuckled, nibbling at her ear. "Heard Herman's buying a villa here to move in after the wedding."

Evelyn gritted her teeth again. Everyone in Rhyne City knew about her and Herman—the perfect couple soon to be wed, now bitterly estranged.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She knew his words were meant to sting. Pain radiated from her heart, searing through her nerves.

As the car outside drove away, Evelyn elbowed him away forcefully, breaking free from his hold.

Then, she managed a smile. "Mr. Kensington, ever consider investing in Dexys Group? It's a sure win."

Chris was amused by her relentless spirit, lifting her chin while looking into her eyes. "Ms. Dexys, you surely know how to pave your path." Evelyn stood on tiptoe in her heels. Even at five foot seven, she felt petite next to this towering man.

"Of course, I won't force your hand on the investment, but if you could just give our suppliers a nudge and keep them from cutting us off for a longer delay, Dexys will definitely make it worth your while in the future."

Time meant an opportunity, and right now, Dexys Group needed both time and opportunity.

He looked at her intently without speaking, making Evelyn uneasy.

"I mean Clay Corporation." This was Dexys Group's foremost supplier, and she had begged Dean for the same purpose. "I know your family has a part of its shares. I only need a year... no, half a year. I'm sure you can make it happen with a snap of your fingers."

"Well, that's not impossible," Chris murmured, his gaze piercing. "But you're staying here tonight."

"Staying here?" Evelyn echoed, her surprise evident.

'What exactly is he planning?' she thought.

"My help comes with a price, and you're paying it, not Dexys," Chris said, his eyes scanning her.

Evelyn draped her arms around his neck, her body practically sprawled over him, curves pressing into him.

Chris raised a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Evelyn's skin was smooth and delicate. Chris traced a finger down the back of her neck, leaving a trail of red wherever he touched.

Evelyn felt as if every inch of her skin was on fire.

‘This man does know how to flirt’. That was Evelyn's first impression.

Her body tensed instinctively, but her legs felt weak and shaky. Her breathing quickened, growing more ragged by the moment. Though she and Herman had never been intimate during their years together, she wasn't naive. She knew exactly what these sensations meant.

The man radiated pure, masculine energy. Evelyn fought the urge to step back. She couldn't show weakness now, couldn't let him see her fear. This was a silent clash of desires. The first one to back down would lose.