CHAPTER 25

"I guess… I'm going to be the one handling the investigations related to your case." Gage said as he casually shifted from his position and shoved one hand inside his pants pocket.

"My case?" she frowned a little as she eyed him over the rim of her wine glass.

"Eva Young's fraudulent behaviour and misconduct in her workplace."

Eva blinked. Then slowly, she put her wine glass down. The soft sound of the glass clinking against the desk seemed overly loud because of the sudden thick silence that blanketed the whole atmosphere around the two.

"You… you will investigate the case? Why?" there was a genuine surprise and confusion in those blue orbs of hers as she looked up at him. She had not expected for him to voluntarily offer her his help on this matter. Though she had wanted to investigate, but with so many limitations on her right now, she could only reluctantly put it aside for now.

He shrugged, twirling his glass before he tilted his head a little. "Why? Hmm… because I'm bored?"

The urge to glare at him and grab him by the collar was so strong she barely stopped herself from doing so. If not for the reminder to herself that he was her current boss and contract partner, she was sure he would not get off with just a glare. "Please answer me seriously, sir." Her eyes were directed at him with a sharp look.

"I'm serious Eva. And this matter interests me a little more than those freaking endless paperwork. This would be a good past time for me as well, whenever I'm stuck with you like this."

His explanation was almost perfect especially for a man like him but… was it really? Was this alright? Would it really be okay if she let this man stick his nose into her case? What could possibly go wrong if she allowed this? There should not be any issues, right…? She was really tempted to accept his meddling into her business.

"But of course, I need your permission before I start sticking my nose into your personal matters. And besides, I believe that you have already made some kind of plans to hire someone to do the job, am I right? Why look for someone else when a handsome and capable man is right here at your disposal?" he waggled his brows a little, teasing her.

Her jaws literally fell to the ground. Really. This man and his antics.

"I don't think your handsomeness would even help –" Eva muttered as she pursed her lips.

"Oh, you haven't the slightest idea, pet..." He flashed her a slow seductive smile and drank his wine in what seemed like a slow motion without averting his gaze off hers. "Looks can do wonders too, you know."

Well, after Eva thought about it, she realised that he was not wrong in the least. She was aware of how this world works. She was not that innocent on how things run though she herself did not partake of it. Beauty had always been an asset after all. But she had said that because she was not expecting him to do the investigation himself.

When he offered that, she had honestly thought that at the most, he would just go and hire some top-notch private detectives to do the job while he just sat around and waited for the information to fall into his lap. Was she wrong? There was no way this pampered prince would do it on his own, right?

"You're not thinking of running around out there and play acting like a real detective, are you?" she narrowed her eyes a little, trying to gauge his intentions. But looking at his face, she could not even begin to guess his plans.

"Why not? If the need arises, I'd gladly go and see for myself. I am expecting to see some really interesting show to unfold related to these matters."

"Mr. Acheron." Eva could no longer take it because she could just tell that this guy was truly serious. She truly was at a loss for words about him most of the times. "You are a CEO, not a detective. So you really need not do something like this."

"I'm just a CEO by name. You're the real CEO right now while my job is just to sit back and relax." he corrected, looking quite serious. "And honestly, I don't see an issue with it anyway. I can do the job smooth and clean for you, Eva. It would not even come at any extra costs and you'd be getting good service for sure. I'm giving you my word."

A tinge of suspicion bloomed in her heart again. She just could not help it. She still could not understand why was it that this man that seemed to be aloof and above the mundane things of life, was now willing to do everything for her. Was this truly just because he was bored? Or was there an undisclosed purpose that he was aiming for that she had still not found out?

"Fine. Since you insist, then who am I to stop your fun?" She was quick to give in, knowing that this was still a better option right now than the other option that she had. Sure, she still could not help questioning his motive, but she also could not fully trust anyone else right this moment that she might end up hiring. She also considered the fact that it would be much better for her if this man could at least be kept occupied while she did the work that was meant for him.

She still could not help but worry about him that she would suddenly see him in the news, sparking scandals left and right. She would never forget that this man reeks of trouble. And that was the last thing that she wanted to deal with. Her plate was already full to overflowing with things that she needed to settle and plan. Thus, she did not want him stirring up any additional problems that might need her to further divide her attention.

Her eyes sharpened with warning the next moment. "But if you mess up and something bad happens, I will hold you accountable. You hear me, Mr. Acheron?"

The corner of his lips lifted when he heard her call him out warningly, as his almost annoying confidence gleamed in his eyes.

"Of course, you'd say that. But worry not, Eva darling. Because Gage Acheron does not mess up." He winked as he said that last line. Arrogant devil! Eva could only roll her eyes at his self-confident claim. She would reserve judgement and wait to see how he perform before giving any comments.

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A/N: Book is moved to another platform. Please visit my instagram @kazzenlx.x to see the link.