Meeting Mr. Quinn

Before heading out, I called Claire. She picked up after the first ring.

"Finally! I was starting to think you forgot about me," she said with a laugh.

"Very funny," I replied, rolling my eyes. "I just wanted to check in before I meet Hunter Quinn. Big night."

"Big night, huh? Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a sleek black dress that hugged my figure perfectly. It was the kind of dress that said, I'm confident, but I'm not trying too hard.

"Just remember the plan," Claire reminded me. "Keep it cool, keep it classy, and don't let him get too close."

"Got it," I said, grabbing my purse. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need luck, Evelyn. You're a natural."

Her words stayed with me as I made my way to Hunter Quinn's mansion.

The Quinn mansion was breathtaking, a testament to obscene wealth and power. As I stepped out of the car, the sheer scale of the estate left me momentarily stunned. This wasn't just money—it was a legacy carved in stone and marble.

The butler, an older man with a stiff demeanor, led me into a sitting room. It was all polished wood, gleaming chandeliers, and walls adorned with priceless artwork. I had to remind myself to breathe, to keep up the facade.

And then, Hunter Quinn entered the room.

He was taller than I'd expected, with sharp features and an easy confidence that came from knowing he was the most powerful person in the room. His tailored suit hugged his frame perfectly, and his dark eyes held a spark of amusement as they settled on me.

"Evelyn Chase," he said, his voice rich and smooth. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I smiled, stepping forward to shake his hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Quinn."

"Please, call me Hunter," he said, his hand lingering a moment longer than necessary.

We sat across from each other, the space between us feeling charged. He offered me a glass of wine, which I accepted, though I only sipped it. I needed to stay sharp.

"So," he began, leaning back in his chair, "I hear you're interested in philanthropy."

"Yes," I said, launching into the pitch I'd prepared. I told him about my supposed plans to invest in sustainable housing projects and my passion for giving back to the community.

Hunter listened attentively, nodding in all the right places, but there was something in his gaze that made me uneasy. It wasn't just interest—it was curiosity, as though he were trying to see past the words, past the mask.

"You're very passionate about this," he said when I finished. "It's refreshing to meet someone who cares so deeply about making a difference."

I smiled modestly. "It's something I've always believed in."

Hunter set his glass down and leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're an impressive woman, Evelyn. Intelligent, beautiful, driven. A rare combination."

His words were calculated, deliberate, but I played along, tilting my head and offering a coy smile. "Thank you, Hunter. That means a lot coming from someone like you."

He chuckled, the sound low and intimate. "I have to admit, I'm curious. What drew you to a man like Liam Sterling? You seem… mismatched."

I stiffened slightly but quickly masked it with a laugh. "Liam is kind and supportive. He believes in me, and that's all that matters."

Hunter's lips curved into a sly smile. "Is that so? Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you deserve more. Someone who can match your ambition. Someone who can give you the world."

I didn't pull away when he reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. Instead, I leaned in, letting the tension between us simmer.

"Are you offering, Hunter?" I asked, my voice soft but teasing.

He smirked, his eyes gleaming with something predatory. "Perhaps. If you're open to it."

I let out a soft laugh, pretending to consider his words. "You're very forward, aren't you?"

"I don't believe in wasting time," he said, his tone serious now. "Life is too short for games, Evelyn. Don't you agree?"

I held his gaze, letting a pause stretch between us. "I couldn't agree more."

The air between us was thick with unspoken promises. I knew I was playing with fire, but this was exactly what I needed. If Hunter Quinn wanted to see me as a woman he could seduce, I'd let him. And when the time was right, I'd make my move.

Hunter reached for his glass, his expression unreadable. "You're full of surprises, Evelyn. I look forward to seeing what else you have to offer."

"Likewise," I said, standing and smoothing out my dress.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, rising to his feet.

"For now," I replied, offering him a playful smile. "But I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again very soon."

Hunter stepped closer, his hand brushing my arm. "I certainly hope so."

I allowed myself one last glance at him before turning and walking out, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

As the butler escorted me to my car, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Hunter Quinn thought he was in control, but he had no idea who he was dealing with. This was just the beginning.

In the car, I leaned back against the seat, my mind racing. The meeting had gone exactly as planned, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Hunter was playing his own game.

Still, I had the upper hand. At least, for now.

Liam's POV

I walked into the penthouse with a bouquet of roses in one hand and a small box of chocolates in the other. The air was heavy with the faint scent of her perfume, lingering from when she left for her meeting with Hunter Quinn. I had spent the day preparing for her return, hoping to make things more comfortable between us.

Evelyn wasn't an easy woman to please—sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and always two steps ahead. But I wasn't going to let that stop me. If I wanted her to open up, I had to show her I cared, even if it meant doing something as cliché as flowers and chocolates.

When the door clicked open, I turned, smiling. She walked in, looking every bit the part of a woman who had the world wrapped around her finger. Her dress hugged her frame perfectly, and her heels echoed against the floor as she stepped inside.

"What's this?" she asked, arching a brow as her gaze landed on the flowers.

"Welcome home," I said, holding out the bouquet. "I thought these might brighten your day."

She stared at the roses, then at me, her lips curling into a smirk. "Where did you get the money for this?"

The question caught me off guard, but I kept my composure. "Does it matter? I wanted to do something nice for you."

She let out a laugh, a sharp sound that cut through the room. "It matters because you're supposed to be broke, remember? A struggling artist doesn't have spare cash for roses and chocolates."

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my frustration in check. "I picked up a few odd jobs. Painting commissions. Nothing big."

She took the bouquet, examining it like it was some kind of joke. "Well, I hope you didn't spend too much. You'll need every penny for rent."

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I gave her a small smile. "You deserve nice things, Evelyn. I just wanted to remind you of that."

She set the flowers down on the counter, barely sparing them another glance. "That's sweet, Liam, but we both know you don't have to try so hard."

I leaned against the edge of the counter, crossing my arms. "Maybe I'm not trying. Maybe I just like doing things for you."

Her eyes flicked to mine, and for a moment, something softened in her expression. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by her usual guarded demeanor.

"Thanks for the effort," she said, brushing past me toward the fridge. "But next time, save your money. I'm not really a flowers-and-chocolates kind of girl."

I watched as she poured herself a glass of water, her back turned to me. This woman was impossible to read. One minute, she was all business, focused and calculated. The next, she was laughing at my attempts to bridge the gap between us.

But I wasn't giving up. Not yet.

"Did your meeting with Quinn go well?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.

She turned, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It went as expected. He's interested."

I nodded, pretending not to care, even though every instinct in me screamed to press for more details. "Good. That's what you wanted, right?"

"Exactly," she said, setting her glass down. "But don't worry about it. I've got it under control."

I smiled faintly, knowing better than to push. "I'm sure you do."

As she disappeared into the bedroom, I glanced at the flowers on the counter. She might not have appreciated them, but I wasn't about to stop trying. Evelyn Chase was a puzzle, and I intended to figure her out, piece by piece.

Even if it meant playing the part of the broke, struggling husband a little longer. At least I'm broke ,so it's easy for me.