A Deal

When Melanie asked the driver to stop and stepped out of the car, she had no particular destination in mind. She just needed to escape—to put as much distance as possible between herself and Spencer. The suffocating emotions pressing down on her had become unbearable, and she acted on instinct, walking away without a second thought.

For the past hour, she had wandered the streets, believing she was aimlessly drifting from one block to another. Yet now, as she stood frozen in front of a towering building, she realized the truth—her steps hadn't been as random as she had thought. Some part of her had known exactly where to go, even if she hadn't known it herself.

The realization sent a shiver down her spine. Had she truly been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed where she was heading? Or had her subconscious guided her here all along?

She stared at the entrance, her heart pounding. The question wasn't whether she had found the right place. It was whether she had the courage to walk inside.

Melanie shook her head, exhaling sharply. What was wrong with her? It wasn't as if she couldn't face him. And yet, her hesitation made it feel as though an invisible force was holding her back.

But deep down, she knew the truth—going inside was the only way to get the answers she needed. The only question was whether she was ready to hear them. She took a deep breath. She had already taken the step by checking the contents of the USB drive. Going inside was just the final step.

She took a deep breath and walked in.

Inside, she approached the reception desk and informed the attendant that she was here to see Mr. Adam Collins. The receptionist gave her a brief nod, asked her to wait, and disappeared through a side door. 

Once again she wondered if she was making the right decision. And then another thought struck her. Would he be here? He'd invited her to come and talk to him here whenever she wanted to look for him. But maybe he'd already gone home. 

Minutes later, the man returned and gestured for her to follow. She walked behind him down a quiet hallway until they stopped in front of a door. The man opened it and motioned for her to step inside.

Adam was already seated inside. As she entered, he stood, his gaze steady on her. With a small gesture, he invited her to take a seat and then as she went to sit, pulled out the chair for her. It was so old fashioned that she was not able to hide her surprise.

"What would you like to eat?" he asked casually.

She blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question. Of all the ways she had imagined this meeting going, this wasn't one of them.

Noticing her surprise, the corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. "What's wrong? Did you think I'd be gloating?" And when she shook her head, even though her expression said that is exactly what she was thinking, he bent down, close to her, invading her space and questioned," Or maybe you thought I'd flirt with you? Hmm?"

She shook her head again. She had no idea how he would react. Maybe she did expect him to behave like a hooligan. Or make her squirm.

Adam smiled and straightened before walking back around the table and taking a seat as he said," I will flirt with you on our own time. Right now, I am sure you are here on business."

Melanie nodded her head as she agreed. Yes. She was here on business but then she saw his mouth kick up in amusement and she realized she had agreed to both the things. She shook her head," No. Don't flirt with me." He laughed then and shook his head," But this is the best part, Melon."

Melanie grimaced. "And don't call me Melon. My name is Melanie."

"Hmm. I know. So, Melon, tell me what brings you here to me? Wasn't it you who said that you would never have anything to discuss with me?"

Even though the words were bitter, Adam Collins did not seem to be taunting her. In fact, he seemed perfectly pleased to see her. 

She sighed and without looking at the menu he had placed in front of her, asked him," You sent the USB drive to me, didn't you?"

Adam leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "USB?"

Melanie snorted. "Don't play dumb. I'm not a fool, Adam."

He tilted his head, considering her for a moment before shrugging lazily. "If someone had been keeping track of your actions over the last three years, they might not agree with that statement."

Her spine stiffened, anger flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, she pushed back her chair and stood. "I didn't come here to discuss my life, Adam. I just want answers."

Adam sighed dramatically, but there was something sharp in his gaze, something calculating. Then, with a small nod, he admitted, "Fine. Yes, I made sure the USB got to you."

Melanie folded her arms across her chest. "Why?"

Instead of answering right away, Adam gestured for her to sit back down. She hesitated, weighing her options, but eventually did. He studied her for a moment, then, slowly, an almost wicked smile stretched across his face—a smile of triumph, as if he had just won a game she didn't even know she was playing.

"I have a proposition for you."