Chapter 3: Between the Lines

Liliana propped her chin against her hand, her eyes lazily scanning him before trailing lower. The soft fabric draped over his broad shoulder, dipping low enough to catch the curve of his muscles beneath the layer.

He could see her eyes moving, following the subtle roll of his throat as he took another sip of wine, her gaze almost tracing his figure, unconsciously unveiling him.

"Satisfied?" Nolan cut into his steak, his voice smooth, indifferent.

Liliana chuckled softly, tilting her head. "Certainly."

His lips curled for a moment, unreadable.

Nolan didn't answer. He merely set down his knife and pushed the entire plate towards her.

"Go ahead," he said, his tone casual, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Liliana glances at the plate, then at him, before picking up her fork.

"Generous," she remarked, cutting into the steak with effortless elegance.

She carved through the steak with ease, the plate clearing steadily.

A low chuckle escaped him.

"I guess you were hungry," He noted.

Nolan reached for the bottle of wine and poured her a glass smoothly as if it had already been decided. A waiter arrived at his side, setting down another plate of steak before respectfully leaving.

Liliana accepted the glass, twirling it lightly. "Your hospitality is impressive," she mused. Her meaning was uncertain.

Nolan took a sip of wine, "I own the place. It'd be concerning if it wasn't."

Liliana hummed in response as she took a sip, the deep red staining her lips slightly before she licked it away.

Then, she returned to the meal, taking another bite, chewing slowly, and savoring the taste before setting down the fork. Her posture remained ladylike, unhurried.

"Full already?" He asked, his fingers tapped idly against his glass.

"Almost." Liliana wiped the corner of her lips with a napkin, setting it down neatly beside the plate. Her tone was light. Her movements were gradual and leisurely.

Nolan leaned back in his seat, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze lingered on her, slow and assessing, before he spoke.

"Name?" He asked casually.

Liliana slightly raised her eyes, momentarily surprised. He didn't know?

That was unexpected.

But she responded just as smoothly.

"Curious?" She asks lightly, her voice carrying no particular weight.

"But...there's probably no need for you to know now."

She glanced at the time before rising from her seat.

"Thank you for the meal." She said, her fingers gesturing briefly. "And the wine."

Nolan watched, a glimmer of amusement crossing his features.

Liliana met his gaze, lips curving slightly.

"Well then," She said simply, "if fate allows."

With that she turned and walked away, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

As she stepped out, she passed by a man approaching from the opposite direction—Nolan's assistant.

She barely spared him a glance.

But the assistant? He took note.

After all, the number of people who could dine with the devil himself could be counted on one hand.

And a woman?

Even fewer.

But still, he kept his curiosity in check—Restraint was part of the job.

"Second Master," He said, stopping beside the table. "The car is ready."

Nolan exhaled lightly, setting his empty glass down with a soft clink.

"Let's go," he said lazily, pushing his chair back.

The assistant followed without another word.

Stepping outside, Liliana let the night air settle on her skin. The faint trace of wine still clung to her, so she reached into her purse retrieving a small bottle of perfume.

A light mist, just enough. Letting the scent mask any lingering traces of wine.

Then, smoothing out her dress, she made her way back.

A soft knock on the door, just enough to announce her presence before stepping inside.

Evelyn barely spared her a glance before remarking, "Did you die in there? What took you so long?"

Liliana leaned away ever so slightly, almost imperceptible, before responding. Her tone was light as she offered a mild excuse.

"The line was long," she said, offering a small harmless smile. "I didn't expect it."

Evelyn clicked her tongue but seemed to accept it, taking Liliana's meek demeanor at face value. Without another word, she turned back to the conversation, engaging the guest once more.

But Theodore?

He wasn't as easy to fool.

The car ride was quiet at first, the hum of the engine filling the space.

Theodore didn't look up from his phone as he spoke.

"Next time," he said, his voice even, almost casual, "try not to keep people waiting over something so...trivial."

A pause.

"It would be a shame if such minor delays led to the need for unnecessary discipline." The warning was wrapped in polite words, but the message was clear.

"I understand," Liliana lowered her lashes as she murmured. "It wouldn't happen again."

Theodore hummed in acknowledgment, his attention already shifting away.

Evelyn, meanwhile, was fixing her lipstick in the mirror, applying a fresh coat barely paying any attention.

"You're worrying over nothing," She said lightly to her brother. "She wouldn't dare stir up trouble, would she?"

Her eyes flicked to Liliana through the mirror before turning back to her reflection.

Liliana simply smiled, her hands resting neatly on her lap.

After the car ride home, Liliana stepped into her room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She walked to the vanity, reaching out for a cotton pad. With slow, precise motions, she wiped away her light makeup, watching as the faint traces disappeared.

Her phone screen lit up beside her. She didn't pick it up immediately, letting her fingers trail idly over it for a second before answering.

"Miss Hill, how about I pick you up tomorrow?" The voice on the other end was familiar, casual.

Liliana glanced at her reflection, then leaned back in her chair slightly. "Then you can come early."

Ari scoffs playfully. "Don't worry, I have the perfect excuse."

Liliana let out a soft hum, her gaze lowering as she tapped a finger against the vanity.