Dinner

After leaving Neil's office, she had meant to return to her own, to bury herself in work and pretend that everything was perfectly normal. But exhaustion; no, not the kind that sleep could fix, but the kind that settled in the soul like an unwanted tenant; had taken hold of her. She needed peace. She needed quiet. For some reason, she needed to see him.

Her car slid into the underground parking of a towering skyscraper, the black exterior gleaming under dim lights like it had secrets to keep. As she stepped out, the stationed guards straightened instantly, their sharp salutes executed with the precision of a royal parade. No words were spoken, no questions asked. 

The private elevator, used exclusively by one man in this entire building, carried her upward with an unsettling silence; eerily in sync with the whirlwind inside her head. 

The doors slid open, and the atmosphere changed instantly. Heads turned, hushed whispers slithered through the corridor like children passing notes in class. Some onlookers had the audacity to openly gawk, while others tried and failed to sneak photos with their phones. She sighed inwardly. People really had no shame.

At the end of the corridor, a door opened, and Charles stepped out. His brows flickered ever so slightly before he regained his usual, unshakable composure and then gave her a big smile where she could see all his teeth. Him smiling at her gave off an eerie feeling and suddenly she felt goosebumps all over her body. 

"Miss Eve." he said smilingly. 

"Is Adrian free?" she asked, trying not to look at his teeth's. 

Charles smiling and nodding. "Yes. He just wrapped up a meeting."

She wasted no time and ignored the over enthusiastic assistant.

The office smelled of aged wood and expensive cologne, wrapping around her like an embrace from an old friend. Adrian sat behind his grand mahogany desk, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, utterly engrossed in a document. 

Perfect.

She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching him. It was only fair; he had unknowingly taken up residence in her thoughts all day. It was time for some payback.

Minutes passed before he sensed her. His pen stilled mid-signature, his gaze flicking up to meet hers. There it was; that flicker of surprise, quickly masked by practiced indifference.

"Eve," he acknowledged, his voice smooth, calm.

She smirked. "You're busy?"

He leaned back, a hint of amusement curling at the corner of his lips. "Not too busy for you."

She let out an exaggerated sigh. "Well, that's a relief. I was afraid I'd have to schedule an appointment with Charles first."

Adrian arched an eyebrow. "He would've penciled you in for three months from now."

"Tragic," she mused. "I would've missed you terribly."

"Of course," he said dryly. "That would've been devastating for us both."

She chuckled, stepping forward to claim the chair across from him. "I was in the area."

His gaze lingered, studying her like a puzzle with missing pieces. Then, with an easy movement, he stood, reaching for his suit jacket. "Come."

She blinked. "Where?"

"Dinner. You look like you need a distraction."

"You are awfully perceptive for a man who was pretending to be busy two minutes ago."

"It's a talent," he admitted, holding the door open for her.

The whispers followed them as they walked out together. Speculation. Rumors. The people had long since tried to piece together the mystery of their relationship. They had been seen together only in moments at events, at galas, at business summits. Neither of them have ever acknowledged the rumors surrounding them over the years. Just like that both of them ignored the murmurs around them as they entered the private elevator, the doors sealing them away from prying eyes.

In the car, she stole glances at him, his focus unwavering on the laptop balanced on his lap. She rolled her eyes. "You do realize people generally look at things outside the window when they sit in a car, right?"

"You're acting different," he noted, not looking up from his screen.

She smirked. "Maybe nearly drowning in a swimming pool has left some internal injuries."

Adrian glanced at her then, eyes narrowing slightly. "Should I be worried?". 

She leaned closer, a slow smile curving her lips. "You should get used to me."

His gaze lingered for a fraction longer than necessary before he turned back to his screen. 

Inside an exclusive private dining room, warm chandeliers cast a golden glow over polished surfaces, making everything feel… oddly peaceful. Well, except for the conversation that followed.

Adrian exhaled, tapping his fingers against the table in a measured rhythm. "I saw the news."

Eve tilted her head. "News?"

"The Zelius Project," he clarified, his eyes sharp and assessing. "It was in the media today. The same project you asked me about two nights ago."

A beat passed. "But the file had Lucas's name on it. How did this Calam guy come into the picture?"

Eve met his gaze, exhaling slowly. "Because Lucas stole it. He took the project from Calam," she continued, "and then he approached me with it."

Silence.

Then, Adrian exhaled, slow and controlled, his knuckles pressing against the surface of the table.

"Before coming to your office today, I met with Neil Thornton," she admitted. "I told him about Lucas."

Adrian stilled. A flicker of relief crossed his features before a shadow of something darker took its place.

"So, he knows?" Adrian asked, voice quieter, but no less firm.

"Yes."

A beat of silence stretched between them before Adrian let out a slow breath. "Good."

Eve smirked. "Are you mad because he tried to outsmart me."

"No," Adrian corrected, his tone darkening. "I'm mad he tried to manipulate you. There's a difference."

She tilted her head. "Aw, are you getting protective of me now?"

He gave her a pointed look. "I'm just saying I'd be very comfortable holding a lifelong grudge against him."

She laughed. "Good to know."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable for a long moment. Then, he spoke, his voice carrying the slightest hint of amusement.

"I'll come home with you this weekend."

She blinked. "What?"

"You're going home, aren't you?"

"Yes…how do you know.... oh, how can i forgot about my mom calling you more then she calls me"

"Then I'll come with you."

For a long moment, she simply stared at him. And then, the thought settled. The idea of going home..

A smile; a real, genuine one broke across her lips. "I'd like that."