The Proposal

Lake Como – Private Villa

Dinner wasn't in a restaurant.

No, this was Killian Thorne—he had rented out a private villa overlooking Lake Como, where the water shimmered beneath the moonlight.

Evangeline stepped onto the terrace, unsurprised by the candlelit table set for two.

"You always did have a flair for theatrics," she mused, taking her seat.

Killian poured her wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. "And you always liked pretending you weren't impressed."

She smirked but said nothing.

They made it through dinner without disaster. No fights. No veiled threats. Just sharp conversation, laced with dangerous nostalgia.

Then, just as she was finishing her wine, Killian leaned forward.

"I have an offer for you."

Evangeline tilted her head. "I already made my move, Killian. You lost this round."

He smirked. "Did I?"

He set a document on the table. A contract.

Evangeline picked it up, scanning the first few lines. Then she froze.

This wasn't a business deal.

It was a merger.

A proposal to combine their companies—to become partners.

She looked up sharply. "You can't be serious."

Killian's expression was unreadable. "Think about it, Evangeline. You and I, together. Unstoppable. No one could touch us."

Her heart pounded. This was insane.

"You expect me to trust you?" she asked.

Killian leaned closer, his voice a dark promise.

"I expect you to be smart enough to know that you don't have a choice."