chapter 3: paying with fire

Evelyn could feel the weight of Felix Kane's gaze as she settled into the leather chair across from him. The subtle scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air, blending with the sharp tang of power that seemed to radiate from the man himself.

The office was a reflection of him sleek, dark, and meticulously designed. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, but even the breathtaking view couldn't distract from Felix.

He was too commanding.

"I trust you've had time to review the contract," Felix said, his voice low and smooth.

"I have." Evelyn kept her expression neutral. "My lawyer did as well."

"And?"

"There are no surprises. Everything is as you stated six months of direct oversight, detailed financial reports, and mandatory progress meetings." She tilted her chin slightly. "But I'm not here to be micromanaged, Mr. Kane. I accepted your investment because I believe in my cause, not because I need your approval."

Felix's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Noted."

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. There was something unnerving about the way he watched her like he was peeling away every layer she tried to hide. Most people would shift under such scrutiny. Evelyn didn't.

"You're different from the people I usually deal with," Felix said after a moment.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"It wasn't." His voice was cool, but amusement danced in his eyes.

Evelyn's hands curled slightly against the arms of her chair. She hated the way he could so effortlessly rattle her, like he was testing how far he could push before she cracked. But she wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

"I'm not interested in playing whatever game this is," she said firmly. "You signed the contract. I'll keep my end of the deal, and so will you. My organization will receive the funding, and I'll provide the reports you want. That's all."

Felix's expression didn't waver. "We'll see."

There it was again the constant challenge in his tone. It wasn't just business for him. He wanted to see how far she would go. How much she could endure.

But Evelyn wasn't afraid of him.

"Your first report is due in two weeks," Felix continued, returning to the conversation like nothing had happened. "Claire will coordinate the necessary access to our financial software. I expect full transparency."

"You'll have it."

He inclined his head, satisfied. "Then our business is concluded — for now."

Evelyn stood, smoothing down her dress. But as she turned to leave, Felix's voice stopped her.

"One more thing, Miss Moore."

She glanced over her shoulder.

"Next time you enter my office, wear something that commands the same respect you demand."

Heat prickled beneath her skin. She bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to rise to the bait.

"Next time you invest in a cause," she replied coolly, "remember that appearances don't educate children. Actions do."

Felix's smirk deepened, but he said nothing as she walked out.

---

Later That Evening

Evelyn's tiny apartment was a stark contrast to the luxurious world she'd stepped into earlier that day. The small one-bedroom space was cluttered with notebooks, binders, and sketches of community center blueprints. A corkboard covered with sticky notes and pinned photos served as the centerpiece of her workspace.

But even as she tried to focus on reviewing program data, Felix Kane's words echoed in her mind.

"Wear something that commands respect."

Arrogant. Condescending. Typical.

She hated how he'd gotten under her skin. No man had ever unnerved her like that. But Felix Kane wasn't just any man. He was a storm powerful, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. Lena's name flashed across the screen.

"Hey," Evelyn answered.

"I need every detail," Lena said dramatically. "How was the meeting with Mr. Billionaire Alpha himself?"

Evelyn sighed. "Exactly what you'd expect. Condescending, arrogant, and convinced the world revolves around him."

"And?"

"And infuriatingly attractive," Evelyn grumbled, instantly regretting the admission.

Lena gasped. "Evelyn!"

"I didn't say I liked him."

"You didn't have to!" Lena giggled. "But honestly, I don't blame you. Felix Kane could make a nun reconsider her vows."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "He's nothing but a means to an end. I'll play by his rules for six months, then I'm done."

"Just be careful," Lena warned, her voice softening. "Guys like him don't let go easily."

"I can handle Felix Kane," Evelyn said, more for herself than her friend.

But even as she said it, doubt lingered.

Could she really handle him

Meanwhile, Across the City

Felix Kane poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the soft glow of his penthouse lights. The city sprawled beneath him, glittering and alive. Yet his thoughts were fixed on only one thing.

Evelyn Moore.

The way she'd stood her ground. The flash of fire in her eyes. She wasn't afraid of him and that both intrigued and irritated him.

He took a slow sip, the burn of the alcohol doing nothing to dull the thoughts swirling in his mind.

She thought she could keep their relationship strictly professional. Follow the rules. Stay within the confines of the deal.

But Felix wasn't the type to follow rules.