Wine & Wolves

The elevator moved up slow, quiet like a coffin meant for people who dreamed too big.

Nathan fixed his collar for the tenth time. The blazer itched a little at the neck. It wasn't his blazer. It wasn't even his shirt. Some guy who was a friend of a friend let him borrow it. Nathan told him it was for "networking." Kinda true. Kinda not.

The elevator dinged and opened with a soft whoosh, like money had oiled every part of it.

The penthouse was glowing with this warm orange evening light. The walls were glass, showing off the city like it was a trophy. Nathan used to look down on this view from his own office. Now it just felt like a reminder of everything he lost.

Inside, people talked in quiet voices. Jazz music floated in the background. Everyone had wine in their hand and looked like they judged you the second you stepped in. Technically, it was a wine tasting, but Nathan could smell it—this wasn't just about wine.

It was about power.

And Evelyn Moreau was right in the middle of it all.

She stood near the back in a black dress that hugged her in all the right places and showed off way more leg than he expected. Classy but dangerous. She was talking to some rich execs and a guy with too much wine knowledge.

Then her eyes found him.

No smile. No wave. Just that sharp look like she was calculating something in her head.

[SYSTEM ALERT: Proximity to Target – Evelyn Moreau][Environmental Modifier: Social Pressure + Business Competition][Challenge: Outshine rival suitors to increase Target Affection Level]

Nathan's gaze followed the people around her.

To her left, some fancy finance guy with slick hair, designer jawline, and probably a yacht named after himself.

To her right, a drunk guy who looked like some prince from oil money. Already laughing too loud.

And then there was Nathan.

No money. Borrowed suit. Last-minute breath mints.

He walked toward the wine bar. Grabbed a glass. Didn't even sip. He needed a plan, not a buzz.

He walked around the room slowly. Smiling here. Saying hi there. Pretending he belonged. Threw in business words like "cash flow" and "synergy" when he needed to. Made eye contact. Laughed on time.

Then—

"Mr. Cole," Evelyn said. Her voice was cold and smooth like a knife with lipstick on it.

Everyone near her turned.

Some smiled politely.

Others looked like they smelled something bad.

Nathan grinned. "Ms. Moreau. You said wine, but I get the feeling this is war."

The guy on her left chuckled, annoyed. "You came dressed for a funeral."

Nathan didn't blink. "I did. Yours."

A few people laughed. Not nice laughs—more like "who the hell is this guy?" laughs.

The prince next to her leaned forward. "Is this the man you've been mentioning? The one who used to be somebody?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of wine. "His ideas are better than some full departments I pay for."

That shut them up.

Nathan raised his glass.

"To power," he said. "The only thing more addicting than overpriced wine in a penthouse full of liars."

Some awkward clinks followed. A few sips. A few smirks.

Evelyn tilted her head. "If you came to pitch again—"

"No pitch." Nathan took a tiny sip, finally. "I came to make sure you don't forget me."

[SYSTEM PROMPT: Target's Curiosity +5%][Optional Mini-Quest: Impress Evelyn Before Midnight for Bonus Affection]

She looked at him, hard to read.

"I don't forget useful things," she said. "Or dangerous ones."

He stepped closer. Just one foot.

"Then maybe I'll be both."

The finance guy rolled his eyes. "Okay, this is getting cringey. Some of us came to drink."

Nathan smiled. "You look like you came to lose."

The laughter this time was louder. A few people really enjoyed that one.

Evelyn didn't stop it.

She liked it.

She liked him.

But not everyone did.

Especially not the prince.

He stepped closer, breathing wine fumes. "You think this is funny, consultant guy?"

Nathan's smile faded. "No. But if it was, your haircut would be the punchline."

That did it.

The prince shoved him—hard.

Nathan stumbled into a wine cart. Glass shattered. Wine splashed across the floor.

People gasped. A waiter cursed.

Nathan got up slow. Chest rising. Jaw tight.

He could punch the guy. He really wanted to.

But that wasn't smart.

So instead, he fixed his collar and turned to Evelyn.

"I should probably go," he said calmly. "But I hope the proposal I gave you speaks louder than all this drama."

He walked away.

Then—

"Wait."

Her voice stopped everything.

Everyone turned.

"Nathan," Evelyn said. Her voice wasn't as cold now. "Walk with me."

No hesitation.

He followed her out to the terrace.

The air was cooler out here. Quiet.

She stood near the edge, looking out at the skyline like it was something she could conquer.

"You could've fought him," she said finally.

"I'd rather win than fight."

"And you think you won?"

Nathan looked at her. "You didn't stop him from shoving me. But you stopped me from leaving."

That made her smirk a little.

[Target Affection +10%][System Reward: Negotiation Skill Lv. 1 Unlocked][Bonus Trigger: Strategic Charm – +100 Tycoon Points]

"Next time," she said, "wear your own suit."

He smiled. "Next time, I'll bring a pen for that deal."

"Maybe I'll let you."

Then, more quiet. Then:

"Dinner. Thursday. Not business."

Nathan blinked. "Is that a test?"

"No. That's an order."

She walked away, back into the room.

Nathan stayed there, watching the lights of the city flicker.

His heart was beating fast.

He wasn't just playing now.

He was winning.