Chapter 5: The Game We Play

Evelyn spent the next few days burying herself in work, determined to forget that kiss.

She refused to let Damien Knight become a distraction.

And yet, his presence loomed over her thoughts like an unshakable shadow. Every glance at her phone tempted her to check if he had messaged. Every late-night meeting reminded her of the way his lips had felt against hers.

It was infuriating.

Sinclair Enterprises was on the brink of finalizing its proposal for the Crestview Project, and the stakes had never been higher. This was the deal that would solidify her empire—one that she had spent years building with ruthless precision.

She wouldn’t let him interfere.

So, when she arrived at the Crestview Executive Boardroom, dressed in a navy power suit that demanded attention, she was ready.

Or so she thought.

Because Damien Knight was already there.

Leaning against the sleek glass table, arms crossed, looking entirely too at ease in his dark charcoal suit.

Their eyes met, and something unspoken crackled between them.

“Evelyn.” His voice was smooth, unreadable.

She gave him a curt nod. “Damien.”

The room was filled with executives from both companies, attorneys, and investment representatives, but it might as well have been empty.

The real battle was happening in the space between them.

As the negotiations began, Evelyn did what she did best—she took control.

“Our projections indicate a fifteen percent increase in market demand over the next five years,” she said, voice crisp, confident. “Sinclair Enterprises has already established key partnerships that will ensure cost efficiency while maximizing long-term growth.”

Damien smirked, flipping open a file. “That’s an impressive forecast, Evelyn. But you’re operating under the assumption that market volatility won’t impact projected revenue. Knight Global, on the other hand, has accounted for external risks—giving us the advantage in long-term sustainability.”

The tension between them was razor-sharp, each counterpoint another step in their endless game of one-upmanship.

But Evelyn refused to let him win.

She leaned forward slightly, a challenge in her gaze. “You talk a big game, Damien, but talk doesn’t win contracts. Performance does.”

His smirk deepened. “And yet, here you are, trying to convince everyone that your proposal is the better one.”

She clenched her jaw, refusing to let him rattle her.

After nearly two hours of intense discussions, the meeting adjourned. The board would reconvene in a week to make their final decision.

As the room emptied, Evelyn gathered her files, pretending not to notice that Damien was lingering.

“Admit it,” he murmured, stepping closer. “You missed me.”

She exhaled sharply. “I’ve been too busy running my empire to think about you.”

Damien chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. “Liar.”

She turned to face him, fully intending to shut him down. But the way he looked at her—like he knew exactly how much she wanted him, like he felt the same pull—made her breath hitch.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Damien,” she warned.

His gaze darkened, amusement fading into something more intense. “So are you.”

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, before she could stop herself, she spoke the words that would change everything.

“Meet me tonight. My penthouse. 10 p.m.”

A slow, knowing smile curved on his lips. “I thought you didn’t get distracted.”

She arched a brow. “I don’t. This is just… unfinished business.”

Damien stepped even closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “If you say so, Evelyn.”

She turned and walked away, but she could feel his gaze burning into her as she left.

She knew this was reckless. Knew she was stepping into dangerous territory.

But for once, she didn’t care.

Because some temptations weren’t meant to be resisted.