The Warning

The next morning, Evelyn walked into her office with an expression that screamed do not mess with me.

Her assistant, Mia, hesitated before handing over the morning reports. “Uh, Miss Sinclair, there’s been—”

“I know.” Evelyn cut her off, tossing her phone onto the desk. The unknown message from last night still lingered in her mind, and the figure outside her penthouse? That was a problem she couldn’t ignore.

Mia shifted uncomfortably. “So, you already know about the guy waiting for you in the lobby?”

Evelyn’s gaze snapped up. “Who?”

Mia bit her lip. “He refused to give his name. But he said it’s urgent.”

Evelyn’s instincts kicked in. This wasn’t a coincidence.

She stood, adjusting her blazer. “Where is he?”

“VIP lounge.”

Evelyn exhaled. “Stay here.”

---

The Meeting

Evelyn stepped into the VIP lounge, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Sitting comfortably on the leather couch, legs crossed like he owned the place, was a man she had never seen before.

Yet… something about him felt familiar.

“Miss Sinclair,” he greeted smoothly, his voice calm but laced with something dangerous.

Evelyn folded her arms. “You have exactly two minutes to tell me why I shouldn’t have you thrown out.”

The man smirked. “Straight to business. I like that.”

She didn’t blink. “One minute, fifty seconds.”

His amusement didn’t fade. “Vincent Moreau sends his regards.”

Her blood ran cold, but she didn’t let it show. “And?”

“And… he suggests you take his interest in you very seriously.”

Evelyn’s lips curled into a smirk. “And if I don’t?”

The man leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Then I suggest you start watching your back, sweetheart.”

A slow, dangerous silence filled the room.

Then—

“I think you should start watching yours.”

The voice came from behind.

Evelyn didn’t even have to turn around. She knew that voice anywhere.

Adrian.

---

Adrian’s Interruption

Adrian stepped into the room like a storm brewing, his sharp gaze locking onto the stranger. “I’d hate for Moreau’s messenger to leave here with a broken jaw. So why don’t you do yourself a favor and walk out while you still can?”

The man chuckled but stood. “I’ve delivered the message. What you do next is up to you.”

He walked past them, pausing just before exiting. “Oh, and Miss Sinclair?”

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

“Moreau always gets what he wants.”

And with that, he was gone.

---

The Aftermath

Adrian exhaled sharply. “Tell me you’re not actually considering talking to Moreau.”

Evelyn turned to him, a playful smirk on her lips. “What’s the matter? Jealous?”

His jaw clenched. “I’m serious, Evelyn.”

“So am I.” She folded her arms. “He wouldn’t be interested in me for no reason. I need to figure out why.”

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”