More Than Just Business

The restaurant was a fortress of wealth—high ceilings, golden chandeliers, and a quiet murmur of conversation that only the elite could afford. The scent of expensive wine and freshly cooked steak filled the air as waiters glided between tables with effortless grace.

Evelyn barely had time to take it all in before she felt Adrian’s hand at the small of her back, guiding her forward.

"Relax, Sinclair," he murmured, lips close to her ear. "You look like you're about to murder someone."

She smirked, tilting her head slightly toward him. "Wouldn’t be the first time."

Adrian chuckled lowly, leading her through the crowd. "Then at least wait until after dinner."

Her gaze flickered to a tall man in an expensive navy-blue suit sitting near the center of the restaurant.

Moreau.

His piercing green eyes met hers, and a slow smirk spread across his lips.

"Ah, Westwood," Moreau greeted as they approached. His voice was smooth, too smooth. "And Evelyn Sinclair… I must say, I wasn’t expecting you two together."

Adrian’s hand tightened slightly on Evelyn’s back. "Things change."

Moreau leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. "Do they?" His gaze flickered between them, studying. Calculating.

Evelyn took the seat across from Moreau, Adrian settling beside her.

Moreau smiled. "I hear you’ve been quite the mystery, Miss Sinclair. A self-made CEO, untouchable in the corporate world… but still a wildcard."

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Flattering. But I doubt we’re here to talk about my reputation."

Moreau chuckled, nodding toward Adrian. "You’ve got a sharp one here, Westwood. I can see why you keep her close."

Adrian's jaw ticked. "Let’s get to business."

Moreau exhaled dramatically. "Always so impatient." He motioned to the waiter. "A drink first?"

"I don’t trust you enough for that," Evelyn said flatly.

Moreau grinned. "Smart girl."

Adrian cut in, his tone ice-cold. "We’re here because you’ve been sniffing around places you shouldn’t be."

Moreau raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you think?"

Evelyn didn’t miss the slight shift in his expression—a flicker of amusement, maybe even challenge.

Adrian leaned forward, voice low. "Stay away from my business. And hers."

Moreau tilted his head, clearly enjoying this. "You sound… protective, Westwood. Is there something more here?"

Evelyn smirked, deciding to play along. She reached out, trailing a slow finger along Adrian’s hand. "Wouldn’t you like to know?"

Moreau’s gaze darkened slightly before he laughed. "Interesting."

Adrian’s hand turned, gripping Evelyn’s fingers firmly. "Let’s be clear, Moreau. If you make a move against us, you won’t like the consequences."

Moreau exhaled through his nose, clearly entertained. "Noted."

The tension was suffocating. Evelyn could feel the power struggle in the air, and yet, she wasn’t sure which was more intense—Moreau’s mind games or the way Adrian’s touch sent sparks up her spine.

---

Author’s Note

"And that’s Chapter 11!

Adrian being possessive? Evelyn playing along? Moreau stirring up tension? Oh, things are getting deliciously messy. 😏

Coming next: A close encounter, Moreau pushing limits, and Adrian realizing he’s losing control.

- Spicy Noodles (Serving tension hotter than a power play gone wrong.)

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