Alexander's gaze lingered on her for a long moment, silent, unreadable. Then, with deliberate precision, he set his sleek smartphone on the table, sliding it toward her.
"Input your mobile digits." he said, voice low and measured.
Eva's hands froze for a heartbeat before she carefully collected the phone with both hands, feeling the weight of it — and the gravity of his command. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tapped in her number, each digit feeling like a confession.
When she finished, she handed the phone back to him.
Alexander's dark eyes studied her face for a long moment, taking in the faint tremor in her hands, the quickening of her pulse, the lingering fear behind her wide eyes. His eyes didn't move from her face. "You spoke boldly a moment ago," he said, tone even. "Now you tremble."He paused, eyes darkening slightly. "So much for confidence."
Then he typed something into the phone — presumably saving her number — with the same calm, precise efficiency that marked everything about him.
Eva's breath caught, but he was already standing, coat falling neatly against him as he turned for the door.
"Keep your phone close," he said without looking back.
The soft click of his shoes faded, leaving only silence — and the chill of his words lingering in the air.
Eva exhaled, a long, shuddering breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
**********************
The cool night breeze brushed against Eva's face as she stood outside Vellaro Hotel, her thoughts still tangled in confusion. The golden lights of the grand building glimmered behind her like a dream she couldn't quite believe had happened.
A sleek silver car rolled to a stop in front of her, and the tinted window slid down.
"Get in,pretty!" Jasmine called, grinning from the driver's seat.
Eva sighed in relief and quickly opened the door, slipping into the passenger seat. The moment she buckled up, Jasmine hit the accelerator, merging into the glowing city traffic.
"So?" Jasmine asked immediately, eyes sparkling. "How did it go? Did Grandpa's assistant behave himself?"
Eva let out a breathy laugh, leaning her head against the window. "He found out."
Jasmine's head whipped toward her for a second before turning back to the road. "He what? Already?!"
Eva nodded, rubbing her temple. "yeah. He started asking questions. And the confidence I walked in with?" She gave a humorless chuckle. "Gone. Just… gone."
Jasmine burst into laughter. "No way! You, Miss 'I can handle anything,' got caught that fast?"
Eva groaned. "You have no idea, Jas. He saw right through me. I couldn't read him, but he could read me like a book."
Jasmine glanced at her, intrigued. "So what's he like then? Old? Wrinkly? Bald?"
Eva shook her head slowly, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Not even close. He's… hot. Young — not even near middle age. Tall, confident, black and gold hair, smells ridiculously good… pink lips, too perfect, honestly." She paused, then muttered, "Totally my type — but I'm not interested."
Jasmine laughed so hard she had to slow the car, clutching the steering wheel. "Oh, you're so doomed," she managed between giggles. "You sound interested already!"
Eva gave her a look. "Jasmine, I'm serious. He's… intense. The kind of man who doesn't need to raise his voice to make you obey. He just looks at you — and you freeze."
Jasmine smirked, turning the steering wheel to the left as they passed a glowing streetlight. "So what did he say when he found out you weren't me? Was he mad?"
Eva hesitated, her voice softening. "I don't know. I couldn't tell. His face doesn't move much — it's like he's carved from marble. But somehow, he knows exactly what you're thinking. It's unnerving."
Jasmine grinned wider. "A mysterious, hot, unreadable billionaire? Oh, Eva… that's exactly how every dangerous romance starts."
Eva shot her a glare. "Jas, please. The only danger here is me losing my sanity."
Jasmine laughed again, eyes glinting with amusement. "Mhm. Keep telling yourself that."
Eva adjusted the seatbelt and rubbed her arms as if trying to shake off the memory. "He even collected my phone number," she muttered.
Jasmine's head snapped toward her. "He what?"
Eva groaned. "Exactly. That's what's bothering me. What if he's planning to report me or something? What if I wake up tomorrow with cops banging on my door?"
Jasmine's grin faltered slightly. "Hmm…" She tapped her finger against the steering wheel thoughtfully. "Or — what if he likes you, and he's just pretending...maybe love at first sight?"
Eva waved a hand dramatically. "Oh, please. Jas, you needed to see that guy. He doesn't look like someone who likes anyone. He looks like the type who makes people disappear."
Jasmine burst into laughter, shaking her head. "You're so dramatic. Fine, then. Just block him."
Eva sighed, leaning back. "You do realize this is all your fault, right?"
Jasmine shot her a smug smile. "And that's why I'll be making it up to you tomorrow. I'm taking you out — no arguments."
Eva turned her head slowly, suspicious. "Out? Where exactly?"
"Somewhere nice," Jasmine said vaguely, eyes on the road. "You'll thank me later."
Eva groaned again. "You and your surprises never end well."
Jasmine grinned. "That's because you panic too easily." Then, after a short pause, her tone softened. "By the way… I'll be staying at your place for some days."
Eva blinked. "What? Why?"