“One day?” Theo sneered, eyes fixed on her. “Fine. You’ve got one day. If this isn’t sorted by tomorrow, don’t blame me for what happens next.”
He didn’t wait for Evangeline to respond. With an angry turn, he stormed off.
Evangeline was left speechless.
She’d hoped to have a proper conversation with Theo, but after Lily’s little instigation, there was no chance of that happening now.
As soon as Theo disappeared, Lily put on a smug, self–satisfied smile. “Director Whitmore, why don’t you go apologize to Mr. Fawkes? Try persuading Mr. Carlisle to agree to Fawkes Enterprises‘ investment. I heard Mr. Fawkes has wanted to work with UME for ages, and with how beautiful you are, I’m sure he’ll change his mind the second he sees you.”
Evangeline forced a polite smile.
She was annoyed, but she was still new here–she didn’t know Lily well enough to figure out if this was just clumsy meddling or deliberate troublemaking.
In the end, she kept her temper in check and replied evenly, “There’s no need for to get involved. I’ll handle it myself.”
Lily’s expression shifted to wounded innocence. “Director Whitmore, what’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I should mind my own business?”
you
Before Evangeline could answer, Lily cut in, as if confirming her own suspicions. “I should’ve known. I never should have opened my mouth.”
With that, Lily turned away, heading back to her desk, radiating an air of deep, unappreciated martyrdom.
Evangeline rubbed her temples, exasperated.
Just then, a commotion rose from across the office.
The receptionist hurried over, breathless. “Director Whitmore, there’s a handsome gentleman here to see you!”
She practically glowed as she said “handsome,” her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Puzzled, Evangeline followed her to the entrance. Even from a distance, she spotted him–Finn–standing at the door holding a massive bouquet of roses, dressed in a
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waistcoat and suit, gold–rimmed glasses perched on his nose.
He had a rose stem between his teeth, somehow pulling off the look with effortless, languid charm.
He looked every bit the peacock in full display.
The extravagant showiness of it all was dazzling, if slightly overwhelming, to Evangeline.
The receptionist, on the other hand, couldn’t contain her excitement. She stood there, fists clenched in delight, face red as a tomato, as if the words “so handsome” and “so romantic” might burst from her lips at any moment.
With an appreciative audience, Finn’s grin grew even wider.
Evangeline pressed a hand to her forehead and, after a pause, managed to ask, “Did you really need to dress up so… dramatically?”
Finn arched a brow, plucked the rose from his mouth, and flashed a wickedly charming smile. “A beautiful woman deserves an event. It’s only right to give you the respect you deserve.”
He stepped forward, offering her the bouquet. “I’ve already clipped the thorns. Don’t worry–you’re safe.”
Luckily, she’d met Finn last night and was already used to his eccentric style. After a brief twitch at the corner of her mouth, Evangeline smiled. “…Thank you.”
“So,” Finn said, “have you thought about what I said yesterday?”
Evangeline nodded. “I agree.”
The words were out before she realized something felt off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Before she could dwell on the feeling, Finn beamed. “I knew you were a woman of sense, Miss Whitmore. In that case, let’s sign the contract. Lead the way, please.”
At the mention of paperwork, Evangeline pushed aside her earlier misgivings. She handed the bouquet to the receptionist, printed out the prepared contract, and brought it into the lounge for Finn.
She’d expected him to haggle like every other investor. To her surprise, Finn merely glanced through the document and signed without a second thought,
Evangeline couldn’t help but ask, “That quick?”
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Finn’s smile turned playful. “If you’d brought me a marriage license, I’d have signed
it even quicker.”
