Billionaire’s

Chapter 21

A week later. Evelyn felt like half of her burdens had lifted after she finally moved out of the hotel and into her apartment.

The past week at work with Derek had been surprisingly drama–free and pleasantly uneventful, so much so that she was still finding it hard to believe considering how he had made her believe he was going to be flirting and seducing her throughout the duration of their arrangement.

Judging by the way everything was going smoothly and how she had yet to run into Michael for the past week, she was beginning to think that Lady Luck was on her side, and she could only hope that it would remain that way for the remaining three weeks of the arrangement.

Arriving at the office. Evelyn’s brows pulled together when she entered the office and saw that Derek was nowhere in sight but his coat hung on the coat hanger letting her know he had come to work.

Deciding to confirm with his secretary, she went out to ask and when the secretary told her he stepped out a while ago without mentioning where he was headed, Evelyn decided to go get his coffee before he returned.

She was surprised when she approached the coffee kitchen and saw Derek coming out from there, carrying two coffee cups in hand

“Good morning, Eve. How are you?” he asked and Evelyn resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Even though he had been on his best behavior, he had kept referring to her as Eve and now, she was no longer bothered by it.

“Good morning. meant for

Mr. Stone I was just ca

was just coming to get your coffee. Are you expecting a guest?” she asked curiously, wondering who the other c

cup was

“I have been expecting you. I figured I get us both coffee today seeing how you were running late,” he said, handing her a cup.

“Is this your way of scolding me for being late?” She asked, amused as she reached to take the cup from him.

As Derek handed her the cup, he smiled at her, “No. I am not scolding you. There are better ways to do that. Besides, you’ve not been a bad girl,” he said with a wink, making her heart skip a beat.

Thank you,” she muttered as she looked away from him, her heart racing.

“You’re welcome always, Eve. Let’s head back to the office.” he said and she nodded as she followed him back to his office, neither of them saying a

word to each other

“You don’t seem to have a lot to do today. I suppose I can leave early. Evelyn observed thirty minutes later as she looked at the appointment journal the secretary had handed her for the new week.

You can leave after my lunch meeting” Derek said and Evelyn frowned.

“A lunch meeting? Your secretary didn’t mention anything about a

That’s because she doesn’t know about it either. It was an impromptu arrangement,” he cut in and she nodded.

“I see. So, where is the meeting taking place? Evelyn asked as they took their seat.

“You don’t have to worry, I will drive us there,” he said and she nodded.

As they left for the meeting after noon, Evelyn couldn’t help but be curious about who they were meeting and what the meeting was about.

“Mr. Stone, if you don’t mind me asking, who are you meeting? Where is the meeting taking place! And what is the meeting and out?” she asked, glancing at him as he drove.

“Are you ever going to stop calling me that?” He asked with a curious, ignoring her question.

“Am I supposed to?” She retorted.

“Yes, you should. We are old friends after all. Besides, I’m your employer,” he said, and she snorted.

“Could have fooled me,” she muttered.

“What do you mean?” He asked and she sighed

*Nothing at all. I’m going to keep referring to you as Mr Stone because that is your name. We are not friends, and I have no intention of being friends with you. Not now, and certainly not in the future either. Let’s keep things formal” she said firmly.

“You’re a tough nut to crack, you know!” Derek said, and she shook her head.

“That’s where you got it wrong. I’m not a nut for you to crack in the first place. So quit trying” she said and Derek nodded.

0

“Alright. So, it’s been a week already. I’m curious about your findings so far. What have you learned about me?” he asked changing the subject.

Relieved by the change of subject, she paused, considering his question. “Well, I’ve noticed a few things, she began cautiously.

“You have a very hands–on approach to leadership. It’s clear that you’re deeply involved in every aspect of the company, which is commendable and it makes me wonder how you’ve managed to keep away from the public eye for so long,” she said and Derek chuckled.

“It would have remained so if you hadn’t shown up,” he said confidently. “It’s good to know you’re paying close attention and you’re being objective too,” he said not bothering to say anything to satisfy her curiosity.

“It’s what I’m good at.” Evelyn said, making up her mind to find out why he had stayed away from the media for so long before the end of the arrangement.

“I’m curious to see more things you’re good at, he drawled and Evelyn sighed dramatically, making him chuckle.

“You didn’t answer my question about the venue of the meeting, who you are meeting, and why? Shouldn’t I know what to expect?” Evelyn reminded him, steering the conversation to safer grounds.

“Why the hurry? We are almost there, and you will find out soon enough. But I can assure you that you will like the restaurant,” he said, and Evelyn rolled her eyes.

sen the p Why did he sound like he had chosen place with her in mind? It wasn’t like they were going on a date.

date, she mused, but said nothing.

Once they arrived at the charming deluxe restaurant, the hostess greeted them and led them to their reserved table.

Evelyn raised a brow when she noticed it was a table for two, but before she could ask any questions, Derek held out her seat and she sat down. She waited until Derek was seated before looking at him with a raised eyebrow. “Where is the client? Are we too early? And why are there only two seats?” she asked suspiciously as a waiter brought a bottle of champagne and glasses.

Derek checked his watch and shrugged. “He’s probably running late. When he arrives we will leave you here and go to a different table to speak privately while you observe. Let’s order lunch while we wait. I’m famished,” he said casually, and Evelyn hesitated, looking at him suspiciously.

uwait. Someone could see us and misunderstand…” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to have lunch with you while you

know

my identity, their opinion doesn’t really

“The people who know my identity won’t care about seeing me with you, and those who don’t) matter, does it?” He asked, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and determination.

“What’s the champagne for?” Evelyn asked as he poured the wine into their glasses.

“To celebrate your return into my life. The celebration is long overdue, don’t you think?” He asked, and she frowned.

“Did you deliberately bring me here for this? Or is there really a meeting with a client?” She asked, giving him a pointed look that demanded nothing but the truth.

Derek held her gaze. “It’s our first date,” he confessed and watched with amusement as a spark of anger ignited her green eyes as she started to push

from the table

“I’m not doing this with you,” she said as she rose and picked up her handbag

“I told you, Eve. I wasn’t going to keep things professional. If you want me to flirt with you openly at the office, I will do so. suggest you sit down and have lunch with me,” he said calmly.

“Are you threatening me?” She asked, glaring at him.

. But if you don’t. I

Derek shrugged. “You can call it whatever you want, Eve. Six years ago I let you have your way with me. Now I’m going to have my way with you whether or not you like it. You can call me a jerk or whatever, but I intend to have you, Eve. So, you can either let me treat you as a gentleman or I will go about it the other way,” he said, lifting his glass to her in a silent toast.

Evelyn hesitated for a moment, torn between calling his bluff and walking away, and taking his threat seriously. She didn’t want him to flirt with her openly especially not at the company.

“ise a good girl and sit your pretty ass down Eve. I gave you a week to settle down. Now I’m just getting started,” he said with a roguish smile as he picked up the menu in decide on what to order, while Evelyn inhaled deeply and let it out slowly to calm herself as she sat back down.