apter 44
talie’s defenses snapped up instinctively. She held Rowan’s gaze, decling to strike first before he could make his move.
hat’s very kind of you, Mr. Mattel. This is just a simple family meal. 1an’t imagine what you’d possibly be interrupting.”
wan’s brow smoothed, a smirk tugging at his lips. Dropping any pretense of politeness, he pulled out a chair. “Well, in that e, you won’t mind if I join you?”
talie and Shane exchanged a startled look.
rraine forced a stiff smile. “Of course not. We just didn’t want you to el out of place.”
wan, however, had no trouble making himself at home. He’d already taken a seat, deliberately choosing the empty spot side Natalie.
e could see his profile clearly from the corner of her eye.
at was his deal? He clearly wasn’t there to mooch off them, and showing up just to butter up Lorraine didn’t make sense, her.
er their first meeting, Natalie looked Rowan up out of curiosity. She didn’t find much, just that he was a mysterious investor o’d been spending a lot of time in Grendale lately.
the past three months alone, he’d poured a staggering billion dollars into various projects across the city. Nearly every ecutive in Grendale was clamoring for a meeting with him, hoping to secure his investment and take their careers to the next el.
talie vaguely remembered something. Recently, Rowan appeared to have been in contact with Valor Group, Jason’s company. r curiosity about him grew, and she found herself glancing his way.
wan said casually, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Grove. I adapt easily. Besides, eating alone makes me feel lonely. We could discuss tential investments over dinner.”
rraine couldn’t very well refuse after that. The mood had just become slightly awkward.
they made small talk, Lorraine kept part of her attention focused on Rowan. Seizing the opportunity, she brought up the mpany’s new project, which seemed to pique Rowan’s interest.
talie remained on edge. No one showed up uninvited without an agenda, and she was certain Rowan had ulterior motives.
fore long, she excused herself, claiming urgent business. Shane, her fake boyfriend, dutifully walked her out as expected.
e moment they left the private room, she couldn’t resist asking, “Who is that guy?”
ane sauntered with the natural swagger of a privileged heir. “Mom mentioned Mr. Mattel is some investor. Her lab’s sperate for funding, so she’s been in touch with him. Why? Are you interested in him or something?”
talie let out a dry laugh. “Him? Please, I’d rather be interested in you.
ane recoiled like he’d been burned, putting several feet between them “Don’t even joke about that, Nat. You know I’m ergie to women.”
talie rolled her eyes, completely exasperated.
is whole thing started years back, when Shane was recovering from an injury in a private hospital room. A nurse had tried to luce him, and when he wasn’t looking, she planted a kiss on him.
e poor Shane vomited so violently that he nearly brought up bile. He’d been terrified of women ever since.
ane walked Natalie to the entrance before turning back.
descended the steps carefully, the evening breeze lifting her skirt with each graceful movement. But her heels had already
1/2
Chapter 44
+25 BONUS
rubbed her skin raw.
Finally freeing her feet, Natalie hooked the heels over her fingers and sighed in relief. She never should have worn them in the first place.
Unbeknownst to her, Rowan stood watching from behind.
