Chapter 5 - The Cracks in the Facade
The tension in the dining room was thick enough to cut with a steak knife. Diane stared at me, her chest heaving with indignation, but the sheer physical presence and absolute authority radiating from my posture forced her to pause. She was used to intimidating vendors, clients, and her daughters. She had never encountered a man who looked at her like she was a minor inconvenience.
"This conversation isn't over," Diane hissed under her breath, before turning on her heel and marching toward the restroom corridor.
Victoria quickly excused herself to follow her mother. Miles sat at the table, looking down at his glass, his face red with humiliation.
"Well," Evelyn announced loudly, taking a sip of her champagne. "Now that the drama is out of the way, I believe it's time for cake!"
Nora pulled gently on my sleeve. "Evan... can we step outside for a second?"
"Of course," I said.
We walked out through the french doors onto the shaded brick courtyard overlooking the gardens. The warm Charleston breeze carried the scent of jasmine and salt water. The moment the doors shut behind us, Nora spun around to face me, her eyes wide with overwhelming emotion.
"Why did you say that?!" she whispered, her voice a mix of shock and panic. "Broad Street?! Seed funding?! Evan, my mother is going to check county records! She's going to find out there is no lease!"
"There is a lease," I said calmly, leaning back against the brick pillar.
Nora blinked. "What?"
I pulled my personal phone from my pocket, tapped the screen twice, and turned it toward her. On the screen was an official real estate portal showing a prime, historic commercial storefront on Broad Street—formerly a high-end French bistro—listed under Cole Development's commercial holdings.
"I bought the building six months ago," I explained smoothly. "My leasing team was preparing to list it next week. It has a fully equipped commercial kitchen, marble counters, and a street-front display window. It's yours if you want it."
Nora stared at the screen, her breathing halting completely. "Evan... that building is worth millions. The rent alone would be..."
"The rent will be whatever your business plan projects for year one," I cut in, my tone completely serious. "I don't play games with investments, Nora. I saw your portfolio when Miles was holding your phone. Your work is extraordinary."
Tears welling in her dark eyes, Nora looked up at me. "You don't even know me. We met two hours ago in a café."
"I know you spent eighteen months working double shifts to build a dream," I said, reaching out to gently brush a strand of dark hair away from her face. "I know you stood up to a family that tried to keep you small. And I know you're worth every cent."
She looked into my eyes, her lips parting slightly. For a moment, the fake relationship faded entirely, replaced by an intense, electric current pulling us together.
Before either of us could speak, the courtyard door clicked open.
May you like
Miles stepped out onto the brick patio, holding a tumbler of scotch. His eyes were dark with malice.
"Touching scene," Miles sneered, leaning against the doorframe. "Too bad it's built on a total lie."
