Chapter 4 Episode 4

The boardroom was already buzzing with low chatter when Eva entered, her presence immediately commanding the room's attention. She didn't miss the appraising glances from the older members of the board-mostly men who had been skeptical of her rise to power. They still viewed her as an outsider, despite all she had accomplished.

"Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice firm and professional as she took her seat at the head of the table.

The room quieted instantly. Eva's fingers moved swiftly over her tablet, pulling up her presentation, but the murmurs of doubt still buzzed in her mind like an annoying fly she couldn't swat away. She couldn't afford distractions today.

"Let's get started," she announced, keeping her tone brisk. "I've reviewed the latest market projections, and I believe it's time we make a bold move to secure our position against the growing competition in the industry."

As she spoke, outlining her strategic plans for the next quarter, she felt the familiar rush of control flood through her. This was her domain-this boardroom, this company. No matter what personal messes threatened to cloud her judgment outside these walls, here she was untouchable.

Or at least, that was how it had always been.

The meeting progressed smoothly. Eva was in her element, answering questions with the precision and confidence that had earned her respect, however begrudging, among the board. She was nearly at the close of her presentation when the double doors of the boardroom swung open without warning.

Eva's heart sank as Aiden Wolfe strolled into the room as if he owned the place.

He looked every bit the billionaire mogul he was-dressed in a tailored suit, his sharp gaze sweeping the room, and a cocky smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The tension in the room shot up several notches, and all eyes darted between Eva and Aiden, a knowing curiosity gleaming in the board members' eyes.

Eva's grip tightened on the edge of the table, her fingers nearly digging into the wood. She hadn't expected him here. Hell, she hadn't invited him. So, what was he doing crashing her board meeting?

"Aiden," she greeted coolly, her voice laced with ice. "I didn't realize you had business here today."

Aiden's smirk deepened, his eyes locking onto hers with a simmering intensity that made her stomach flip despite her best efforts to appear unaffected. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Eva."

He didn't sit down, merely leaned against the wall with an ease that set her on edge, as if he was staking his claim. She could feel the eyes of the board shifting back and forth between them, and the undercurrent of speculation grew stronger.

"What can we help you with, Mr. Wolfe?" One of the board members-an older man with salt-and-pepper hair named Henry-ventured the question with thinly veiled curiosity.

Aiden didn't break eye contact with Eva as he answered, "I'm just here as an observer today, Henry. Consider me... interested in how Knight Industries plans to move forward."

Eva could practically feel the blood rushing to her ears. This was a power play, plain and simple. Aiden had come here to assert dominance, to undermine her authority in front of her board, and it was working. She could see the flicker of doubt in their eyes, wondering what the great Aiden Wolfe knew that they didn't.

But she wasn't about to let him win. Not here.

"If you're here to learn something, Aiden, I suggest you take a seat and stay out of my way," Eva said sharply, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Aiden's smile turned predatory. "I wouldn't dream of getting in your way, Eva."

His words dripped with challenge, and the unspoken meaning hung between them. He wasn't just talking about the board meeting.

Eva turned her attention back to the board, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand, even as the heat of Aiden's gaze burned into her. She finished her presentation, ignoring the questions now swirling in the minds of the people in the room. When she finally brought the meeting to a close, she didn't waste time gathering her things.

"I'll expect a follow-up on these discussions by the end of the week," she said crisply, not bothering to look in Aiden's direction as she moved to leave.

But just as she reached the door, Aiden's voice stopped her cold.

"Eva."

She paused, her heart thudding in her chest. Slowly, she turned to face him. The board members had begun to file out, leaving them alone in the room, the tension thick between them.

Aiden straightened from his relaxed pose and crossed the room in a few quick strides, closing the distance between them. He stopped just in front of her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him, smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne.

"You've been avoiding me," he said quietly, his voice low and dangerous.

Eva raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference despite the quickening of her pulse. "I've been busy."

Aiden's eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to her lips for a fleeting moment before returning to her eyes. "You can't keep running, Eva. You and I both know this is far from over."

She swallowed hard, her resolve weakening under the weight of his stare. But she forced herself to stand tall, to not let him see how deeply he was affecting her.

"I don't run from anything," she shot back. "Least of all you."

Aiden smirked, leaning in slightly, his breath brushing against her skin. "Then prove it."

Before she could respond, his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer. The sudden proximity sent a jolt of electricity through her, her breath hitching as her body betrayed her, pressing into him despite every warning siren going off in her mind.

But Aiden didn't push any further. He leaned in, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered, "Meet me tonight. Eight o'clock. The penthouse suite at the Windsor."

Eva's heart raced, and for a moment, she was paralyzed by the conflicting desires pulling her in two directions. She knew better than to give in to him. She knew it would be a mistake. But the pull between them was undeniable, and every time she was near him, her carefully constructed walls began to crack.

"I'll be waiting," Aiden added before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze again, the heat between them almost palpable.

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the boardroom, leaving Eva standing there, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts she couldn't seem to control.

The clock ticked past seven-thirty, and Eva found herself standing in front of her bedroom mirror, staring at her reflection. She hadn't made a decision. Not yet.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she picked it up, half expecting a message from Aiden. But it wasn't him.

It was Charlie.

Your ride for the evening is ready whenever you are.

Eva's heart thudded. She hadn't even told Charlie about tonight-hadn't told her about the penthouse or the invitation. Yet, there it was, as if the universe had already decided for her.

Her reflection stared back at her, a mixture of strength and vulnerability in her eyes. She had spent years building herself up, fighting for her place in the world. She didn't need anyone-least of all Aiden Wolfe-to complicate her life.

And yet, the pull of him, the way he looked at her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world, made her question everything.

She could walk away. She could ignore him, move forward with her life, and pretend like none of this had ever happened.

Or she could meet him.

The decision lingered in the air, heavy and filled with consequence.

With a deep breath, Eva grabbed her coat and made her way to the door.