Chapter 404

"You're actually serious about this?"

Evelyn let out a melodic laugh that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I highly doubt that."

Dominic's fingers twitched against the tablecloth. "Then tell me what you want! Name your price. I'll do anything!" His voice cracked with desperation.

A dangerous smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Anything?"

She looked every bit the temptress in that moment - the kind of woman who could make kings abandon their thrones. The afternoon sunlight caught in her chestnut hair, creating a halo effect that made Dominic's breath hitch.

Then she lifted one perfectly manicured finger and pointed toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Jump."

Dominic's face went pale. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Evelyn's voice was sweet as poisoned honey. "Sixty-six floors should be enough. Do it, and all is forgiven." Her smile remained, but her emerald eyes turned glacial.

Dominic's gaze darted to the window. The cityscape stretched endlessly below them, the ant-like cars moving along the streets. His stomach lurched.

"That's... that's insane!" He wiped his suddenly damp palms on his trousers. "Evelyn, be reasonable. I'm trying to make amends here—"

"Then prove it." Evelyn leaned forward, resting her chin on one hand. "Or are all those pretty words just empty promises?"

A nervous laugh escaped Dominic's lips. "You can't possibly expect me to—"

"Exactly." Evelyn's laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. "You won't even pretend to consider it. How... predictable."

Dominic's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. He'd never seen this razor-edged version of Evelyn before. The woman before him was a far cry from the accommodating girl he'd once taken for granted.

"Shall we order?" Evelyn's tone shifted abruptly as she picked up the menu. "Unless you've already chosen for me again?"

Dominic seized the change of subject like a drowning man. "N-no! I waited for you." He signaled the waiter with more enthusiasm than necessary. "Order whatever you like. My treat."

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. "How generous." Her fingers trailed down the menu's offerings with deliberate slowness.

The irony wasn't lost on her. This was the same man who'd once complained about restaurant prices, who'd insisted home-cooked meals were superior in every way. Now he was practically begging her to drain his wallet at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.

She selected the most extravagant items without consulting him, then handed the menu back with a satisfied smile.

"Now," Evelyn steepled her fingers, her gaze turning serious. "Let's stop playing games. What's this really about, Dominic? You've been acting strangely for weeks."

Dominic straightened his tie, visibly relieved to be on familiar ground. He reached across the table, attempting to capture Evelyn's hand.

"Give me another chance," he implored, his voice dripping with manufactured sincerity. "Let's start over, you and I. We were good together, Evelyn."

The words hung between them, as hollow as the man who spoke them.