Chapter 6 - The One Rule Adrian Broke
Three weeks later, Viktor Sokolov was gone from Chicago.
Theo gave investigators enough evidence to dismantle the network of compromised customs officials and contractors.
Daniel Reed disappeared from Evelyn’s life just as quickly as he had entered it.
But one problem remained.
Adrian.
He became painfully professional.
“Good morning, Ms. Mercer.”
“Morning.”
“Your translation notes.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything else?”
Every day.
For three weeks.
Finally, Evelyn had enough.
She walked into his office at 8:17 one evening and locked the door.
Adrian looked up.
“Something wrong?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
“You.”
He leaned back.
“That’s vague.”
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I’ve been working.”
“You own twenty-three companies. You’re always working.”
“Twenty-one.”
“Not the point.”
Adrian stood.
“What do you want me to say?”
“The truth would be refreshing.”
He walked toward the windows.
Evelyn followed.
“You told me you wanted me.”
He turned.
“I never said that.”
She stared at him.
“You didn’t need to.”
“Evelyn—”
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“You watched every man who called me.”
“Yes.”
“You kept me after meetings just to talk.”
“Yes.”
“You nearly lost your mind when Daniel touched my wrist.”
His jaw tightened.
“Yes.”
“And now you’re calling me Ms. Mercer like we met yesterday.”
Adrian looked away.
“Because I’m your employer.”
“That didn’t bother you before.”
“It should have.”
Evelyn became quiet.
Finally, she understood.
“You think you’re protecting me.”
“I am.”
“From what?”
“Me.”
She laughed.
Adrian frowned.
“That isn’t funny.”
“It’s extremely funny.”
“Evelyn.”
“You really believe you’re the only person who understands what Adrian Vale is?”
“You don't.”
“I've spent four years translating your meetings.”
“That’s business.”
“I've watched you threaten corrupt officials and then quietly pay hospital bills for employees whose names you pretend not to remember.”
His expression hardened.
“I’ve watched you send Mason to check on families after someone gets hurt.”
“Stop.”
“I've watched you refuse drugs in your clubs because you know what they do to neighborhoods.”
“Evelyn.”
“And I've watched you build this ridiculous monster version of yourself because fear is easier for you than trust.”
Adrian stepped toward her.
“You’re crossing a line.”
“Good.”
His eyes darkened.
“You should leave.”
“No.”
“Why do you always argue?”
“Because nobody else does.”
“That should tell you something.”
“It tells me everyone else is scared of you.”
“And you aren't?”
Evelyn considered it.
“Sometimes.”
That surprised him.
“But I'm more scared of spending another four years pretending.”
Adrian stared at her.
Then he spoke quietly.
“There is one rule I never break.”
“What?”
“Employees.”
Evelyn blinked.
“You have a rule about dating employees?”
“Yes.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“That's unexpectedly responsible.”
His mouth twitched.
“Thank you.”
She picked up the folder from his desk.
“Fine.”
Adrian frowned.
“Fine?”
“I quit.”
His expression vanished.
“What?”
“I resign.”
“No.”
Evelyn smiled.
“You can't reject my resignation.”
“Watch me.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“You're not quitting a career because of this.”
“Why not?”
“Because you built something here.”
“So?”
“So I'm not letting you sacrifice it for me.”
Her smile disappeared.
That answer mattered.
“Then fire me.”
“No.”
“Transfer me.”
“No.”
“Adrian!”
He suddenly laughed.
Evelyn stopped.
She had heard him chuckle before.
Never laugh.
It transformed his entire face.
“You’re enjoying this?”
“A little.”
She grabbed her purse.
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t.”
She reached the door.
“Evelyn.”
She stopped.
Adrian walked toward her.
“I’ll restructure your position.”
“What?”
“You’ll work independently. Your company contracts with mine.”
She slowly turned.
“You already thought about this.”
“Three weeks ago.”
“Then why didn't you say anything?”
“Because I was hoping distance would solve the problem.”
“And?”
He stopped directly in front of her.
“It made it considerably worse.”
Evelyn smiled.
“So technically, I won't work for you?”
“No.”
“And your rule?”
“Doesn't apply.”
“Convenient.”
“Very.”
She looked into his eyes.
“What happens now?”
Adrian reached up, paused, and gave her every opportunity to move away.
She didn't.
His fingers gently touched her cheek.
May you like
“Now,” he said, “I ask you to dinner.”
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