Evelyn’s dad was already on edge, he was scanning the room like a man whose life depended on the right handshake. “For God’s sake, Evie,” he hissed under his breath, “would it kill you to smile? You look like you’re attending a funeral.”“I’d rather be,” she muttered, swirling her champagne glass.

He ignored her. “Do you know how many guys I’ve set you up with? The Carlisles, the Bensons—”

“I didn’t like any of them,” she cut in flatly.

He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You didn’t even try to get to know them. You could’ve been engaged to a billionaire by now, and instead, you’re here, sulking. At least make yourself useful tonight. Impress the Everstones. They’re the biggest name in construction and waste management. If we land this merger, it could change everything for us.”

Before she could roll her eyes, a waiter approached with a tray of drinks. “Champagne, miss?”

Finally, something to drown her father’s irritating voice, she quickly took a glass without looking at him. “Thanks.”

As the waiter disappeared into the crowd, her father suddenly straightened. “Ah! There he is,” he whispered sharply, his smile freezing into place. “Don’t forget to impress him.”

Evelyn lifted her head lazily, following her dad’s line of sight—then froze.

Cole.

He was walking into the ballroom like he owned it—tall, confident, dressed in a tailored black suit that probably cost more than her car. For a second, she blinked, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. He said he was an escort, she reminded herself. Maybe he was here as someone’s date. Yes.. he probably came with a client.

But as she watched him move, her stomach dropped. Why was everyone greeting him with respect?

Her father was practically trembling in his seat. “That man could save our company,” he muttered under his breath.

Her blood ran cold. “Who?” she asked.

“The Everstones,” he said. “They are our potential investor.”

Evelyn’s glass nearly slipped from her hand.

They? As in the escort? Did he have that kind of power?

“Good evening, Mr. Hunter. I’m so sorry we kept you waiting.” A voice from behind her started.

Evelyn turned to face the voice and found herself face-to-face with a woman straight off a magazine cover. She had the perfect shade of blonde hair, red lips, and her confidence oozed from movement she made.

Her father instantly stood, smiling so wide it almost looked painful. “Not at all. We’re honored to have you, Mrs. Everstone.”

Evelyn’s mind barely took in the exchange between the woman and her father, because standing behind Mrs. Everstone, was Cole.

Cole’s gaze locked onto hers, but his face was unreadable. The corners of his mouth curved into a slow, knowing smirk and her pulse spiked.

Was this some kind of sick joke?

Or worse…Was he the escort for this older woman?

Ewww… her face scrunched in disgust just as the thought crossed her mind.

Her eyes darted from the blonde woman back to Cole again. And when his eyes lingered on her a beat too long, heat crawled up her neck.

“Evie,” her father whispered sharply, kicking her feet under the table. “Say hello.” He smiled.

She blinked, dragging her gaze away from Cole. With a smile that was too tight to be real, Evelyn rose to her feet. “Good evening, Mrs. Everstone. It’s lovely to finally meet you,” she said smoothly, extending her hand.

Mrs. Everstone’s shook her hand firmly. “The pleasure is mine, dear. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Evelyn’s lips twitched. “All good things, I hope.”

“Of course,” Mrs. Everstone said with a faint smile, releasing her hand.

Then Evelyn turned to Cole and all her politeness evaporated. Her smile flattened.

“Miss Hunter.” Cole’s eyes glinted with amusement, as if he was savoring some private joke.

She nodded curtly and sat back down, crossing her legs under the table. Her father shot her a warning glance, the kind that screamed ‘behave,’ but she ignored it, busying herself with her champagne glass.

Cole took the seat across from her, his movements unhurried, every inch of him was screaming control.

Mrs. Everstone leaned forward slightly, her tone warm. “I must say, it’s refreshing to see the next generation so… involved in these matters.”

Mrs. Everstone gestured to the folder on the table. “Shall we begin?”

Her father nodded eagerly. “Of course. Evelyn, why don’t you—”

Evelyn coughed lightly, interrupting him. “Actually,” she said, clearing her throat as she gestured toward Cole, “do you really want your, uh…” she paused, pretending to search for the right word, “assistant— I mean, escort— at the table while we discuss business?”

The air went still.

Her father’s face paled instantly. “Evelyn?” His voice was tight.

Mrs. Everstone’s brows arched, her curious eyes glinting as she looked between Evelyn and her son. “Escort?” She asked.

Cole leaned back in his chair. “It’s a misunderstanding boss. Some people…” his gaze lingered deliberately on Evelyn, “…just confuse charm with business etiquette.”

Evelyn’s throat went dry. He was enjoying embarrassing her.

Her father stammered, “Mr Cole is Mrs. Everstone’s s—”

“—business partner,” Mrs. Everstone finished crisply, smiling at Cole with tight pressed lips. “He handles all of our major acquisitions.”

Evelyn froze. Is that what they were calling it nowadays? Business partner?

“Oh,” Evelyn managed weakly. “How… nice.”

Cole chuckled under his breath. “You sound disappointed, Miss Hunter.”

“I’m not,” she said too quickly, heat rushing to her cheeks.

“Good,” he murmured. “I’d hate for our meeting to have… set expectations.”

Her eyes snapped up. “You—”

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite mistake!” a voice boomed from the entryway before she could speak.

Every head turned toward the voice.

Evelyn’s stomach fell.

No.

Not now.

Adam.

Her ex. Well… technically… he was actually her one night stand. And the fool was grinning like an idiot.

He strolled casually toward the table in a tailored suit, his eyes locked on her.

“Oh, God,” Evelyn muttered under her breath. She lowered her head, hoping maybe, somehow, he’d just keep walking.

But he didn’t.

Adam rounded the corner, stopping right behind her chair. He hooked two fingers under her chin and tilted her head up. “Oh, don’t be shy, baby girl,” he said loudly enough for everyone to hear. “I know you feel bad for having a one-night stand with me, but come on, it wasn’t that bad.”

Her entire body went rigid.

Her father’s glass froze halfway to his lips.

Mrs. Everstone blinked, stunned.

Cole turned fast, his jaw tightening. “You slept with my brother?” His voice echoed through the room.

Evelyn’s head snapped toward him. “Your…?”

“Brother?” her father and her blurted out in unison.

Adam’s grin widened. “Ah, so you didn’t tell him, Evelyn? Tsk. You’ve always been a secretive one.”

“Oh my God!” Mrs. Everstone exclaimed, dropping her napkin onto the table in disbelief. “Clearly this was a mistake.” She turned to Mr. Hunter, her voice sharp and dismissive. “If your daughter can’t keep it in her pants, I’m sorry — but I can’t trust you with my money.”

Evelyn’s face burned crimson. “Mrs. Everstone, please, this isn’t—”

But the woman was already standing, gathering her clutch.

Cole exhaled sharply, his knuckles flexing against the table.

Adam smirked and winked.