A hopeless romantic

"Speaking of prospects, I did find two here at the party."

"Hmm." Evan glanced down at his glass of wine, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he returned his gaze to Allie. "Let's see what you've got."

"Penelope Fisher and Naomi Cane."

Evan stayed silent, and Allie explained why she had picked the two. Both were from prominent families with many businesses. They were beautiful, reserved, and almost invisible in the social circle because they weren't very fond of parties and preferred keeping a low profile. They had graduated from prestigious schools and were now working under their family businesses.

The information was from Allie's own research and what Luke had told her. She also observed both women and could see they were decent enough.

But there was one thing she wasn't sure of: she couldn't be sure if these women wouldn't seek Evan's affection in marriage.

According to Luke, both had a few boyfriends, all of them good men, so why would they fall for the heartless tyrant, Evan Mori?

That's why Allie thought it might work. She could only try, couldn't she?

"Pretty girls with good family backgrounds. Hmm, not bad."

Allie's eyes remained sharp. Evan made it sound like he was complimenting goods to be bought rather than choosing a wife. In her eyes, the man was insane. She had encountered a fair share of horrible men, and a man like Evan who didn't value the sanctity of marriage and loved taking advantage of people, was one of the worst.

"So you will consider either of them, then?"

"Is that why you're here? To find me a wife?" he asked instead of answering her question.

He smirked, seeing the answer in her eyes. "You should have come with me then. My mom was nagging me about not having a date for the night. You look rather ravishing, Miss Gray. You would have been perfect by my side."

Allie scoffed. "Are you trying to manipulate me through compliments now? You really are a businessman, Mr. Mori. You even know what to say to your enemy."

There was a pause, and his lips curled a little. "So you admit that my words sound nice? You like my compliment." The second wasn't a question but a statement.

"No, I admire how you persevere to win me just so you can enslave me through marriage."

"Enslave?" There was disbelief in Evan's voice. "I don't think that is what I intend to do, Miss Gray. I am merely asking you to compensate me for what I lost. In return, you could have everything you ask for. Money, properties, Code Vision's success… all of it at the tip of your fingers. It's a win-win."

"Yes, at the cost of my freedom to marry someone I love." Her voice was firm yet low, as if she were only whispering to the wind.

Allie had never thought of having a romantic partner all these years. It didn't cross her mind to entertain any of those men who tried to hit on her. But deep down, she hoped she would find someone to love in the future, when the time was right, and when she was ready to give her heart.

"Oh, don't tell me you're a hopeless romantic, Miss Gray?"

"What is wrong with hoping to marry someone you love, Mr. Mori?" There was no hint of shame in Allie's eyes, only grit. "I respect your preference. I can't do anything about that, obviously. I don't care at all, so you shouldn't care about my preferences either."

He nodded, amusement shining in his sea-green eyes that were like the ocean in the middle of the night.

"Fine, I won't comment on that."

Allie sighed. "You didn't answer my question. So, are you going to consider either of the two women I mentioned?"

He stared down at her, his gaze intense and dark. He didn't say a word for a moment as if he was weighing his options. They were three feet apart, but under Evan's gaze, Allie felt like the space between them was too narrow.

He took one step, leaning forward. Her jaw clenched, but she didn't back away. Why would she?

"Let me think about it," he whispered. "I will let you know soon, sweetheart."

His endearment was so sweet, yet his eyes were pools of danger ready to devour her. It brought a shiver down Allie's spine.