CHAPTER 11

*EVELYN'S POV*

My heart was racing as I took a cautious step back.

"I'm so sorry if I frightened you, Miss Evelyn," the man said, "I was told to come fetch you from where you were."

"Who are you and who sent you?" I asked.

"My bad," the man said, "My name is Andre the chauffeur. I was sent by Lucas to come get you."

I looked at him carefully. He had broad shoulders and a stern expression that made him look more like a bouncer than a driver.

Lucas appeared from behind him with his usual confident grin. "There you are."

"You're late," I reprimanded.

"On the contrary," Lucas said, "we came earlier but parked by the corner." And he pointed to the rear of the complex.

"Your driver almost gave me a heart attack," I laughed, "You need to work on being less intimidating."

"My apologies, ma'am," Andre said, "I will try my best."

"Alright, I guess it's my turn to apologize," Lucas said, "But this time over brunch. How about we leave the cars here and walk down to the restaurant down the street? I hear they've got amazing food."

"That would've been my suggestion too," I smiled.

And with that, we headed to a nearby restaurant, right in the center of the city. We sat in a reserved area, which overlooked the streets and soon, a waiter brought us the menu.

"Thank you for accepting to do this with me," Lucas said warmly, "I don't take it for granted."

I forced a smile. "It's fine, Lucas. Really." I said, only if he knew the naughty thoughts I had earlier.

We both looked at the menu and after a few moments, placed our orders with the waiter.

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me. "I've been meaning to apologize for what happened the other day," Lucas said, "I know I was out of line and I hope you forgive me."

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral even though my mind was racing with thoughts of what it would be like to make out with him. "It's okay, Lucas. Let's enjoy the meal for now."

Our food arrived, and we ate in silence for a while, the tension between us slowly easing.

As we savored the last bites of our meal and waited for dessert, Lucas dabbed his mouth with a napkin and smiled. "I didn't know Mooncrest had exquisite restaurants like this."

"Well, there are a few surprises here if you know where to look," I replied, "How long have you been gone?"

"It's been over twenty years," Lucas said, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "Twenty long years since I left with my mother for Suncrest. She's human, you know."

"I didn't but now I know," I said as I reached out to touch him, "It's been a while since you were gone."

Lucas smiled when my hands rested on his. "Now that I'm back for a while, I hope to enjoy the peace and tranquility while it lasts," Lucas said.

I felt a pang of pity for him. "I will be here to assist in any way I can," I said with a smile, "Just let me know whenever you need me."

"Does that mean we're good to go?" Lucas asked with a grin.

"Come on, not again, Lucas," I said a bit irritated, "Let's move past this."

Lucas smiled with relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, I'd like for us to start over," he said, "Speaking of which, I need to talk to the management here about expanding their business operations to Suncrest."

"Speaking of which, this is our business date," I mimicked him. Both of us laughed out loud.

"My bad, I forgot," Lucas said with his right hand on his chest.

"You must have a knack for changing every discussion into a financial proposition, huh?" I asked.

"Alright, you got me there," Lucas said in resignation, "Let me cut to the chase."

"Well, if it has to do with money, I'm all ears," I said as I sat back, "Especially when 50% is at stake."

"Good. Now I have your attention," Lucas said as he took a sip from his glass.

The waiter returned with our desserts, and we dug in as Lucas continued.

"You need to know that allowing your money to work for you is the 'in thing' when it comes to making the right financial decision as opposed to the old school of thought that you should work for your money."

"Well, I never thought of it that way," I said, trying to grapple with comprehension of what Lucas just said, "Do you care to explain more?"

"Certainly!" Lucas exclaimed as he leaned over the table, "You need to explore means of protecting your assets and curbing possible liabilities such as taxes."

I shook her head. That was never my game.

Lucas was faster. "You will not be evading taxes but just setting up another corporate entity that manages your finances efficiently."

"I have my NGO for my philanthropic works," I said, "I don't have to evade taxes to make money." I also have my lawyers on retainer to advise me, I thought to myself.

"Wow!" was all Lucas could say.

I had not heard anything new and the whole discussion was already getting awkward. I knew he would be beneficial to my NGO so I tried to make everything less embarrassing.

"You know what?" I said as I noticed the sad look on Lucas' face, "Let's forget about the discount and stuff. I will still give you 50% off. Just let me know what you want me to do at the condo. Do you have pictures?"

"The condo, oh yes!" Lucas sat up, "Just pictures on my phone but not printed copies."

"I am not permitted to visit a client's place," I said seductively while playing with an ice cream scoop, "But I made an exception for you the last time. Maybe we can go back so I can take another look at it." I said seductively.

"That sounds like a tax deduction to me," Lucas said, catching my gist and we both laughed to ease the tension, "Thank you so much for brunch. I'm sorry I didn't meet your financial prospects."

"That's nonsense," I waved at the waiter for the bill, "Let's say you owe me for now."

"I'm in your debt," Lucas said with a smile as the waiter came with the bill.

I quickly wrote two IOUs on a piece of paper and signed on both. I tore the paper into two and handed one to Lucas as the waiter left the table.

"You never forget," Lucas said amidst a raucous laugh.

I shook my head. I never forget debts owed to me. One day, I will ask Lucas for this one.