CHAPTER 6

Evelyn's heels clicked against the floor as she entered the imposing Maverick Industries building.

The lobby bustled with activity, men and women in suits hurrying past her. At the reception desk, a slim man with wire-rimmed glasses greeted her with a practiced smile.

"Ms. Martin? I'm David, Mr. Maverick's assistant. Please, follow me."

He led her through a maze of corridors to an ornate oak door. "Mr. Maverick is occupied at the moment. He'll join you shortly." David gestured for her to enter.

As the door closed behind her, Evelyn muttered under her breath, "Busy indeed. He has time to make my life miserable, but not to meet me on time."

She surveyed the office, her eyes drawn to a shelf lined with awards. Stepping closer, she read the inscriptions, each one a testament to Ethan Maverick's influence and success.

"Admiring my achievements?"

Ethan's voice startled her. She whirled around to face him, her chin lifted. "Just wondering how many of these you actually earned yourself."

A shadow of annoyance flickered across Ethan's face. He strode to his desk, his expensive suit rustling softly. "I see you've finally come to your senses about my offer."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Can we skip the small talk and get to the point?"

"As you wish." Ethan pulled a thick folder from his desk drawer and slid it across to her. "The terms of our arrangement. I suggest you read carefully."

Evelyn flipped through the pages, her brow furrowing as she skimmed the contents. "A year-long marriage... living together... public appearances..." She looked up. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

"I always do," Ethan replied.

To his surprise, Evelyn reached into her bag and produced her own sheaf of papers. She placed them on the desk with a soft thud.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And what might this be?"

"My conditions," Evelyn stated firmly. "You didn't think you could dictate all the terms without any input from me, did you?"

Ethan's eyebrows arched as he reached for the papers Evelyn had placed on his desk. His fingers, adorned with an expensive watch, flipped through the pages.

As he scanned the document, a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "No physical touch? Separate bedrooms?" He looked up at Evelyn. "I hate to break it to you, but I wasn't exactly planning on cuddling up to you every night."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She crossed her arms. "I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Trust me, Ms. Martin, you have nothing to worry about. The thought of sharing a bed with you is about as appealing as a root canal."

The words stung more than Evelyn cared to admit. She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to maintain a neutral expression. Why did his opinion matter anyway? This was just a business arrangement, nothing more.

Ethan continued reading, his brow furrowing as he reached another point. "You want to work during our... arrangement?" He looked up. "That's not possible. I can't have my wife slinging drinks at some bar. It would be a PR nightmare."

"And what exactly am I supposed to do? Sit around your mansion all day, twiddling my thumbs?"

"You could take up a hobby," Ethan suggested, his tone patronizing. "Knitting, perhaps? Or maybe watercolors?"

Evelyn's fingers curled into fists at her sides. She took a deep breath, reminding herself why she was here. Jake. This was all for Jake. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "No job."

Ethan nodded, satisfied, and continued reading. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft rustle of paper. Finally, he set the document down. "All done. Anything else?"

Evelyn hesitated, then spoke, her voice tight with worry. "My brother. His treatment... he needs it immediately."

Ethan's expression softened almost immediately. He reached for his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. After a brief conversation, he looked back at Evelyn. "Done. The hospital has been instructed to begin Jake's treatment immediately, all expenses covered."

Evelyn blinked, stunned by the sudden simplicity of it all. If only everything in her life could be resolved with a single phone call. The weight she'd been carrying for so long lifted slightly.

"Thank you," she murmured, the words feeling foreign on her tongue.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Anything else?" he asked, his tone suggesting he was already bored with the conversation.

Evelyn hesitated, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. "The non-disclosure agreement... I understand that part, but..." She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Will your father believe this is a real marriage?"

Ethan's eyes flashed. "Leave that to me," he snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. "It's none of your business how I handle my family."

The unspoken message hung heavy in the air: don't overstep your bounds.

Evelyn stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the polished floor. "I believe we're done here," she said, her voice tight with barely contained frustration.

Ethan rose as well, smoothing down his suit. "Indeed. I'll give you three days to settle your affairs and pack your things." His eyes roamed over her, assessing. "I trust you have no objections?"

Three days. The reality of the situation crashed over Evelyn like a wave. Three days to leave her home, to say goodbye to the life she'd built. Her throat tightened, but she forced the words out. "Deal."

Evelyn stormed out of Ethan's office, her mind swirling with emotions. She marched through the hallways of Maverick Industries, barely noticing the curious glances from employees as she passed.

Lost in thought, Evelyn didn't see the man in front of her until it was too late. She collided with a solid chest, the impact knocking her off balance. As she braced for the fall, strong arms wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Evelyn looked up, her breath catching in her throat. Warm brown eyes gazed down at her. The man's handsome face was framed by tousled dark hair, and a hint of stubble shadowed his jaw.

"I'm Lucas, by the way," he said. "Are you alright?"

Evelyn blinked, suddenly aware that she was still in his arms. She stepped back quickly, smoothing her blouse. "I'm Evelyn. Thanks for catching me."

Lucas grinned, his eyes twinkling. "My pleasure. Though I have to say, it's not every day beautiful women fall at my feet."

A laugh bubbled up from Evelyn's chest, surprising her. It felt good to laugh, even if just for a moment. "Smooth talker, aren't you?"

"I try," Lucas shrugged, his smile widening. He studied her face, noticing the tension around her eyes, the slight downturn of her mouth. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem... troubled."

Evelyn's smile faltered. "I'm fine, really. Just... a lot on my mind."

Lucas nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Sometimes talking to a stranger can help. How about a coffee? There's a great little place just around the corner."

For a moment, Evelyn was tempted. Lucas seemed kind, and the thought of escaping into normal conversation was alluring. But reality crashed back in, reminding her of the deal she'd just made, of Jake waiting in the hospital.

"I should go," Evelyn said hurriedly, taking another step back. "Thanks again for the save."

Lucas watched her retreat, feeling an inexplicable urge to call her back. There was something about this woman, a spark that intrigued him. But he simply nodded, respecting her decision. "Of course. Take care, Evelyn."

**********

Ethan Maverick leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. The meeting with Evelyn had gone better than expected. Finally, he had a solution to his problem.

As he shuffled through the papers on his desk, the door to his office burst open. Ethan's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at the intrusion. Lucas, his stepbrother, sauntered in like he was entitled to the place.

"Don't you have any manners?" Ethan growled, his pen tapping impatiently against the desk. "You can't just barge in here."

Lucas sprawled into a chair, a grin spreading across his face. "Our father owns this foundation. I have every right to be here. After all, I'm his son too."

Ethan's jaw clenched. While he managed the core of the Maverick Foundation, Lucas handled minor projects, a fact that never failed to irk Ethan.

"So," Lucas drawled, examining his nails, "how's the scandal treating you? Making progress on your... predicament?"

Ethan's eyes glinted dangerously. "Who says I have a predicament?"

Lucas chuckled, leaning forward. "Word travels fast, brother dear. I hear if you don't find a wife soon, you might as well hand over that chairman position to me."

Ethan's nostrils flared. Their father must have told his stepmother, who never could resist sharing juicy tidbits with Lucas.

"What makes you think it would go to you?" Ethan challenged, his voice low and controlled.

Lucas raised his left hand, wiggling his fingers to show off a engagement ring. "Well, for starters, I'm engaged to Olivia. I have a stable image, a loving relationship. The board would love that, don't you think?"

To Lucas's surprise, Ethan's face broke into a wide grin. He stood up, straightening his jacket. "Oh, Lucas. You really should learn not to count your chickens before they hatch."

Lucas frowned, a feeling of unease creeping over him. Ethan seemed far too calm, too confident. He hadn't made any public moves since the scandal broke. Did he have something up his sleeve?

Ethan walked around the desk, patting Lucas on the shoulder. "You'll find out soon enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a foundation to run."

As Lucas was ushered out of the office, his mind raced. What was Ethan planning? He had seemed so sure of himself, so unruffled by the threats to his position.

The door closed behind him with a click, leaving Lucas standing in the hallway, confusion and worry written across his face. Whatever Ethan was up to, Lucas had a sinking feeling that his own carefully laid plans were about to be thrown into chaos.