INTENTIONS

Robert leaned back in his chair, watching Evelina carefully as she recounted her story—though it was more about herself than any actual substance. “Van Buren,” she had said, in a somewhat proud tone, “I just came back from abroad, you know. Had to deal with some family matters. My stepfather’s funeral in San Francisco and all that.”

That name struck him immediately. He knew the Van Burens, or more precisely, her stepfather—a late wealthy merchant who had made his fortune in shipping and real estate. The man had built a small empire, but Robert had heard the rumors. When he passed, only a measly 2% of his assets were left to his step daughter and her mother, the rest going to other family members or locked up in trusts. It was no secret in his circle that her mother had a reputation for being difficult and extravagant, and Evelina wasn’t far behind.

Robert's eyes narrowed subtly. She hadn't given him much detail, but her hints were enough. He knew more than she thought. He could practically piece together the story just from the way she dodged specifics—where she had schooled abroad, her vague reference to being in town for “family reasons.” He knew exactly who her stepfather was, and more importantly, he knew what kind of life they’d led, burning through cash like wildfire, until there was barely anything left to maintain their glamorous facade.

Evelina, with her flirtatious glances and overly lavish gestures, was clearly on the hunt. She was looking for a man with deep pockets who could sustain her and her mother’s lifestyle. After all, living extravagantly on 2% of her stepfather’s fortune was laughable, and their dwindling resources would dry up quickly without outside help.

Robert nodded politely as she talked, but his mind was elsewhere. He could see through her. This was just another attempt to latch onto someone wealthy enough to cover her bills and maintain appearances. She wasn’t here for him—she was here for his money. A typical gold digger, if he’d ever seen one.

“Van Buren, huh?” Robert finally said, masking his disinterest with a smile. “I think I’ve heard of your family’s business in shipping.”

Evelina’s eyes lit up, as if Robert’s recognition meant validation. “Oh yes, my stepfather was well-known in those circles. It’s been tough adjusting back to life here, but you know how it is,” she said, waving her hand dismissively as if this entire thing was beneath her.

Robert simply nodded, already planning his exit strategy. This was going to be a long night.

Evelina was in full performance mode now. She had slipped her phone out halfway through their conversation and started taking pictures—of her food, of the lavish surroundings of Quince Restaurant, and, of course, herself. Robert watched as she angled her phone for selfies, adjusting her hair and flashing smiles that looked as practiced as they were fake.

She was snapping pictures of the beautifully decorated table, the lavish dishes, and, of course, herself—angles upon angles, pouting and posing as if she were a celebrity.

"Isn’t this place gorgeous?" she gushed, leaning over the table slightly, her hand brushing Robert’s arm. He shifted in his seat, pretending not to notice the contact. She didn’t stop. Instead, she was all over her phone, now making a live video for her I*******m followers.

"Hey guys, guess where I am?" she cooed into the camera, flipping it around to show off the restaurant. “Quince! Can you even believe it? This place is incredible, right? I’m having the best dinner.”

Robert raised an eyebrow, quietly observing her little show. She was completely lost in her live stream, soaking up the attention. But when she started panning the camera around toward him, he immediately caught on to her next move.

His mind worked quickly—no way was he about to let her broadcast him to her followers. The last thing he needed was rumors swirling about him being on a date with this woman, or worse, tabloids running stories about some supposed romantic link between them. Smoothly, he raised the menu tablet in front of his face just as her phone turned his way.

Evelina’s expression faltered for a split second. Her carefully crafted smile wavered, and the look of frustration in her eyes was hard to miss. She was clearly irritated that her little plan had been foiled, but to save face, she let out a sheepish laugh and waved at her phone. “Oh, guess we’ll leave the mystery date for later, guys,” she said with forced enthusiasm, trying to mask her disappointment. “I’ll talk to you all soon! Byeee!”

With that, she ended the live stream and set her phone down, though the irritation was still plain in her posture. Robert could sense it—a subtle tension as she composed herself and tried to regain control of the situation.

Evelina leaned in again, her voice dripping with flirtation as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “Sorry about that, babe,” she said, batting her eyelashes. “You know how it is, my followers love when I show them what I’m up to.” She gave him a coy smile, clearly trying to reel him back into her game.

Robert, however, remained as unmoved as ever. Every move she made, every flirtatious glance, only confirmed what he already knew—Evelina wasn’t interested in him as a person. She was just fishing for attention, and possibly more than that. And he wasn’t about to fall for it.

Her demeanor was even more flirtatious now, though there was a tinge of forced sweetness to it now. She leaned forward, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers, her voice dropping into a lower, more suggestive tone. “You know,” she said, resting her chin on her hand, “I’m so glad we’re finally getting to spend time together. You’re even more handsome in person.”

Robert, uninterested and mildly annoyed, kept a polite but distant smile on his face. “Glad you think so,” he replied, his tone as flat as his enthusiasm. He already knew what she was about—desperation thinly veiled behind charm and flirtation.

Evelina seemed oblivious to his lack of interest, pushing on with her coquettish behavior. “So, tell me, Robert,” she leaned in closer, “What’s a guy like you doing single?”

Robert rolled his eyes, as he felt the sudden urge to leave.