Chapter Eighty-Four: Better Off

"No."

This time, Daniel beats me in the rejection, causing Matteo to scoff.

"I don't think you have the right to refuse me; well, you certainly have the right, but not the privilege.”

He says the words to Daniel, then turns his gaze to me as if speaking this time only to me.

“I'll give you one last try. I want a night. Tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at six; we'll have dinner at my house-"

"Or a restaurant."

I add, but he chuckles.

"My house. And well, the rest of the night will be a surprise."

He says with a smile.

"I'm engaged, Matteo; I'm not about to cheat on my fiancé."

"Are you really engaged?'

Neil...goddammit, Neil!

"I gave you a company worth billions; we had a deal to let go so what more could you possibly want from me?"

I ask emotions that I would much rather keep hidden leaking into my voice.

“A reason as t-.”

He begins but takes a deep breath; when he doesn’t continue, I press.

“A reason as to what? You said, no, you guaranteed that you will tire of me, so what are you d