Chapter 15 Enemy’s move
"What?"
"Your cooperation. Of course."
Derek took a deep breath, his fists tight as fear rose in his chest. He pushed his shoulders down, trying to slow his heartbeat.
"What do you want?"
"Simple." The voice on the other end grew cold. "I want you to divorce Eva Fransis."
Derek laughed harshly. "And why the hell would I do that?"
"Because if you don't, the evidence I have at my hand will go to the police, the press, even to your business partners." He paused. "Financial records, emails, and those photographs from the villa—enough to ruin you." Another pause. "And what will you do if I send it to your wife?"
Derek’s voice shook. As his confidence faded, he stared at the wall, jaw tight, feeling suddenly exposed.
"You wouldn't dare."
"Oh, try me. You’ll know whether I dare or not," the other person on the phone chuckled with amusement.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Finally, Derek spoke through clenched teeth.
"Who. Are. You?"
Another soft laugh.
“This question again? Fine. Let's just say I'm someone who wants to protect what's his, and Eva is mine.” The voice dropped to a whisper.
“I gave you a chance. A chance to treat Eva right, Lawson. You had so many warnings, even from Eva herself, but you never listened. Now step aside and let me take my place. It's time Eva was with someone who truly understands her—someone who knows her better than you ever could.”
“But...”
“You have a week to make your decision.”
And with that, the call ended.
He stared at the silent phone. Alone in the empty room, his breathing became quick, and his hands shook, confusion turning into fear until he started to panic.
Someone who protects what's his.
His.
This wasn't just about Eva wanting a divorce anymore.
Someone else wanted her. Who was it?
From their conversation, he seemed very powerful.
Someone dangerous.
And Derek had just become their enemy.
At 7 PM sharp, a black sedan pulled up outside the restaurant Eva had picked. She had loved the small, quiet Italian place since she was a child.
It wasn’t fancy, just warm, with good food and a cozy atmosphere. Billionaires rarely ate at places like this.
That was exactly why she chose it.
If Adrian Cavanaugh wanted to be part of her life, he would have to do it her way.
Eva was already seated at a corner table when he arrived.
She gripped the stem of her glass, breath held, watching him walk through the door: tall, impossibly handsome, dressed in a dark suit.
Her stomach twisted in knots. She felt excited, but also afraid. Should she greet him warmly, or would that give away too much?
She caught herself longing to trust him, but the ache of old betrayal made her jaw tighten.
Determined not to let him see her uncertainty, she forced her expression to stay calm, fighting the urge to look away.
Everyone in the room turned to look.
Adrian ignored everyone else. He looked right at Eva, and the way he stared at her made her catch her breath.
He crossed the room with long, confident strides and sat down across from her.
"Great place. You chose well," he said, glancing around at the cozy interior. "I like it here."
Eva scoffed. "I didn't choose it for you."
"I know." A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "That's why I like it."
Eva watched him closely. In the candlelight, his face looked softer, almost vulnerable. She almost let her guard down, but her fingers gripped her napkin under the table.
But she knew she couldn’t let her guard down.
"Thank you for the flowers," she said stiffly. "But I meant what I said. I don't need gifts. I need answers."
"And I promised you both." Adrian signaled the waiter, ordering a bottle of wine before turning back to her. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything." Eva leaned forward. "Who are you really? Why did you disappear that night? Why did you come back now?"
Adrian was quiet for a moment, looking like he was thinking.
"Those are big questions."
"Then give me big answers."
He let out a slow breath and ran a hand through his hair.
"Seven years ago, I was not the man I am today. My father had just died, and my family was fighting over who would take his place. Some people wanted me dead, really dead, and I was always watching my back."
Eva's eyes widened a little.
"That night, I was supposed to be at a business dinner. Instead, I slipped away to that hotel, trying to get a few hours of peace." His jaw tightened. "And then I found you."
"Why didn't you stay?"
"I wanted to." Adrian's voice dropped. "God, Eva, I wanted to. But that morning, I received word that assassins were on their way. If I had stayed any longer, they would have found both of us."
Eva's breath caught. "Assassins?"
"My family's empire wasn't built on trust and kindness." Adrian's eyes darkened. "There are people in this world who would do anything, even kill, to take power. I couldn't risk them finding you."
"So you just... left?"
"I left to protect you." He looked straight at her. "I thought if I disappeared, if there were no trace of our connection, you would be safe."
"Safe." Eva laughed bitterly, her loneliness showing. "If I were safe, I wouldn’t have ended up like this. I wouldn't be alone facing everything while pregnant, Adrian."
A look of pain crossed Adrian’s face.
"I know. I know, and I'm sorry for that." He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. "I... I searched for you, Eva. For months. But when I found you, you had already engaged to Derek, and I thought..." He swallowed hard. "I thought you had moved on. That you loved him."
Eva stared at their hands, heart pounding so loudly it echoed in her ears. She pulled her hand away slightly, caught between longing and fear.
"I didn't know who you were," she whispered. "I couldn't have found you even if I wanted to."
"I know. I see that now. But I couldn't leave anything that could connect you to me back then." Adrian's voice was rough with regret. "I guessed wrong. I let my pride and fear stop me from reaching out. And you suffered because of it."
Silence lingered between them.
Finally, Eva pulled her hand back.
"This doesn't change anything," she said quietly.