Chapter 222

Steve's words completely surprised me; they even shocked me a little. He always treated me like a little sister, joking around, but never overstepping. Today, however, he crossed a line.

Ron, equally stunned, turned to me, his gaze intensely focused.

Ignoring Ron, Steve stepped in front of me. "Let's go inside."

I quickly glanced at Ron before following Steve. As we left, I noticed Ron seemed poised to speak, perhaps even to stop me.

"Did you say that to scare away my admirers?" I asked, connecting the dots.

"Yep. That guy's all over the place—bad vibes," Steve said, his assessment making me laugh.

He glanced at me sideways. "Seriously. I have a good radar for this stuff. Stay away from him."

"Okay," I said, still smiling.

"No, seriously. Don't dismiss it."

I nodded, more serious now. "I get it. I wasn't joking. Guys like him aren't my type."

"Oh, really? So, what is your type?" Steve asked bluntly.

Hayden's face popped into my head. "Someone tough on the outside, but warm inside… and, um…"

I pictured Hayden in the kitchen, wearing an apron. "Someone who can cook."

I'd been with Jace for years, and he couldn't even make cereal. He was a spoiled rich kid who'd never touched a stove. Understandable, but it showed a lack of care. If he cared, he would have at least tried for me.

"Huh," Steve chuckled. "Your standards are pretty down-to-earth."

I looked down at the floor, watching our shadows stretch under the lights. "They kind of have to be. Life's all about the little things, right?"

"Yeah, fair enough," he said with a half-smile.

We reached the elevator, and he pressed the button. When the doors opened, we stepped inside. The mirrored walls reflected our faces, and I noticed the way he was looking at me. "So, have you found someone like that?"

I hesitated. "Yeah, I think so."

Steve pressed his lips together, as if holding something back. I half-expected him to ask who it was or suggest a meeting, but he simply gave me a small, knowing smile and remained silent. I had a feeling he already knew.

"So, Steve, did you find out who owns the company I'm working for? His last name? Full name? Do you have a picture?" I fired off questions before we even left the elevator.

Steve, hand casually in his pocket, raised an eyebrow. "You're really eager to know, huh?"

"Yeah, he's kind of mysterious. Makes me curious." I grinned. "You know me, Steve. I hate not knowing things."

"That's not always a good habit," Steve pointed out.

I shrugged. "I just don't like being left in the—"

He shook his head. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'It's a rare gift to know when to play dumb'?"

That was the core of our differences. Everyone has their perspective, and I wasn't going to change his. "Anyway, what did you find out?"

The elevator chimed, signaling our arrival.

Steve was about to step out, but I reached out to stop him. He chuckled. "Look at you, all worked up. I'll tell you everything, but let's go inside first. Don't want to keep people waiting."

I raised an eyebrow, instantly wary. "Who else is here?"

"Someone you probably haven't met yet. I'll introduce you. Could be a good connection down the line," he said, patting my head. "Relax, I'd never do anything to put you in a bad spot."

I trusted him, so I followed him into a private room.