Evelyn sat down, trying to suppress the anger boiling inside. She didn't know what infuriated her more: Derek's arrogance or the fact that he was right—she couldn't afford a scene at the company.

"Fine. Let's get this over with," she muttered, picking up her menu and pretending to be engrossed.

"That's the spirit," Derek said, his smile widening as he signaled the waiter.

They ordered, and the atmosphere at the table was thick with tension. Evelyn focused on her breathing, trying to remain calm despite Derek's presence. She knew she had to play along, at least for now.

"So, tell me, Eve, have you found a place yet?" he asked, attempting to strike up a conversation as their drinks arrived.

"None of your business," she muttered.

"I don't suppose you're still at the Orchid Hotel?" He asked; her eyes widened slightly in surprise, making him smile.

"What? You thought I wouldn't know where you moved after leaving my hotel? I don't intend to let you disappear on me again, Eve. I plan to keep an eye on you this time," he said. She nodded.

"I'll keep that in mind," she said quietly.

"So, how do you like your new apartment?" Derek asked, and she raised an eyebrow.

"Are you stalking me?" she asked. He grinned.

"I guess you've moved into an apartment. What's it like? Do you like the place?" he said, pleased at getting an indirect answer.

Evelyn took a deep breath. "What will it take for you to stop this?"

Derek shrugged. "Give in to me."

"Give in to me? Do you think because you have a hot body and a sexy smile you can do whatever you want?" she asked. Only after the words left her lips did she realize what she'd said. Derek grinned. "Yes, I think so. And I'm pleased to know you find my smile sexy and my body hot," he said with a wink.

"I didn't mean I find you appealing in any way"

"Oh! You find me appealing, too. Aren't you full of compliments today?" he asked with a chuckle. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"It's fine. My apartment. I like it," she said, deciding it was best to answer his simple questions, as avoiding them seemed to complicate things.

Derek grinned. "Just fine? Come on, you can do better than that. I bet it's cozy and suits you perfectly," he teased, leaning back.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Yes. It's everything I need."

Derek studied her before nodding. "Good. I'm glad you found a place you like."

Their food arrived, a welcome distraction. She focused on her meal, determined not to give Derek any more ammunition. But he wasn't done.

"You know, Eve, I never really understood why you left without a word six years ago. Not even a thank you," he said casually, taking a bite of his food.

Evelyn stiffened. She had been dreading this conversation, but she knew it was inevitable. "I had my reasons," she said, keeping her tone neutral. Knowing Derek, a direct answer was better than going in circles. Derek's eyes narrowed slightly. "Reasons you couldn't share with me? You didn't even tell me why you were in that state. Why?"

"It wasn't the right time," she replied, hoping to end the topic.

"And when would be the right time? Now?" he pressed, leaning forward.

Evelyn put down her fork and met his gaze. "No. Not now. Not ever," she said, raising her glass to her lips.

Derek's expression hardened, then he sighed and leaned back, studying her.

"I've been curious about something. Where have you been these past six years, Eve?"

Evelyn almost choked on her drink. The question caught her off guard.

She looked up to find Derek's gaze intense and unwavering. She decided not to reveal that she'd left the country the day after sleeping with him.

"I was around until four years ago," she replied vaguely.

"You were in this city for two years?" Derek pressed, leaning forward.

"How come I never saw you? I've been looking for you since that night, Eve. It was as if you disappeared into thin air," he said, and Evelyn's heart skipped a beat.

"Why were you looking for me? Please don't tell me anything ridiculous about love at first sight," she said with forced bravado.

Derek grinned. "I've been with lots of women, but you're the first that made me feel so alive in longer than I remember."

Lust shot up her spine. The memory of their wild sex rushed back, making her feel weak. It had been the best sex of her life, and the thought made her horny. But she quickly remembered what had led to that decision: a man like him—his cousin, whose deception had broken her so badly she'd almost had an accident. She had no room for love or such desires.

"That's bullshit."

"Simple honesty," he said, intrigued by the emotions flickering in her expressive green eyes.

She had hoped to avoid this conversation, but it seemed inevitable. Perhaps it was time to end all this talk about their past. She cleared her throat.

"This arrangement isn't for revisiting the past, Mr. Stone. Let's focus on that," she said firmly, trying to steer the conversation back to their professional agreement.

"Are you just going to pretend it never happened?" he asked, his voice low.

"I thought we were over this," she said, exasperated.

He shook his head. "Not by a long shot. I told you I plan on making you mine before this arrangement is over," he said, holding her gaze.

Evelyn held his gaze, her eyes steady. "For the sake of this project, and both our sakes, I hope you abandon those plans. Nothing you do will work on me, so it's best you remain professional."

"Why?" Derek asked curiously.

"Why what?" Evelyn asked, frowning.

"Why are you resisting? Why don't you want to give me a chance?"

"I'm simply not interested. So, quit wasting your time on me," Evelyn said flatly.

"Do you always have sex with random men you're not interested in?" He asked, holding her gaze.

"I didn't have sex with you because it was you. It was nothing personal, Mr. Stone. I would have had sex with almost anyone with something dangling between their legs. You just happened to be available," she said with a shrug. A mix of hurt and anger flashed in Derek's eyes; to avoid saying something hurtful, he looked away, taking a sip of his wine.

Evelyn saw her words had hurt his ego, but she tried not to feel bad about it.

"I don't know about that, however, I do know I will make sure I have you in my bed again," he said. Evelyn felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Do you know who I am?" She asked, wondering if he knew she was his cousin's ex-fiancée.

"I don't care who you are, Eve. I'm not letting this go. We have unfinished business, and I intend to see it through."

"There is no business between us, Mr. Stone. There never was," Evelyn said firmly.

Derek chuckled softly. "Keep telling yourself that, Eve. But we both know that's not true. You started the business between us, and I intend to finish it."

She looked away, unwilling to engage. The rest of the meal passed in uncomfortable silence.

As they finished, Derek signaled for the check and turned to her. "I have a proposal for you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, wary. "What kind of proposal?"

He leaned in, his eyes locking onto hers. "Give me a chance, Eve. Let me prove how much I want you."

She stared at him in disbelief. "You can't be serious," she said, wondering if he had memory problems or was just trying to get on her nerves.

"I am. I've never been more serious about anything," he said, his tone earnest.

Evelyn shook her head. "You're delusional if you think I'm going to fall for this."

"Why not? What are you so afraid of?" he challenged.

"I'm not afraid. I'm just not interested," she snapped, feeling frustrated.

He smirked. "We'll see about that."

The waiter returned with the check, and Derek paid. As they left, he looked at her.

"You're heading home now, right? Where should I drop you off?" He asked the valet for his car.

"Thanks. I'll take a cab," she said, not wanting him to take her home.

"Suit yourself," he said.

"I will," she said, booking a cab.

"I enjoyed our date. Let's do it again soon," he called as he got into the car.

Evelyn's mind raced as she watched him drive off. She needed to figure out how to deal with Derek's relentless pursuit without jeopardizing her job or her sanity.