The rest of the week flew by, and on Friday, immediately after work, Derek and Evelyn left for their trip. Despite her attempts at a friendlier demeanor, and his usual professional conduct, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was a mistake.

She observed Derek, trying to discern if the trip was a ruse to seduce her, as he had previously attempted. However, she found nothing unusual in his behavior, which only increased her anxiety. His unpredictability left her constantly on guard and exhausted.

As they arrived at Stone Corp's luxurious Varis resort past midnight, Evelyn sighed, her nerves frayed. The prospect of being alone with him, even for business, stirred something within her, and she feared falling for his tricks.

The resort was breathtaking, with grand architecture and lush grounds, but Evelyn was too preoccupied to fully appreciate it. As they exited the car, Derek glanced at her, hiding a smile as he offered his hand. "Are you going to stand here all evening, my love, or shall we go inside?" he asked playfully. Evelyn scowled.

This was the aspect of him she desperately wanted to avoid. Ignoring his hand, she walked ahead. Derek chuckled and followed, and together they approached the reception area. Before they reached the desk, the manager hurried toward them with a polite smile.

"Welcome, sir. We've been expecting you, and everything is arranged as—"

"Thank you," Derek interrupted. "We're exhausted and need to rest. We can discuss details in the morning." The manager nodded politely at Evelyn.

"I'll escort you to your suite, sir," the manager said.

"I'd like to ensure she's settled before I go to mine. Please lead us to her room."

"Her room? Your secretary didn't mention a second room. We prepared your suite as usual. We didn't realize you were bringing someone," the manager replied, deepening Evelyn's frown.

Evelyn looked from the manager to Derek in disbelief. "Well, I'm sure we can resolve this. Any comfortable room will do," she said. The manager looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but the resort is fully booked. It's the weekend," he explained, seemingly reminding Derek of the weekend rush.

"How could she make such a mistake? I should call her now and fire her!" Derek exclaimed dramatically, pretending to dial his secretary to prevent Evelyn from realizing his plan. Evelyn's heart pounded; various thoughts raced through her mind. She searched Derek's face for a clue, but he appeared genuinely angry.

"Don't. It's late, and it's just a mistake," she said, stopping him.

"What are we going to do? This is a mess!" Derek said, dramatically slapping his face.

"Perhaps you could share your suite?" the manager suggested hesitantly.

Anxiety surged through Evelyn. How could she share a room with Derek—the man who had been the object of her fantasies for six years, the man who had brought her such joy despite her heartache? How could she resist him alone in such close proximity? This couldn't happen. She'd been friendlier, but that didn't mean she'd share a room.

"I don't think that'll work. How do you expect us to share a suite?" Derek asked before Evelyn could protest.

"Are there no other options? How many bedrooms?" Evelyn asked the manager desperately.

"It's a one-bedroom suite," the manager replied. Derek sighed.

"I'm so sorry, Eve. I'm exhausted and can't think straight," Derek said, sighing again. "I think we'll have to share, Eve," he said, increasing Evelyn's pulse.

"There has to be another option," she said weakly. The manager shook his head.

"I apologize, but there's nothing else we can do," he said apologetically.

"It's okay. Leave us. I'm sorry for disturbing you so late," Derek said. The manager handed Derek the key card, excused himself, and Derek dismissed the bellhop.

"I can't share a room with you. This is completely unprofessional and unacceptable," Evelyn said once they were alone.

"Would you rather argue outside, or shall we go in? You're logical; this isn't logical," Derek said, picking up their luggage and heading for the elevator.

Irritated, Evelyn followed, suspecting Derek's involvement. "Don't tell me you planned this," she accused in the elevator.

"What if I did? You said you weren't afraid of my plans, didn't you?" Derek asked, raising an eyebrow. Evelyn swallowed, feeling trapped. "You really planned this?" she asked, questioning her earlier assumptions.

Derek chuckled. "How could I? The resort's booked," he said, despite having ensured no other rooms were available.

"I'm not stupid, Derek. I know this is your family's resort…"

"I love it when you say my name, baby," Derek purred. She glared.

"What? Scared of what might happen alone with me?" he teased.

Evelyn took a deep breath, refusing to show her fear. "Why should I be?" she challenged. Derek shrugged.

"Maybe because you don't trust yourself alone with me. This isn't the first time we've been alone…" The elevator doors opened, and Evelyn hurried out to avoid revealing her blush.

"For someone who doesn't want to share a suite, you're in a hurry to get there," Derek teased, following her.

Evelyn glared. "I'm here to work, nothing more. Nothing will ever happen between us again…"

"Then prove it," Derek said.

"How?" she asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Prove it by sharing the suite. If you resist me, I'll stop trying to seduce you," he offered. Evelyn considered it. Two nights. A fair deal if she remained resolute.

"Fine. It's a deal. I hope you keep your word," she said. Derek nodded, a wicked glint in his eyes. He'd won; Evelyn had fallen into his trap. He unlocked the door, and they entered the suite.