I am not asking for permission. I’m declaring my independence.

Turning around, I look into his steel-gray eyes intently. A flash of surprise crosses them momentarily, but he instantly masks it with indifference. We stare, stuck in a deadlock for a moment, as I stand my ground.

It’s now or never.

“Mmm.”

That’s it.

I won.

“I’ll be down in a minute,” I tell him, my nose upturned obstinately.

I thought I would feel victorious and free. But instead, I feel a tug at my heart that only makes it hard to breathe. Sure, I didn’t expect him to stop me now, after avoiding me so adamantly, but hearing him agree without a single attempt to dispute it hurts.

He really does want nothing to do with me.

Chapter 8

DERIK

“M r. Lewis! It’s an honor to finally have the pleasure of meeting a man

as busy as you are!”

The voice is coming from the birthday celebrant, Mr. Robert Wilson. The man is dressed in a white suit. He looks nowhere near his age, and his presence exudes command and respect. He is one of the small handful of notorious professionals in the real estate sector of Arizona. His influence in the booming construction industry is second to none.

“You humble me, Mr. Wilson. The pleasure is all mine.”

My words are sincere. A seasoned businessman like himself is worth looking up to.

“Natalie has grown. Old Mr. Quinn would be so proud to see her bask in the spotlight,” he observes, standing in front of me, a drink in one hand, his other hand in his pants pocket.

I follow his gaze silently to the breathtaking woman smiling and mingling with other guests. She looks regal in her body-hugging, deep red gown that is matched with a set of pearl accessories. With her exquisite beauty, she stands out

like royalty in the crowd. I can’t help but feel agitated as I observe countless men checking her out.

“She could have been an actress with that beautiful face. If I only had a grandson of my own, I’d make him court her. She’d be a lovely granddaughter-in-law!”

Mr. Wilson’s words further agitate my thought process, making my hands clench into fists. I know that there are times old men tend to forget to filter their words, but considering his ties with old Mr. Quinn, it would have been possible.

“She’s a quality woman, no doubt,” I state as a matter of fact as my eyes continue to linger on her alluring, petite figure. She raises her head, and our gazes meet, her smile vanishing like she’s caught sight of something formidable.

I can’t blame her.

I’ve treated her horribly lately.

Mr. Wilson chuckles cheerfully at my side.

“Well, I guess there’s no need for me to worry about Natalie, since she already has you.”

My brows meet as I turn to check his expression, but he only raises his glass and eyes me meaningfully, patting my arm before attending to his other guests.

Sipping from my glass, I lose sight of Natalie as I’m hounded by a group of businessmen who are interested in working with Lewis Corporation. The night flies by in a blur, and as people begin filtering out, I notice it’s time to leave.

My attention lands on her again. She’s chatting enthusiastically with someone when our eyes lock. I tap at my watch to tell her it’s time to go. A glint of annoyance flashes on her face, but she bids the person goodbye with a sweet smile before she kisses his cheek.

I feel bitter. I can even taste it on my tongue.

I despise myself for it.

Sauntering across the space like a goddess of seduction, she lifts the skirt of her gown with one hand to avoid stepping on it, revealing her long, flawless legs. Her hips sway flamboyantly with her every step.

Noticing the dangerously perverted stares she’s gathered for herself, my protective instinct moves me to her side as I guide her into the limo, where she settles onto the seat farthest from me and quietly gazes out of the window as if she’s lost in thought. Or perhaps just avoiding me.

Fair enough.

I fake a cough to break the silence.

“I’ll be out of your way in no time,” I say.

“No worries. You can keep living at the villa. My grandfather left it to you in exchange for mentoring me. I’ll be the one moving out.”

Her voice is calm and serene, her words flowing out of her as though she’s humming a lullaby. I frown but do not prod. Even after all these weeks, we haven’t spoken a word to each other about what happened between us. I expect that’s why she’s rushing to get away from me.

I respect her decision like I always have.

“I’ll find myself a place in the city,” she hums.

I sigh wearily, pressing my fingers to my temples.

“I’ll need to ensure that it’s up to your living standards,” I state coolly.

“Since when do you know about my standards, Mr. Lewis?” she hisses.

“It’s my responsibility.”

She scoffs and shoots me a piercing glare.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. You’re the most responsible man in the world. You know just how to handle business. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

Her sarcasm is spot on. She sends a message that’s impossible to miss. I give her a light nod without attempting to coax her. Her attitude toward me has turned

for the worse, and there is no one to blame but myself. I don’t want to provoke her and get into a fight in the car. Or at all.

Ever.

Hopefully someday she’ll get over it.