Chapter 57

Sophie clutched the leather-bound menu between her manicured fingers. She tilted her head at Adrian with a knowing smirk. "That fitted suit you're wearing? Couldn't help noticing how... tailored it was. Naturally assumed you swung that way." She waved a dismissive hand. "Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course."

Adrian nearly spat out his sparkling water.

"You've got me all wrong, Miss Mercer," he coughed, dabbing his lips with a napkin. "Straight as an arrow. Painfully straight."

"And contrary to popular belief," he added with a pointed look, "I don't sleep with everything that moves."

"Fine!" Adrian extended his palm across the table. "Clean slate?"

Sophie grasped his hand firmly. If playing nice would uncover his motives regarding Evelyn, she'd play the game.

After placing their orders, the conversation flowed surprisingly easily. By the time their appetizers arrived, Adrian had relaxed enough to let slip more than he intended.

"Know this guy," he began, swirling his cocktail, "got railroaded into marriage. Totally whipped now but won't admit it." He chuckled. "When his wife hit some trouble recently? Sent me in as cavalry. Hilarious part? She's clueless we're buddies." His grin widened. "First time we met? Dude lost his damn mind. Nearly tore my head off for meeting her alone... Ridiculous, right?"

Sophie's fork froze mid-air. "That's wild. My best friend just dropped a husband bomb on me too!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "Won't even tell me who the guy is because she's dead set on divorcing him. Though who knows if that'll happen."

"Modern relationships, am I right?" Adrian shrugged.

"Tell me about it," Sophie groaned. "This is exactly why I'm staying single."

"Preach," Adrian agreed, clinking his glass against hers.

Sophie saw her opening. Time to verify that suspicious two-hundred-million-dollar claim.

"You seem like a tech guy," she said casually, toying with her necklace. "Mobile payments or plastic?"

"Phone mostly," Adrian answered between bites. "Easier."

"Don't those have transaction limits?"

Adrian laughed. "Not like I'm buying yachts daily. Fresh out of college - can't exactly drain the family trust without guilt."

Sophie nodded, then went for the kill. "So... what's actually in your bank account?"

Adrian choked on his steak. "What, worried I can't afford dessert?" He wiped his mouth. "Truth? Barely six figures."

Sophie's lips pursed. She gave a polite nod, mind racing.

Who to believe? Adrian's transparent expression suggested honesty. But Evelyn was her ride-or-die.

Time for plan B.

"Family business keeping you busy?" she probed. Maybe the money belonged to his father. Was acquiring Thornfield Industries a family scheme?

Adrian snorted. "Dad's desperate to hand me the reins. Not my scene at all." His answer only deepened Sophie's confusion. She needed more, but pushing further would raise red flags.

Sophie unleashed her secret weapon - a slow, sultry smile. "So... what do you think of me?" She traced the rim of her wine glass. "If you're interested, I'm ready to take this somewhere... more exciting."

Adrian's fork clattered against his plate. "Isn't that moving a bit fast?"

Sophie's smile faltered just enough to make him panic.

"No! I mean—" Adrian backpedaled furiously. "We should get to know each other properly first—"

As his excuses piled up, Sophie's expression grew stormier.

"Okay! Sorry!" Adrian surrendered. "Just... pleasantly surprised you're this into me. If you're serious, then absolutely—"

"Call me Sophie," she purred, satisfaction curling her lips. Two weeks - that's all she needed to uncover his game.

Adrian looked dazed, like he'd won the lottery without buying a ticket.

This was happening too fast!

Since when did relationships materialize over one dinner?

When Evelyn heard about Sophie's new "boyfriend," her phone nearly slipped from her fingers.

This was next-level undercover work.

Her thumbs hovered over the keyboard when an unknown number flashed across her screen. Before she could react, her finger grazed the answer button.

A deep, unfamiliar voice filled her ear.