Chapter 346
"Finished already, Evelyn?"
Evelyn looked up sharply to see Jonathan approaching, his expression unreadable. She forced a polite smile. "Yes. What about you? Did you get the loan approved?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Not yet. The paperwork is more complicated than I expected. These things take time—can't rush them." He gestured toward the parking lot. "Need a ride somewhere?"
"I was heading to the university library. It's not on your way to the studio, so don't worry about it."
"Actually, I have to stop by campus too. Perfect timing."
She didn't question the coincidence. Jonathan often visited the university for networking events and guest lectures, leveraging his alumni status to promote his design studio.
As he drove, he glanced at her. "So, Evelyn… what brought you to the bank earlier? You were in the VIP section."
"Just some routine inquiries." She kept her tone light, omitting the fact that she'd paid off her mortgage early.
Alexander had transferred the funds last night with startling efficiency. She hadn't even had time to process it before the money landed in her account.
Jonathan didn't press further, but the confirmation solidified in his mind: Evelyn had serious financial backing.
When they arrived on campus, she thanked him and stepped out. He watched her walk away, determination hardening in his gaze.
His theory? That money came from her brothers. Dropping millions at her age? Only old money could manage that.
The woman he'd met on yesterday's blind date had ambition, but her middle-class background paled in comparison.
Evelyn, though? Same alma mater. Elite connections. And now, undeniable wealth.
Jonathan adjusted his cufflinks. Time to change tactics.
By late afternoon, Evelyn left the library to find the quad buzzing with activity.
Petals and flickering candles formed a path through the crowd. Her stomach dropped.
"Evelyn."
The sea of students parted, revealing Jonathan at the center, holding a bouquet of roses.
Dread coiled in her chest. This couldn’t be happening.
He stepped forward, voice carrying. "From the moment I first saw you on campus, I knew you were different. But I didn’t understand why."
Her fingers tightened around her bag strap.
"Then you competed in the Fleur International Design Competition," he continued. "That’s when I realized—it was love."
The crowd sighed. Evelyn’s skin prickled.
"I recruited you to my studio because I couldn’t stand the thought of you working anywhere else. The night you accepted? I didn’t sleep at all."
She opened her mouth to interrupt, but he pressed on.
"Please, let me finish. I need you to hear this." He dropped to one knee, flowers extended. "You’re cautious with your heart, and I respect that. But I want to be the one who makes you feel safe. Loved. Protected. Always."
Balloons burst into the sky—pink, like the flush creeping up Evelyn’s neck for all the wrong reasons.
A girl nearby clutched her friend’s arm. "Oh my God, say yes!"
Evelyn’s jaw set.
Romance? This was a trap.