Evelyn's plan to leave was foiled when she spotted Daymian walking in, and she found herself frozen in place. He strode in, dressed in a sleek black suit, accompanied by a loyal entourage. As he took his seat, the staff seemed to buzz with anticipation, their movements becoming more frenzied. Waiters scurried to attend to him, laying out an impressive spread of fine cuisine. Evelyn's eyes widened in awe as she watched the spectacle unfold. "This man is even more powerful than I imagined," she thought to herself. She couldn't help but wonder why she had never crossed paths with him before, until the day he came to her office seeking a loan. Fearful of her boss's warnings about Daymian's ruthless reputation, Evelyn had no intention of approaching him. Lost in thought, she didn't notice that she was staring at Daymian until their eyes met, causing her to quickly avert her gaze. "Oh no, he saw me!" she exclaimed inwardly, her heart racing with embarrassment.
Evelyn hastily exited the restaurant, hoping to avoid Daymian's notice. As she walked out, her heart racing and unease building, she breathed a sigh of relief once she stepped into the open air. She got into her car, but instead of driving away, she hesitated. Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to park in a spot where she could discreetly observe the restaurant, waiting for Daymian to emerge.
After what felt like an eternity, Daymian emerged from the restaurant and strode towards the sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom parked outside, its presence having escaped Evelyn's notice in her haste to leave. As Daymian's assistant opened the door for him, he slid into the backseat before unexpectedly taking the driver's seat and pulling out into traffic. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat as she tailed them, aware that she was taking a monumental risk. The adrenaline rush coursed through her veins as she trailed Daymian's luxurious vehicle, her senses on high alert.
As Evelyn followed the Rolls-Royce, she struggled to keep a safe distance without being noticed. The Phantom's sleek design and tinted windows made it difficult for her to gauge Daymian's awareness of her tail. Her heart racing, she wondered where he was headed and what she would do if he discovered her.
The drive led them through the city's busy streets, with Daymian navigating effortlessly. Evelyn's palms grew sweaty as she trailed behind, her mind whirling with possibilities.
Suddenly, the Phantom turned into a private driveway, disappearing behind a gated mansion. Evelyn hesitated, unsure whether to follow or retreat. Curiosity won out, and she parked discreetly outside, watching the gates close behind Daymian's vehicle.
As Evelyn pondered turning back, a question nagged at her: why would a wealthy man like Daymian need a loan? The more she thought about it, the more it seemed out of character. Before she could dwell further, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of tires screeching. She looked up to see two black SUVs blocking her path.
Men in suits emerged, their faces stern and unyielding. "You're the one following Mr. Daymian," one of them stated, his voice firm.
Evelyn's instincts screamed for her to flee, but her car was pinned in. "What do you want?" she asked, trying to hide her fear.
"We need to take you to Mr. Daymian," another man replied, opening her door. They escorted her to the mansion, the gates opening automatically as they approached.
Inside, the opulent decor and grand staircase took her breath away. She was led to a luxurious study where Daymian sat behind a massive desk, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"So, Evelyn, I see you're curious about me," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Let's talk."
Evelyn's fear was palpable as she stood before Daymian, her eyes darting around the room for an escape route. Daymian's gaze seemed to bore into her soul, his expression unreadable.
"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk, his voice dripping with courtesy.
Evelyn hesitated, her legs trembling slightly as she sat down. Daymian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together.
"So, Evelyn, what brings you to follow me?" he asked, his tone calm and collected.
Evelyn swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "I...I was just curious," she stammered.
Daymian raised an eyebrow. "Curious about what, exactly?"
Evelyn hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "About...about your loan," she said finally.
Daymian's expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "My loan?" he repeated. "What about it?"
Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I just didn't expect someone like you to need a loan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Daymian leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "And what do you know about me, Evelyn?" he asked, his voice low and intense.
Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she sat across from Daymian, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Please, you have to understand, Mr. Daymian, this loan could ruin my reputation at work," she pleaded, trying to keep her voice steady.
Daymian's expression softened, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, Evelyn, you're so tense," he said, gesturing to a nearby bar. "Let me offer you a drink. It might help you relax."
Evelyn hesitated, feeling a sense of unease, but she didn't want to offend him. "Thank you," she said quietly, accepting the glass he handed her.
As she took a sip, Daymian leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "The loan means nothing to me, Evelyn," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I wouldn't even remember it if it weren't for you showing up here."
Evelyn's curiosity got the better of her. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Daymian chuckled, a deep, rich sound. "Well, Evelyn, the truth is, I've made so many loans and investments that this one is just a drop in the ocean. But if you want to know the real reason, it's because my assistant made a bet with me that I'd forget about this particular loan within a week."
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "A bet?" she repeated, her voice laced with amusement.
Daymian nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yes, a bet. And I never lose bets, Evelyn."
Evelyn couldn't help but laugh, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe Daymian wasn't as intimidating as she thought. But she still had to be careful; she didn't know what she was dealing with.
As Evelyn laughed, Daymian's smile broadened, and for a moment, his intimidating aura seemed to fade. "I'm glad I could surprise you, Evelyn," he said, his voice warm with amusement.
Evelyn took another sip of her drink, feeling a bit more at ease. "I have to admit, I didn't expect that reason," she said, her curiosity piqued. "But what about my job? Can we find a way to resolve the issue with the loan?"
Daymian leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Of course, Evelyn. I wouldn't want you to suffer because of my carelessness. Let's see...how about I make a phone call to your boss, and we'll settle this matter once and for all?"
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. "You'd do that?" she asked, hope rising in her chest.
Daymian nodded. "Yes, I will. But in return, I have a favor to ask of you."
Evelyn's instincts kicked in, warning her to be cautious. "What kind of favor?" she asked, her voice measured.
Daymian's smile returned, and he leaned back in his chair. "Nothing too complicated, Evelyn. Just dinner with me tomorrow night. I think we could have a fascinating conversation."
Evelyn hesitated, unsure of what to say. Part of her wanted to refuse, but another part was intrigued by Daymian's enigmatic nature. What would dinner with him be like? And what exactly did he mean by "fascinating conversation"?
Evelyn smiled politely, trying to decline without offending Daymian. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Daymian, but I really need to get some rest. I've had a long week," she said, hoping her excuse would be enough.
Daymian's expression remained unreadable, but he nodded graciously. "Of course, Evelyn. I understand. Perhaps another time, then?" he said, his voice smooth as silk.
Evelyn felt a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze. There was something in his eyes that made her wonder if he was used to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it. "Maybe," she said, trying to sound noncommittal.
Daymian smiled, seeming to accept her response he said, standing up. "Don't worry about the loan. I'll take care of it."
Evelyn stood up, feeling a mix of relief and unease.
As she followed Daymian out of the study, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just dodged a bullet. But she couldn't help wondering what would have happened if she had accepted his dinner invitation...
As Evelyn stood up to leave, Daymian nodded graciously. "I'll make sure the loan is taken care of, Evelyn. Don't worry about it anymore."
Evelyn smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Daymian. I appreciate it."
Daymian walked her to the door, his eyes locked on hers. "Goodnight, Evelyn," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Sleep well."
Evelyn nodded, turning to leave. As she stepped out of the mansion, she felt the cool night air on her skin. She walked to her car, parked outside the gates, and slid into the driver's seat.
As she started the engine and pulled away from the mansion, Evelyn couldn't shake off the feeling that her encounter with Daymian was far from over. She wondered what the future held, and whether their paths would cross again.