His eyes locked onto hers. They were steady. Serious. Intense.
“I just want to have dinner with you,” he said quietly. “Just dinner. I promise.”
Chapter 3 The Biggest Scam
The fire in her gaze wavered. Her shoulders loosened slightly. She looked away and exhaled, the fight draining out of her breath.
“I already told Anita to prepare dinner for us,” Alexander added, his voice softer now.
Even though she wasn’t looking at him, his hand lifted. His rough palm cupped her cheek, warm and grounding, tilting her face gently back toward him. The touch wasn’t rushed. It was careful. Almost restrained.
“Is there anything special you want to eat?” he asked. “I’ll have it made for you.”
“Let’s just get this over with,” she muttered. Then, louder, sharper, “Are we having dinner or not?”
Alexander finally stepped back, giving her space. His hands slid to her waist, steadying her as he lifted her off the table and guided her down until her feet touched the floor. He turned her toward a chair and nudged it out with his foot.
“Sit,” he said. “I’ll bring the food out so we can eat.”
Mia flipped her head away, folding her arms tightly across her chest, her shoulders stiff.
Alexander didn’t say a word.
He turned and walked away.
But as he did, Mia noticed his gaze kept flicking back toward her—once, twice, again—quick, restrained glances, as if he were afraid she might bolt the moment his eyes left her.
That hesitant worry in his expression tugged at something inside her. The tight knot in her chest loosened just a little. She shifted in her chair, her posture easing, and slowly let her arms fall to the table.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying dishes and bowls. He moved quietly, setting each dish down in front of her with care, making sure everything was placed neatly before he began serving.
He filled her plate and slid it toward her.
Mia barely glanced at it before pushing it away.
“I don’t want this. I don’t want to eat bland food.” She pointed toward the spicy buffalo wings across the table. “I want that.”
Alexander didn’t argue.
Without a word, he picked up another plate, added a variety of dishes to it—making sure to include the wings she wanted, then placed both plates in front of her.
Mia stared at him, genuinely surprised by how quiet and obedient he was behaving. He didn’t flinch or even blink at her sharp tone—he simply did exactly what she asked.
Just as he had promised, he remained a gentleman through the entire dinner.
He served her silently, his gaze lifting now and then to check if she was eating. The moment her plate emptied, he refilled it.
When she was finally done, Mia stood up abruptly.
“I’m going to leave now.”
She grabbed her bag and turned away without waiting for his response. She had barely taken a step when Alexander’s hand shot out.
His fingers closed around her wrist, pulling her back toward him.
Before she could react, he pressed a black card into her palm.
“Keep it,” he said, his voice low and steady. “Spend whatever you want. Don’t look at the price.”
