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Eva let out a sigh, still deep in thought. The fact that Jenny had called Mr. Blackwood showed that the situation was more serious than she had initially thought. She didn’t like the idea of Jenny being involved any further, but at least she knew that Mr. Blackwood’s presence would ensure her safety.
Her mind shifted back to the man who had greeted her so politely earlier. He hadn’t disclosed the name of his “Sir,” but his respectful demeanor and the familiar snacks had confirmed that whoever it was, they clearly knew her. Eva could only think of a few people who might go to such lengths, and none of them brought her comfort.
As she sat in the luxurious room, her phone still in her hand, she felt the growing tension in the air. She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or uneasy. Whoever had orchestrated this had been careful—too careful. It made her wonder just how well they knew her.
The door to the room suddenly opened, and a tall, imposing figure stepped inside, his silhouette casting a long shadow. Eva’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stood up, her posture straightening. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to face whoever this person was.
As the figure moved into the light, she froze.
“Eva, it’s been a long time.”
The voice was low, calm, and unmistakably familiar.
Eva’s eyes widened as she recognized the man before her. He looked different than she remembered—more polished, with a colder, more dangerous air about him—but she could still see the faint traces of the person from her past.
“Leon?” she whispered, almost disbelieving.
The man—Leon—smiled, but it was devoid of warmth. “You remember me, then. I was hoping you would.”
Eva’s pulse quickened, a mix of emotions flooding her chest. She had never expected to see him again, not after everything that had happened. But here he was, standing in front of her as if no time had passed.
Leon took a few steps closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “It’s been a while, Eva. I’ve missed you.”
The words, though softly spoken, were like a punch to her gut. She had spent so many years trying to forget him, to move on from the memories and the complications he brought into her life. But now, standing face to face with him, those old feelings came rushing back—feelings she had tried so hard to bury.
Eva swallowed, forcing herself to maintain control. “Why are you here, Leon? What do you want from me?”
Leon’s smile only deepened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to hurt you. Not yet, at least.” He paused, studying her closely. “I just want to talk. We have unfinished business, don’t we?”
Eva’s mind raced. She had heard enough. “If you think I’m just going to let you manipulate me again, you’re wrong. You’ve already done enough damage, Leon.”
The words were sharp, but inside, Eva was still grappling with her emotions. This wasn’t just any old acquaintance. This was someone who had once been close to her—too close. And now he was back, in the most unexpected way.
Leon’s expression hardened, but his voice remained calm. “You’re as stubborn as ever. Fine. But I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say. Believe me, this is important.”
Eva crossed her arms, determined not to show any sign of weakness. “Then get to the point. What do you want?”
He stepped closer, his eyes flickering with a mixture of intent and something else—something she couldn’t quite place. “There are things you don’t know. Things you won’t understand until you hear me out. And after everything that’s happened, I think you owe me that much.”
Eva’s chest tightened at his words. What could he possibly be referring to? She had no intention of letting him manipulate her again, but she couldn’t deny the curiosity that gnawed at her.
Just as she was about to speak, the door to the room opened again. This time, it wasn’t just one person, but two. Eva’s eyes immediately went to the familiar face of Adrian Blackwood. His presence was a welcome sight.
“Eva,” he said, his voice calm but filled with concern. “Are you alright?”
Her heart lifted at the sight of him. Adrian’s unwavering gaze met Leon’s, and for a brief moment, a flicker of tension passed between the two men. But Adrian’s focus remained on her, never straying.
“I’m fine,” Eva replied, trying to push down the rush of emotions that were threatening to overwhelm her. “But I think we need to talk.”
Adrian gave her a brief, reassuring nod before turning his attention to Leon. The air in the room shifted, and Eva could feel the tension between the two men. Whatever history they shared, it was clear that it was more complicated than she had imagined.
Leon, for his part, didn’t seem phased by Adrian’s presence. “So, the great Adrian Blackwood has finally arrived. I was wondering when you’d show up.”
Adrian didn’t respond immediately, but his posture was firm. “What do you want, Leon?”
Leon’s smile never wavered. “It’s not what I want, Adrian. It’s what Eva needs to hear.”
Eva’s mind raced. What was he trying to say? And why did it feel like she was about to be dragged into a conflict she had no part in?
She glanced at Adrian, searching his eyes for some hint of what to do next. Adrian, ever the steady presence, gave her a brief nod.
“Let’s hear him out,” Adrian said, his tone unwavering. “But only if you don’t waste our time, Leon.”
Eva swallowed her nerves, steeling herself for whatever came next. It was clear that things were only getting more complicated. And as much as she wanted to walk away from all of it, she knew she had no choice but to face whatever was coming.
This was far from over.
