The night at the hospital had wrapped up with a flourish—Xavier Cain carted off to recover, Jessica Snow's admiration for Lugh Everveil growing like a well-watered garden, and Lugh himself smirking at the chaos he'd orchestrated.
After bidding farewell, the pair parted ways, retreating to their respective lairs for some much-needed shut-eye.
The next morning dawned bright and crisp, the kind of day that begged for coffee and ambition.
At precisely 10 a.m., Jessica Snow strutted into the gleaming glass fortress of the Everveil Group, her team trailing behind her like loyal ducklings.
She was a vision in a tailored blazer and skirt, her midnight-black hair swaying with each confident step.
Her mission? Seal the deal on that sweet, sweet medical equipment credit line Lugh had promised over dinner.
Before she could even reach the reception desk, a man waddled forth to greet her.
Middle-aged, sporting a beer belly that strained his suit jacket, and grinning like he'd just won a raffle, he was the epitome of corporate cheer.
His eyes lit up at the sight of Jessica, practically twinkling with admiration.
"Well, hello there!" he boomed, extending a meaty hand. "You must be Jessica Snow, the dazzling head of Snow Enterprises' hospital division! The rumors didn't do you justice—you're a knockout! I'm Leon Walter, marketing director for the Everveil Group. Pleasure's all mine!"
Jessica flashed a polite smile, shaking his hand with the grace of a queen. "Nice to meet you, Director Walter."
Walter ushered her team inside with the enthusiasm of a tour guide on his first day.
They swept through the lobby—marble floors gleaming, chandeliers dripping with crystal—and landed in a plush conference room.
The air smelled faintly of leather and expensive cologne, and a tray of steaming tea awaited them.
Jessica settled into a chair, her team fanning out around her, while Walter plopped down opposite, his belly jiggling slightly as he adjusted his tie.
After a sip of tea—hot, fragrant, and just the right amount of classy—the business talk kicked off.
"Miss Snow," Walter began, his tone shifting to professional mode, "our young master Lugh gave me the rundown last night. We're greenlighting your request—credit for the medical equipment, interest pegged to today's bank rates. All as discussed."
Jessica skimmed the contract he slid across the table, her sharp eyes darting over the fine print. She nodded, satisfied. "Looks perfect. Let's roll with this."
"Excellent!" Walter beamed, clapping his hands like a kid who'd aced a spelling bee. "And here's the kicker—we've already got your gear on the move. Shipment hits your hospital tomorrow, and our techs will have it humming by the day after. You'll be saving lives in no time!"
Jessica's brows shot up, her tea pausing mid-sip. "That fast?"
Big-ticket medical gear wasn't exactly pizza delivery. Shipping usually took days, assembly and calibration another chunk of time— a week, minimum. Two days? That was borderline wizardry.
Walter chuckled, leaning back with a proud grin. "Young Master Lugh's orders! He said, and I quote, 'Get it to Jessica ASAP so she can start raking in the cash and ease the pressure.' His words, not mine!"
A warm flutter danced in Jessica's chest. Lugh, that sly charmer, was pulling strings for her behind the scenes. She masked it with a professional nod, but inside? She was glowing.
"There's more," Walter added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Lugh mentioned your old equipment—those dusty relics clogging up your storage. If you're stumped on what to do with them, we'll take 'em off your hands. Fair price, no haggling."
Jessica's eyes sparkled. "Seriously?"
Old medical gear wasn't like tossing out a broken toaster. It required specialized disposal, and the few companies qualified to handle it loved playing hardball on prices.
Her hospital's outdated machines had been a thorn in her side—taking up space, draining funds, and refusing to sell at a decent rate.
If the Everveil Group could swoop in and offer a good deal? That was a lifeline.
"Cross my heart, Miss Snow," Walter said, his grin turning wry. "No tricks here. Say the word, and I'll have a crew at your door this afternoon to haul those relics away."
"You've got yourself a deal, Director Walter," Jessica replied, her tone brimming with gratitude. "Your company's a godsend."
She couldn't believe her luck.
A quick tea break, and bam—everything sorted. New equipment on the way, old junk off her plate, and a tidy profit to boot.
All thanks to one man: Lugh Everveil.
Her lips curved into a smile as she sipped her tea, savoring the victory.
"Speaking of Lugh," she said casually, glancing around the room, "where's he at? I figured he'd pop in."
Walter's face twisted into a bittersweet grimace. "The young master? Probably still snoring. He's got a title here—'Honorary Consultant' or some nonsense—but good luck seeing him before noon. Drives his parents up the wall, let me tell you."
Jessica stifled a laugh, covering her mouth with a delicate hand. "A late sleeper, huh? Well, don't sweat it. Lugh's got a good head on his shoulders—maybe he's just pacing himself for the fun stuff."
"Here's hoping," Walter sighed, his tone heavy with the weariness of a man who'd seen too many late-night board meetings.
He liked Lugh, sure, but the kid's knack for dodging responsibility was legendary.
Still, if Jessica saw potential in him, maybe there was hope yet.
With the deal sealed and handshakes exchanged, Jessica floated out of the Everveil Group, her team chattering excitedly behind her.
The morning sun bathed her in golden light as she slid into her sleek company car, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.
On the drive back, her fingers itched for her phone.
She couldn't resist—she had to thank the mastermind himself.
Pulling up their chat, she tapped out a message with a grin.
Jessica: Just left your group—everything's locked in. Thanks a million, Lugh!
A reply pinged back almost instantly, complete with a goofy smiley face emoji.
Lugh: No problem! Glad it worked out! (Smiley.jpg)
Jessica's brow arched. She typed back, teasingly.
Jessica: Whoa, quick response! Shouldn't you be drooling on your pillow right now?
Lugh: Can't sleep—too annoyed!
Jessica: What's bugging you?
Lugh: Money woes! I'm broke lately—can't even buy a decent burger!
Jessica snorted, her fingers flying over the screen.
Jessica: You? The fancy Everveil heir? Broke? (Doubt.jpg)
Lugh: Dead serious! Mom and Dad cut off my card to 'teach me a lesson.' I've got less than a million in the bank—barely enough for a snack! (Crying.jpg)
She laughed out loud, startling her driver, who shot her a curious glance in the rearview mirror.
Jessica: Perhaps you've reaped what you sowed. (Smiling.jpg)
Lugh: …
Jessica: Fine, pity party's over. Since you're strapped, dinner's on me tonight. But fair warning—it's just food, no shady clubs or wild nights. Got it?
Lugh: Shady clubs? Wild nights? I'm a pure soul—fresh out of preschool 180 months ago! I don't even know what you mean! (Innocent.jpg)
Jessica rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw her brain.
Jessica: …
Jessica: Cut the act, mister. Yes or no? (Angry.jpg)
Lugh: Yes, ma'am!
Lugh: Oh, gracious lady, I'm yours now—take pity on this poor, starving soul! (Shy.jpg)
Jessica: …
She stared at her phone, a mix of amusement and exasperation bubbling up.
Lugh Everveil was a whirlwind—charming, ridiculous, and utterly shameless.
And yet, she couldn't deny the little thrill that zipped through her.
Dinner with him again? She was practically chasing him now, and he knew it.
---
In his lavish penthouse across town, Lugh sprawled across a velvet couch, phone in hand, grinning like a fox who'd raided the henhouse.
His bedhead was a masterpiece of chaos, his designer pajamas wrinkled from a morning of tossing and turning—not from money troubles, mind you, but from plotting his next move in this cosmic game of one-upmanship.
Jessica's invite was the cherry on top.
"Round two, and she's already hooked," he mused aloud, tossing his phone onto a cushion. "Who's the villain now?"
The truth? His bank account was far from empty—millions still lounged in there, ready for the spending.
But where was the fun in admitting that?
Playing the broke, pitiful prince was far more entertaining, especially when it got Jessica Snow fluttering around him like a moth to a flame.
He stretched, his lean frame cracking pleasantly, and glanced at the clock.
Noon was still an hour away—plenty of time to nap before he dolled himself up for dinner.
---
Back in her car, Jessica tucked her phone away, a smile tugging at her lips.
She'd meant to thank him, not adopt him as her personal charity case.
Yet here she was, planning another meal, drawn in by his infuriating charm.
"He's trouble," she thought, "but the fun kind."
The day rolled on, the city humming around them.
Jessica returned to her office, buzzing with the success of her deal, while Lugh dozed off, dreaming of steak and Jessica's laugh.
Their little dance was picking up tempo, and neither seemed inclined to step off the floor.