Page 8 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

“Essentially, yes,” Adrian replies. “Their involvement suggests whoever hired them has significant resources.”

My grip on the phone tightens. “Keep digging. I want to know who’s pulling their strings.”

“There’s one more thing,” Adrian says, his tone shifting. “Eva Stone left her apartment an hour ago. She’s heading to an address tied to Martin Caldwell.”

The news hits like a punch to the gut. Eva doesn’t realize how deep she’s already in—or how dangerous Caldwell’s involvement makes her position.

“Where are they meeting?” I ask, already grabbing my coat.

“An apartment complex in the city,” Adrian says, rattling off the address.

“Send a team,” I order. “I’m on my way.”

The drive feels longer than it should, every red light grating against my patience. By the time I arrive at the apartment complex, my frustration has morphed into a simmering anger.

Adrian’s team is already in place, their black SUVs inconspicuous but strategically parked. I step out of my car, my presence drawing immediate attention.

“Where is she?” I ask one of the operatives.

“Inside,” he says, gesturing to the third floor. “Room 3B. We’ve secured the perimeter, but no sign of Lang or Calder.”

I nod and make my way to the building. The air inside is stale, the hallways dimly lit. Each step feels heavier than the last as I approach Caldwell’s door.

I pause outside, listening. Voices filter through the thin wood—Eva’s, sharp and questioning, and Caldwell’s, low and defensive.

She’s pushing him, probing for answers.

I knock once, hard enough to silence the conversation inside.

The door creaks open, and Caldwell’s face pales when he sees me.

“Mr. Kane,” he stammers.

Eva appears behind him, her eyes widening in surprise—and then narrowing with suspicion.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she demands.

“Ensuring your safety,” I reply evenly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Caldwell backs away, his posture tense. Eva, however, stands her ground, her arms crossed and her expression defiant.

“I don’t need your protection,” she says.

“Clearly, you do,” I counter, my gaze shifting to Caldwell. “Especially if you’re associating with people like him.”

Her jaw tightens, but she doesn’t respond.

“Caldwell,” I say, my tone cutting. “We need to talk. Alone.”

Eva bristles. “If you think I’m leaving—”

“You’re not,” I interrupt. “But you’re not running this conversation, either.”

Her defiance flares again, but she falls silent. Caldwell, on the other hand, looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Good. He should be afraid.

I close the door behind me, the tension in the room palpable. Eva may not trust me, but she doesn’t have to—not yet. Right now, keeping her alive is my priority. And if that means playing the villain in her story, so be it.

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