Page 77 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

The names listed are a who’s who of global power brokers—CEOs, politicians, military officials.

And at the top of the list is a name I never expected.

“Peter Graves,” Eva whispers, her voice trembling.

The betrayal cuts deep, but I push the emotion aside. “This isn’t over,” I say, my voice cold and steady.

“No,” Eva agrees, her green eyes blazing with determination. “It’s just beginning.”

21

_____

Eva

The weight of Dominic’s message from Reyes hangs over us like a storm cloud, ready to break. He paces the penthouse like a caged predator, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, tension radiating from him in waves. His usual sharp focus is dulled by something rawer—fear. Seeing him like this tightens something in my chest. Dominic Kane, master of control, brought to the edge of chaos.

“We need to lure them out,” I say suddenly, breaking the silence stretched too thin between us.

Dominic stops mid-stride, his sharp blue eyes snapping to mine. “What are you talking about?”

“They’re dictating the game,” I say, standing to face him. “We’re reacting, playing defense. We need to take control.”

A flicker of understanding flashes in his gaze—brief, fleeting—but it’s gone in an instant, replaced by a steely glare. “And what, exactly, do you suggest?”

“Use me,” I say simply. “Let me be the bait.”

Dominic’s expression darkens immediately. “No. Absolutely not.”

I expected this. Hell, I’d be shocked if he agreed without a fight. But I don’t back down. “Think about it. Reyes and Conrad are already fixated on me. If we make it look like I’m acting alone—if I’m out there, visible—they’ll have no choice but to make a move.”

“And when they do, you’ll be right in their crosshairs,” Dominic snaps, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Do you hear yourself?”

“They’ve already made me their target!” My voice rises despite myself. “They’re not going to stop until I’m neutralized. We can use that. Turn their obsession against them.”

Dominic’s jaw tightens, his hands curling into fists at his sides. I see the battle raging behind his eyes—his protective instincts warring with his need to end this nightmare. “You’re asking me to risk your life, Eva. Do you get that?”

“I do,” I say softly, stepping closer. “But I trust you. I trust you to protect me.”

The silence stretches, heavy and charged. Finally, Dominic turns away, his shoulders tense as he stares out the window at theglittering skyline. “I don’t like it,” he says at last, his voice low. “But you’re right. We’re out of options.”

Relief floods me, but I keep my expression neutral. I step closer, resting a hand on his arm. “We’ll do this together. I’m not going in blind.”

Dominic turns back, his gaze burning with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “If we’re doing this, it’s on my terms. You’ll be monitored at all times, and if anything—anything—feels off, you’re out. Do you understand me?”

I nod. “Deal.”

The Café Scene: The Trap Is Set

The café is warm and unassuming, its cozy atmosphere a sharp contrast to the tension simmering under my skin. I sit by the window, pretending to work on my laptop while nursing a coffee I have no intention of drinking. Around me, life goes on—students tapping away at keyboards, couples sharing quiet conversations, a barista humming as she refills the pastry case.

But I know better. Somewhere in this room, someone is watching me.

My phone buzzes, and I nearly jump. Forcing myself to stay calm, I glance down at the screen.

Unknown Number: “Nice to see you working hard, Ms. Hayes.”

A chill runs down my spine. My eyes flicker around the café, scanning faces, but no one meets my gaze. Everyone looks normal—ordinary.

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