Page 80 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

I turn slowly, my heart skipping a beat when I see him—Reyes. He stands at the far end of the rooftop, his polished demeanor undisturbed by the cold wind that sweeps across the space. His eyes lock onto mine as he approaches, a smile playing on his lips, cold and calculating.

“Ms. Hayes,” he says smoothly, his voice like velvet. “Thank you for meeting me.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?” I reply, my voice steady but laced with sarcasm.

Reyes chuckles, low and menacing. “Oh, there’s always a choice. It’s the consequences that make them difficult.”

I resist the urge to glance toward the suite where Dominic is watching. Instead, I focus on Reyes, trying to read the subtle shifts in his expression. His confidence is unnerving, and I know this isn’t just another threat—it’s a game. A power play. And I’m the pawn.

“What do you want?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

Reyes steps closer, his hands clasped behind his back, as if he’s already claimed victory. “I want you to understand something, Ms. Hayes. This isn’t personal. It’s business. And in business, only the strongest survive.”

“Save the lecture,” I snap, frustration bubbling up. “If you have something to say, say it.”

Reyes’s smile widens, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “You have fire. I admire that. But fire can be dangerous, especially when it’s out of control.”

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down, my breath catching when I see the message.

“Look up.”

My heart pounds as I raise my eyes to meet Reyes’s cold gaze. His expression doesn’t falter, but I know. He’s aware. He knows Dominic’s watching me, and this is all part of his twisted game.

I take a steadying breath, trying to maintain control. Reyes stands a few steps away, his presence a looming threat, but there’s a deeper game unfolding now—one that I’m barely keeping up with.

The Cliffhanger

Before I can react, a shadow moves behind Reyes, and my stomach drops. Conrad steps into view, his expression cold and calculating, a mask of menace.

“Well, Ms. Hayes,” Reyes says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “Let’s see if you’re as clever as you think.”

I freeze, my blood running cold. The weight of the moment crashes down on me. Between Reyes and Conrad, I’m trapped—caught between the two men who’ve masterminded this chaos, who’ve pulled the strings from the shadows.

Reyes’s presence dominates the rooftop, his polished demeanor hiding the predator beneath. I can feel his gaze assessing me, analyzing every move. But I refuse to let him see my fear.

“You brought me here for a reason,” I say, keeping my tone firm. “What is it?”

Reyes chuckles, a low, grating sound that sends a chill down my spine. “Straight to the point. I respect that. But you see, Ms. Hayes, it’s not about what I want. It’s about what you’re willing to do to protect what matters to you.”

His words are vague, deliberately so, baiting me. I know better than to bite. Instead, I cross my arms, meeting his gaze head-on. “If this is another thinly veiled threat, save your breath. You’re wasting my time.”

Reyes tilts his head, eyes narrowing. “Time is a curious thing, isn’t it? It’s both infinite and fleeting. The question is, howmuch do you have left before everything you’re clinging to slips through your fingers?”

I suppress the shiver that runs through me, standing my ground. Dominic’s voice hums faintly in my earpiece. “Stay calm, Eva. We’re right here.”

I straighten my spine. “Cut the cryptic nonsense. You have something to say? Say it.”

Reyes’s lips curl into a cold smile. “Very well. I have an offer for you, Ms. Hayes. One that could save you a great deal of trouble. Walk away from Kane Enterprises. Leave Dominic Kane to clean up his own mess. In return, I’ll ensure you land on your feet—better than ever, in fact.”

I don’t flinch. “You think you can buy me off?”

“Not buy,” he replies smoothly. “Liberate. You’ve been playing a dangerous game, aligning yourself with Kane. If you’re smart, you’ll recognize an opportunity when it’s presented.”

I glance at him, my mind racing. Every instinct tells me this is a test—a move to gauge my loyalty. I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m not for sale.”

Reyes sighs, as though disappointed, but his eyes gleam with amusement. “Loyalty is such a rare quality these days. Admirable, but often misplaced.”

Before I can respond, the sound of footsteps echoes from the far end of the rooftop. My chest tightens as Conrad steps into view, his presence darker and more volatile than Reyes’s calm demeanor. He’s dressed sharply, but his expression is anythingbut polished—anger and malice are barely contained beneath the surface.

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