Page 60 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

"Nice of you to knock," I smirk.

She doesn't smile, and there's a determination in her eyes I've never seen before. I say nothing. If she came to see me, then she has to let me know what she's here for. But she stays completely silent; her lips pressed together.

The quietness in the office quickly becomes awkward for me.

"Why are you here, Eva?"

"Why is it so cold in here? Christ."

I say nothing. I can't tell her it's a way for me to cope with the constant downward spiral.

"Answer me. Why are you here?"

"To tell you something really important. But you have to move your laptop away and listen to me carefully."

I scoff. "You didn't exactly listen to me when I came by your house trying to get you to take the article down. I hope you're happy now, by the way."

She stares at the floor, biting her lip. She's repentant. Who would've thought? But seeing her look remorseful doesn't make me happy. Surprisingly, it angers me.

"I'm not interested in a marriage with you any longer."

The words hit me like a fast-moving train. I'm completely still. That's not possible. She's always dreamed of marrying me. And what's going to happen to Consco now?

"Did you hear me? I said I'm not —-"

"I heard you perfectly."

The office is quiet again, but my mind isn't. Consco is already in deep trouble, and to add a loss of an opportunity with Eva is like adding salt to the wound.

"Because of the baby mama thing?"

"I've thought about it, Jason, a lot actually. You're not that interested in me, if we're being honest. And I don't want to get married to someone with a questionable character. I couldn't trust you, and it'll be bad for my brand and business. So, I'm dropping it."

How do I feel about this? Relieved or scared? What if I don't have to marry her to secure a deal with Andrew? I don't know… given the current circumstances, it might be an uphill task to get him to still see value in a partnership with Consco. We haven't spoken since the news, and frankly, I've been dreading a conversation with him. There are only two ways it can turn out — good or bad. Right now, it seems bad is more likely. Any sane business person would call off the deal. As dad told me while he was still alive,Part of the things you're selling in business is your reputation.

"Are you sure about that, Eva?"

She doesn't flinch. "Yes."

It's so final. So certain. I've never been rejected before. Especially not by someone I didn't really want. Not in business and certainly not in romance. This is all so new to me. I lower my head, flustered. It's all too embarrassing.

"We have a pretty reasonable friendship, let's leave it at that. I'd rather just stay friends."

"And you're still not going to take down the article?"

She stays silent, her jaws clenched.

"Well, if that's the case, then I don't have use for your friendship anymore, Eva Davidson. I'd rather not be friends with someone who's quick to ruin my life."

"I didn't ruin your life, you did that all by yourself!"

"You're a cold woman, Eva."

"And so are you."

She stands to her feet, straightening her nude pantsuit. She makes to leave but stops at the door, turning to me.

"If it makes any difference, I didn't mean for it to get that bad. I was just angry."

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