By three forty-five, Annie had already decided she wasn’t going to wait for Brian. Not because she didn’t want to see him. That would have been a ridiculous conclusion. She simply refused to become the kind of woman who rearranged her schedule because a wealthy man had sent her a message. Besides, she had better things to do. Such as finishing her assignment. And eating. Mostly eating. “Are you leaving?” Jane asked as Annie packed her books. “Yes.” “Your driver is waiting?” “Probably.” “Your mysterious CEO is coming?” Annie stopped. Jane smiled innocently. Annie slowly turned around. “You’ve become unbearable.” “I’ve always been unbearable. You’re just noticing now.” “He has a meeting nearby. That doesn’t mean he’s coming for me.” “Then why have you checked your phone six times in the last ten minutes?” Annie glanced at her phone. “I was checking the time.” “You checked the time on your phone while standing beneath a clock.” Annie picked up her bag. “I’m leaving before your intelligence becomes contagious.” Jane followed her outside, still grinning. The afternoon sun hung low over the university grounds. Students crowded the walkways, some heading toward the dormitories while others gathered beneath the trees. A group of medical students stood around a bench, arguing over an upcoming practical examination. Annie barely noticed them. Her attention had shifted to the black car parked across the street. It was sleek, expensive, and impossible to miss. Brian stood beside it. He wore a charcoal suit with no tie, one hand resting in his trouser pocket. His expression was composed, almost indifferent, but his eyes moved toward Annie the moment she stepped out of the building. Jane followed her gaze. Her mouth fell open. “Oh.” Annie sighed. “Don’t.” “That’s him?” “No. It’s a decorative statue shaped like an arrogant man.” “Annie.” “Jane.” Brian began walking toward them. The students nearby gradually noticed him. Conversations softened. A few people turned to look, and one girl whispered something to her friend before glancing at Annie. Annie felt the attention immediately. She hated it. Brian seemed to notice, too. His gaze moved briefly across the crowd before returning to her. “You’re finished,” he said. “Brilliant observation.” “Your day went well?” “Until you arrived.” Jane made a strangled sound beside her. Brian’s eyes shifted to her. “You must be Jane.” Jane straightened so quickly that Annie almost laughed. “You know my name?” “Annie has mentioned you.” Annie’s eyebrows rose. “I have?” “Several times.” “When?” “During dinner.” “I said your family was strange.” “And you mentioned your friend at university.” Jane looked between them, visibly delighted. “She talked about me?” Annie pointed at Brian. “Don’t encourage her.” Jane extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Brian shook it politely. “Likewise.” Jane’s eyes flickered between their hands and Brian’s face. “You’re even more intimidating in person.” “Jane.” “What? I’m being honest.” Brian’s mouth curved faintly. Annie noticed. It wasn’t the brief, surprised laugh she had seen at dinner. This was smaller, almost private—a reaction he seemed to reserve for moments when people caught him off guard. It made him look less like the terrifying businessman everyone described. Which was inconvenient. “Are you taking her home?” Jane asked. Brian looked at Annie. “If she agrees.” Annie crossed her arms. “I haven’t agreed to anything.” “You’re welcome to refuse.” His answer was so calm that she had no immediate argument. Jane, however, had plenty. “You should go,” she said. Annie turned toward her. “You’re supposed to support me.” “I am supporting you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” “For what?” “To sit in a luxury car and judge a rich man’s driving.” Brian opened the car door. “That can be arranged.” Jane’s eyes widened. Annie stared at him. “You’re enjoying this,” she accused. “A little.” She stepped toward the car, then stopped and looked back at Jane. “If I don’t return, tell Professor Miller I died doing something academically unnecessary.” “I’ll tell him you eloped.” “Jane!” The laughter that followed them was loud enough to attract more attention. Annie climbed into the car, muttering threats under her breath. Brian entered from the other side, and the vehicle pulled away from the university. For several minutes, neither of them spoke. The interior was quiet, filled with the faint scent of leather and something clean and understated. Annie glanced at Brian, who was reviewing messages on his phone. “You’re working.” “I’m checking something.” “That is what working people say when they don’t want to admit they’re working.” He set the phone aside. “Better?” “Marginally.” “Did you eat lunch?” Annie turned toward the window. Brian looked at her. “Annie.” “I ate.” “What did you eat?” “Food.” His expression remained unchanged. She sighed. “Rice. Chicken. A little salad.” “And dessert?” She glanced at him. “Are you interrogating me?” “I asked a question.” “No dessert.” “Why?” “Because my friend ate half of it.” “Then you should have ordered another.” Annie turned fully toward him. “Are you always this concerned about dessert?” “No.” “Only mine?” Brian’s gaze rested on her for a moment. “Yes.” The simple answer caught her off guard. She looked away first. Outside, the city passed in a blur of traffic and afternoon activity. Annie tried to think of something sarcastic to say, but nothing arrived quickly enough. Brian leaned back in his seat. “You’re quiet.” “Enjoy it.” “I am.” She shot him a look. “You’re very irritating.” “You’ve mentioned that.” “Because you keep proving me right.” His lips twitched. Then his phone rang. Brian answered immediately, his voice becoming colder and more professional. “Go on.” Annie looked out the window while he spoke. His entire manner changed during the call. The relaxed man who had teased her about dessert disappeared, replaced by the ruthless executive who apparently made entire boardrooms nervous. His responses were brief and precise. “No.” “Send the revised figures.” “Then remove him from the negotiation.” A pause. “If he can’t meet the deadline, find someone who can.” He ended the call. Annie glanced at him. “Do people ever tell you no?” “Frequently.” “Do they survive?” “Most of them.” She laughed before she could stop herself. Brian looked at her. “What?” she asked. “Nothing.” “You’re staring.” “I’m aware.” Annie narrowed her eyes. “You’re strange.” “You said that about my family.” “Your family is strange. You’re the source.” The car slowed as they approached a red light. Brian studied her for a moment before speaking. “How long have you been studying medicine?” “Since university began.” “That wasn’t what I asked.” She tilted her head. “You asked how long. I answered.” “Do you enjoy it?” Annie’s teasing expression softened. “Yes.” The answer came without hesitation. “I like knowing how things work,” she continued. “The human body is complicated, but it follows patterns. If you pay enough attention, you can understand what’s wrong.” Brian watched her. “And if you can’t understand it?” “Then you keep trying.” Something in his expression changed, subtle enough that she almost missed it. “Even when it becomes difficult?” he asked. “Especially then.” The light turned green, and the car moved forward. Annie didn’t know why the question had felt heavier than it should have. She also didn’t know why Brian had gone quiet afterward. They arrived at the Samson residence shortly before five. Annie expected Brian to drop her off and leave, but he followed her inside after the driver opened the door. “Why are you coming in?” she asked. “I need to speak with your father.” “About what?” “Business.” “Boring.” “You don’t have to listen.” “Then why should I let you inside?” Brian looked down at her. “Because your father owns the house.” Annie’s mouth opened. Then closed. “That was unnecessarily logical.” “I try.” They entered the sitting room, where William was speaking with Nicholas. Eleanor sat nearby with a cup of tea, while Emily arranged several documents on the table. William immediately stood. “Brian. I wasn’t expecting you.” “I was nearby.” Nicholas looked at Annie. “Nearby?” Annie pointed at him. “Don’t.” Brian greeted the family before explaining that he wanted to discuss a possible joint investment involving Samson Group. William led him toward the study, and Nicholas followed after receiving a warning look from his uncle. Eleanor approached Annie. “You came home with Brian.” “He was going in this direction.” “Of course.” “Mother, don’t smile like that.” “I’m not smiling.” “You are smiling internally.” Eleanor laughed and touched Annie’s arm. “How was university?” “Good. Jane met Brian and immediately decided my life had become interesting.” “It has.” Annie looked at her. “You’re all conspiring against me.” Emily came over, carrying a glass of water. “You make it very easy.” Before Annie could reply, a sharp sound came from the hallway. Something had fallen. They turned. Linda stood near the entrance, her tablet lying on the floor. Her eyes were fixed on the open study door, where Brian’s voice could be heard speaking with William. For a moment, her face held something Annie couldn’t identify. Concern. Or fear. Then Linda bent down, picked up her tablet, and turned toward the stairs. Annie watched her leave. “Is Linda all right?” she asked. Emily’s smile faded slightly. “She’s been under pressure at work.” “That wasn’t a work face.” Emily hesitated. “Linda has always found change difficult.” Annie glanced toward the study. “What kind of change?” Emily didn’t answer immediately. Before she could, Linda’s voice came from the staircase. “Annie.” Annie turned. Linda stood two steps above them, her posture rigid. “What?” Annie asked. “Stay away from Brian.” The room fell silent. Eleanor’s expression tightened. “Linda.” But Linda continued, her gaze fixed on Annie. “You don’t know him. You don’t know what his world is like, and you have no idea what you’re getting involved in.” Annie slowly set down her bag. “And you do?” Linda’s jaw tightened. “I know enough.” “Then you should explain.” “It’s not your concern.” Annie smiled, but there was no humor in it. “You’re the one who brought it up.” Linda descended one step. “You’ve been here barely a week, and everyone is already rearranging their lives around you.” The words landed harder than Annie expected. Eleanor stepped forward. “That’s enough.” “No,” Annie said quietly. She kept her eyes on Linda. “Let her finish.” Linda’s expression flickered. Annie continued, “You think I asked to be kidnapped? You think I planned to return after eighteen years and make everyone uncomfortable? I didn’t choose any of this.” “I never said you did.” “You didn’t have to.” The silence grew heavier. Annie picked up her bag and slipped it over her shoulder. “But here’s something you should understand,” she said. “I’m not going to stay away from someone because you gave me a warning without an explanation. If Brian does something I don’t like, I’ll deal with him myself.” Linda stared at her. Annie walked past her, then paused. “And if you’re worried about something, stop speaking in riddles and tell the truth.” She left before anyone could respond. Upstairs, she shut her bedroom door and leaned against it. Her heart was beating too quickly. She hated that Linda’s words had affected her. She hated even more that part of her wondered whether Linda knew something she didn’t. A knock came at the door. Annie closed her eyes. “If that’s Nicholas, I’m throwing something.” “It’s me.” Brian. She opened the door. He stood in the hallway, his expression calm, but his eyes immediately moved over her face. “Are you all right?” “Why does everyone keep asking me that?” “Because you look upset.” “I look beautiful.” “You can be both.” Annie stared at him. Brian leaned one shoulder against the wall. “Your sister said something.” “You were listening?” “I was leaving the study.” “Convenient.” “I didn’t hear everything.” “Then you’re lucky.” He studied her. “What did she mean?” Annie folded her arms. “You tell me. Apparently, I don’t know what your world is like.” Brian’s expression darkened slightly. “Linda has her opinions.” “Does she have reasons?” “Yes.” Annie waited. He said nothing more. Her irritation rose. “That’s it?” “Her reasons are hers to explain.” “And yours?” Brian looked at her directly. “My world is complicated. It can be cruel. People will use your name to reach me, and some will treat you differently because of who you are connected to.” Annie’s smile disappeared. “Are you warning me away?” “No.” “Then what are you doing?” “Giving you the truth.” For once, Brian’s voice held no teasing. Annie looked down the hallway, then back at him. “I don’t need you to protect me from every unpleasant person.” “I know.” “I don’t need a man deciding what I can handle.” “I know that too.” “Then why are you standing here?” Brian was silent for a moment. “Because I wanted to make sure you were all right.” The anger inside her loosened. Not entirely. Just enough. Annie looked away, suddenly uncomfortable with the sincerity in his voice. “You’re very troublesome,” she murmured. “I’ve heard.” She stepped back and opened the door wider. “Come in.” Brian’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Are you inviting me into your room?” “Don’t make it dramatic. I need to show you something.” He entered. Annie walked to her desk, pulled out her medical textbook, and opened it to a page filled with notes. “Explain this,” she said, pointing to a paragraph. Brian looked at the page. Then at her. “You want me to explain medicine?” “You’re a CEO. You’re supposed to be intelligent.” “I am.” “Then prove it.” Brian picked up the book. Annie smiled for the first time since Linda’s warning. And downstairs, while the adults continued discussing business, neither of them noticed Eleanor standing near the staircase, watching the two of them through the half-open door. She smiled softly. Not because she believed everything would be easy. But because, for the first time, Annie was beginning to let someone come closer.

The Man Waiting Outside