The Tycoon's Odyssey

Evan's smile lingered, but there was a steely glint in his eyes. "This is just the beginning. It wouldn't feel good if I took him down so easily. Though we didn't have any deadly enmity before, things will surely move that way."

"And somehow, the Rajputs are going to be involved in this too. Why do I feel you want to go against them and are eager to take them down?" Suri mused, her tone laced with suspicion as she leaned towards Evan, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny.

Evan's expression hardened, his gaze locking onto hers with a cold intensity. "You can say so… I have been a bit eager to take care of them."

A chilling coldness flashed in Evan's eyes as he finished, leaving a palpable tension in the air.

The car glided silently along the winding road and after a long pause, Evan's eyes flicked towards Suri, who had been lost in thought. "By the way," he began, breaking the silence, "where are you staying?"

Suri looked at him with a slight frown. "I actually haven't booked anything. I was right on schedule and went straight to the party as soon as I got to BBSR."

Evan's gaze lingered on her outfit, a stylish yet casual ensemble that seemed a bit out of place for the late hour.

"Do you have any plans?" he asked.

Suri shook her head, a small pout forming on her lips. "No, I have got two weeks of vacation and could really use some rest."

She grumbled softly before looking out the window, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Evan nodded, an unreadable expression crossing his face. An inexplicable feeling welled up in his chest as he gripped his grip on the steering wheel. After a moment of hesitation, he finally asked, "Would you like to stay at my house?"

Suri's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Evan, her mouth slightly agape. And after seeing her reaction, Evan quickly began to apologize, "I'm sorry if I—"

Before he could finish, Suri cut him off, her voice slightly hurried. "I want to… I want to."

She felt a bit embarrassed for her sudden eagerness and shook her head. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'll only stay at your house. If you want to accompany me while I sleep, you'll need to sign a contract and marry me."

"You can call me old-fashioned, but I only want someone to be with me who has vowed to become my husband and accompany me till the final step."

Evan raised an eyebrow, observing her expression with amusement. He took a deep breath, reflecting on Suri's words. He had noticed that while she appeared tough, there was a vulnerability beneath her surface. The repeated mention of the contract suggested a deep-seated insecurity.

Suri seemed to crave mutual respect and understanding in a relationship, rather than just affection.

She wanted more than just affection— she wanted trust, honesty and fairness in her relationship.

Despite her straightforwardness, Evan appreciated her honesty. The contract she spoke of placed her at a great disadvantage, demonstrating her sincerity and desire for a fair arrangement.

In case things ended with a divorce, Evan would be entitled to get 50% of Suri's wealth and not him giving her money. That was the original contract Suri had drafted.

She was prepared to give her everything, but in exchange, she wanted his trust and understanding and the promise that he wouldn't betray her during the period.

"What's wrong? Did I ruin the mood?" Suri asked, noticing Evan's thoughtful silence.

Evan chuckled softly. "Are you sure that you really want to be with me? Why not wait? Maybe there is someone better out there."

Suri's eyes narrowed, frustration flickering across her face. "Don't give me those flimsy lines. It's usually the girls who use that to play games. Just tell me if you aren't interested in me."

Evan laughed, his tone warm and genuine. "What if you fall madly in love with me while I don't?"

Suri's brows furrowed and she frowned as she glanced at Evan with a mix of confusion and hurt. She had been ready to accept the idea of their arrangement, but his words stung more than she anticipated.

In fact, she had never imagined such a scenario. It wasn't that she was overestimating herself, rather she knew who she was. She was prepared to put all her efforts for him. If he wanted her to quit acting, she would. If he wanted her to stay at home to take care of his house, she would do that.

She planned to give him her everything so she was sure that Evan would eventually fall in love with her. But hearing his words now, and him saying that with an indifferent and blank expression pricked her deeply.

What if it really happens, just as he said?

What if she fell in love so much while he didn't have any affection despite years of marriage? In that case, how would she feel or handle that?

She wanted to dismiss the thought and say that it was not a problem as she could manage—but when it came to matters like this, things might become worse if lied.

Honesty was important to her, and she couldn't bring herself to respond. Since she couldn't deny that it wouldn't matter if he didn't fall in love with her, she decided to keep mum.

As for his question, what about her falling in love with him?

It wasn't a hypothetical question anymore, rather it seemed that she was already starting to.

Noticing the troubled look on her face, Evan's lips curled into a soft smile. "Don't overthink it, Suri. Let things unfold naturally. After all…"

He extended his left hand and gently took Suri's hand in his, the warmth of his touch comforting and reassuring. "I don't think a man could remain indifferent with a woman like you around."

Suri's heart skipped a beat. She stared at Evan, her mind became a mess with a swirl of emotions as she felt as if butterflies were fluttering in her chest.

His gesture, his words…they all seemed to always dissolve her worries and ignite a spark within her. In that quiet moment, she felt a new, tender connection forming between them, one that promised both hope and uncertainty.

As they drove on, Suri's gaze remained fixed on Evan's face, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, making her heart flutter.

Seeing him, she couldn't hold herself and murmured, 'The man I choose really is the best.'