“What are you talking about?” She looked at him as if he had grown two horns because she did not like the evil glint in his eyes. “Never mind, I am not interested in what you have to say, Mr. Princeton.”

She was not sure what he was implying but she could care less. She stood up from her seat, ready to leave.

“Who do you think would be funding your pro bono cases?” He questioned, daring her to leave. “Certainly, no decent company would waste their hard earn money on your cause.”

His statement made her stopped in her tracks. She turned back and sat back down. “What do you mean by that?”

He looked at her, knowing that he was giving her no choice but to remain with the firm. He knew that it was the only way that she could convince her to accept the position and hopefully it would also keep her from leaving.

“You are an intelligent woman. I think you already know.” He did not need to explain further for he could already see in her eyes that she was now having doubts about her earlier decision.

He did not want to do this, but he believed that she had great potential and would like to give her the chance to prove herself. He was intrigued by her, knowing who she was. He felt that just like him, she was still finding her true purpose and struggling to reach her goal.

“You are the one funding my cases?” She suddenly felt defeated upon hearing this information. She never thought that he would be her benefactor for her cause. She was now questioning his motive at the same time, thinking of her next move.

“Yes. So, I would think twice about resigning. You might not find another company that would be generous enough to help you.” He smiled, but this time, his face looked gentler. Gone was his smugness.

Then, something in her mind clicked. “Did you just hired me because of what happened between us? Do you think this is a joke and you can easily manipulate me? Do you think I’ll agree to what you want because of your generous donation?” As rage overwhelmed her.

“Of course not. Firstly, Evan was the one who hired you. I only knew about your employment when Evan mentioned that you will be handling some of my business.” He straightened on his chair and looked directly into his eyes.

She was about to say something when he beat her to it.

“Secondly, I do think that you are a valuable asset to my team and your exceptional credentials are what we need.” He continued.

“Mr. Princeton.” He held out his fingers to silence her.

“Lastly, I will never consider any of this as a joke.” Staring at her with those intense eyes. “If I will ever use manipulation with you, it will not be about your career. But with you back in my arms and on my bed.” He uttered in that sexy voice of his, with that luscious lips of his, and without losing eye contact.

He continued when he remained quiet. “I have a proposal and before you shot me down, try to think about it first.” He waited for her response.

“What?” She decided to hear him out.

She had nothing to lose anyway. Maybe his proposal was good enough for her to decide to stay with the firm. Because as of the moment, she was not sure if leaving the company was a good idea.

She had to admit, he was right. No other firm would give her the same special treatment she was receiving from this firm and it was all because of him. But was it worth it?

“Are you ready to hear me out?” He asked as he made sure that no one else would hear them.

She nodded, just wanting to get over with it so she could leave.

He was not sure if he was scaring her away with his words, but he needed to be honest with her. His plans were fair, and in his point of view, both of them would benefit from his proposal.

She could only gape at him after his bold statement. She searched her muddled brain for a sharp retort, but she could not find one. This was what she feared if she continued to work for him. She would be a heaping mess every time he was nearby.

“Alexander.” Someone called out coming from her back, snapping her out of her daze. Alexander too reverted his gaze to the source of the voice. Recognition quickly reflected in his eyes as he focused his attention on the person behind her.

“Alexander, fancy seeing you here.” The sweet voice said as she walked closer to their table until she was standing directly in front of them. “I was looking for you.”

“Tyra, I didn’t know you were back.” Alexander immediately stood up to greet her with a peck on her cheek while holding her hands.

“Well, Dad is having his annual gala next week. You know how important that is to him. I need to be there to support him.” Tyra explained while keeping a dazzling smile directed at him.

“By the way, Tyra Richards, this is Dani Hamilton.” Introducing the two ladies as he offered the seat Evan vacated to Tyra.

“I’m sorry for disturbing your date. I just missed my friend here.” Tyra apologized as she acknowledged her presence. Her face was friendly, but her eyes showed something she did recognize. Hurt or jealousy. She was not sure, but she was not particularly interested.

“No. It’s not a date.” Dani quickly corrected her. “This is just a business dinner, which just concluded.” She continued as she looked at both of them. She noticed the quick change in Tyra’s demeanor, her eyes suddenly lit up.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be a bother.” Tyra said politely.

Alexander was about to answer her, but Dani beat him to it. “We’re finished. If you’ll excuse me, I was just on my way out.” She stood up and extended her hand to Tyra. “It was nice meeting you.” Giving her a genuine smile.

“Well, it was nice meeting you too Dani.” She took her hand and gently gripped it.

“Alexander thanks for the dinner.” She nodded in his direction and stepped away not bothering to wait for his response.

She heard Alexander invited Tyra for dinner as she continued to walk towards the exit. She found herself relieved that the dinner was over, but upset at the same time. This should not bother her. There was nothing between them and there would never be, but she still ended up disappointed.