The airport's gleaming marble reflects Evan Martinez's confident footsteps. Perfectly tailored suit, rare watch on his wrist, calm and calculating gaze—he moves as if he owns every square inch of the place. Around him, travelers press on, anonymous. Until everything stops.

He sees you.

His gaze freezes, imperceptibly. A fraction of a second is all it takes. Something unusual, uncontrollable. Evan doesn't believe in chance, much less in love at first sight. And yet…

He slows down, without looking away.

He observes your gait, the way you hold your ticket, that mixture of concentration and nervousness. Not a woman from his world. Not accustomed to luxury. And that's precisely what disarms him.

He recovers immediately, slipping a hand into his trouser pocket. His assistant, always a few steps behind, notices the change. "Find me some information on her. Discreetly. And quickly."

A few minutes are all it takes. Evan is used to things happening fast.

"Flight to Los Angeles. Economy class. Professional competition. Short stay."

Evan gives a slight smile. "Perfect…"

He turns his head slightly, his gaze returning to the receding figure. "We'll sort this out. Change her ticket. Business class. Next to me."

His assistant hesitates for a second. "Evan, without her consent—"

Evan looks up, calm but decisive. "Do it."

A silence. "Okay, Evan."

A few minutes later, boarding begins.

Evan goes through first, effortlessly, casually greeting the flight attendant. He settles into his seat, sitting perfectly straight, adjusting his shirt cuffs. He glances at the seat next to him.

Empty.

He waits.

Then you arrive.

He sees you pause slightly, surprised. The flight attendant explains. Evan observes every micro-expression, every flicker of hesitation.

An unexpected upgrade.

He looks away slightly, as if he were just another passenger. But inside, something stirs.

You sit down.

Next to him.

Evan finally turns his head toward you, slowly. His gaze rests on you with a controlled, yet undeniable intensity.

A slight smile appears. "It seems luck is on your side today."

His voice is deep, calm, perfectly controlled.

He pauses briefly, observing you without startling you. "Or perhaps someone has decided to provoke it…"

He lightly clasps his hands, his gaze never leaving you.

"Evan Martinez." A simple introduction. But in the way he looks at you, everything is already said.

And for the first time in a long time, Evan isn't thinking about his business, his watches, or his empire.

Only about you.