Julian Cardenas's gaze locked onto the familiar figure on the sidewalk outside Mall of America.

The black Maybach pulled over slowly. The window rolled down as Julian narrowed his eyes.

Ethan Roscente was bending over to help a girl arrange clothes on a street vendor's rack, his movements practiced like a seasoned pro.

Julian rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

The CEO of HM Group—a titan of the business world—was running a street stall?

What shocked him even more was the way Ethan looked at the girl.

Uncharacteristically tender.

Julian pulled out his phone and dialed Ethan's number.

When the call connected, he saw Ethan frown and retrieve his phone.

"Speak." Ethan's voice was icy.

"Mr. Roscente... why are you selling clothes on the street?" Julian asked cautiously.

"Buying." The reply was curt.

Julian nearly choked on his own saliva.

"But sir—"

"Hurry up."

The call ended abruptly.

Julian took a deep breath and stepped out of the car toward the stall.

He picked up a pink T-shirt at random. "How much for this?"

The girl turned around, and Julian finally got a clear look at her.

Delicate features. Bright eyes. A smile like a fresh daisy.

No wonder the CEO had broken precedent to help.

"Sixty-five. Opening price for you." Her voice was crisp.

Julian grabbed three more items.

"That'll be two-sixty." As the girl started calculating, Ethan suddenly spoke. "Good quality. Shouldn't you buy more?"

Julian's eye twitched.

He was forced to take three additional pieces.

"Get two skirts too." Ethan crossed his arms.

Julian almost turned to stone on the spot.

A bachelor buying this many women's clothes?

But under Ethan's unyielding stare, he could only grit his teeth and nod.