Evelyn and Theodore finally reached the café near Aethelgard Industries.

He glanced around, his expression one of pure disdain. "This establishment is barely adequate. The noise from the street is intolerable. Hardly a suitable venue for a man of my standing."

Evelyn took a slow, deliberate breath. She forced her features to remain neutral. "My apologies. I am a designer, not your event planner. If you wish to discuss business, please sit. Otherwise, let's not waste each other's time."

Seeing her complete lack of reaction, Theodore abruptly dropped his critical air. He settled into the chair opposite her. "Very well. Let's be direct. I am here to propose a collaboration."

He reached into his briefcase with a theatrical flourish. He produced a single sheet of paper and slid it across the table. "Examine this. This is the vision I wish to see realized."

Evelyn studied him, genuinely surprised. She had expected more pointless harassment. His serious demeanor regarding the design made her reconsider.

She picked up the sketch without another word.

Her breath caught. The drawing depicted a wedding gown. Its design was intricate, filled with unique and personal details. It was clear a significant amount of thought had been poured into it.

Yet, she could instantly tell the artist was an amateur. Many concepts felt unfinished, like preliminary ideas.

Still, for a non-professional, it was a remarkably ambitious starting point.

"I am not asking for a completely original creation this time," Theodore stated, his voice unusually earnest. "I require your professional skill to refine this concept. To build the final garment. I will provide all necessary materials."

Evelyn blinked. "Aethelgard has extensive resources. Materials are not a concern. Our production fees already include that cost."

"No." A faint smirk touched his lips. "As you so often remind me, I am your competitor. I will not use a single thread supplied by your company."

Evelyn paused, considering this. "If that is your position, why come to me? I work for Aethelgard Industries."

Theodore leaned forward, his gaze intense and unwavering. A look of amusement settled on his face. "Because," he said softly, "in my eyes, you are different."

Evelyn resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She chose to ignore his characteristic flattery. A man like Theodore Vance could not possibly have a genuine interest in her.

He undoubtedly had an ulterior motive. Or he was simply bored.

She remembered his initial call about collaboration. He had mentioned it was for his fiancée.

That meant he was engaged, correct?

"This gown is for your fiancée, I assume?" Evelyn pointed out, her tone professional. "I will require her measurements to execute the design accurately."

On one level, this was a practical necessity. On another, it was a subtle reminder.

She wanted to reinforce that he was a soon-to-be-married man. His focus should be on his impending wedding and future marriage. Not on pursuing her. Both their lives would be far simpler that way.

Theodore Vance came from the powerful Vance family. His influence was substantial.

While Evelyn found him insufferable, she knew she had to be cautious.

She did not want him to forget she had once saved his life. That fact complicated everything.

It was the primary reason she had tolerated his behavior until now. She could only hope he would soon grasp the reality of their situation.