Elizabeth stepped into the house, dropping her keys into the tray by the door.
Her father sat in the living room, discussing something with his personal assistant. The tone was serious, but she didn't bother to listen. Her heels clicked softly on the marble as she turned toward the staircase.
"Elizabeth," her father called out.
She paused, barely turning her head. "Yes?"
"There's a banquet in three weeks. The Pearsons are hosting it for their son's 24th birthday—and to celebrate him joining Pearson Security. They've invited us."
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "And?"
"You're coming with me."
She crossed her arms, expression flat. "Didn't you say I should focus on the company and college? That I don't need to attend events like that?"
"You need to start socializing," he said, calm and direct. "You're going to be the face of Ashford Corporation. It's time you got familiar with the important names."
She sighed, rubbing her temple. "Fine. I'll go."
"Good. Freshen up and come down for dinner. I have a meeting, so I won't join."
She didn't answer.
He never joined anyway.
Dinner was quiet, as always. Just her, the ticking of the clock, and food laid out like a magazine spread. Elizabeth barely touched the soup before pushing the bowl away.
Upstairs, she changed into her comfortable cotton pajamas and slipped into bed, flipping open her laptop—but her eyes weren't on the screen.
Her thoughts were still stuck on the boy who called her Ellie like it meant something.
Niklaus Devilson.
Annoying. Arrogant. Trouble with a grin.
He was the human equivalent of turning a still lake into a chaotic storm.
She sighed and let her head sink into the pillow.
Just as her eyelids started to flutter shut, her phone buzzed beside her.
She blinked, confused. Unknown number.
Sarah never called this late. And the company's secretary had spoken to her just thirty minutes ago.
Still half-asleep, she hesitated. Then answered.
"Hello?"
A low chuckle greeted her.
"Hi, Ellie."
Her eyes narrowed. "Niklaus."
"You sound cute when you're tired."
She sat up, already annoyed. "How did you get my number?"
"I have my ways," he said simply, like it wasn't even a big deal. "Would it help if I said I was curious about you?"
"No," she said sharply. "It would help if you stopped acting like a stalker."
"Can't do that," he said cheerfully. "By the way… did you see my gift?"
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Gift?"
"Don't tell me you didn't even open it. Ellie," he drawled, mock-hurt. "If you hated it, just say so. I'll get you something better."
Elizabeth flinched. She hadn't even touched the small black box she found tucked inside her backpack after she got home.
She picked it up now from her desk.
"I didn't say I hated it," she muttered. "I didn't even open it yet."
"Then open it," Nik said, voice softening. "I'm waiting."
With a sigh, she tugged at the satin ribbon. The lid slid off, revealing a velvet cushion holding a delicate bracelet.
It was… beautiful.
A thin silver chain intertwined with tiny sapphire stones and crystal droplets that shimmered softly under the light. At the center hung a small charm—an intricate snowflake, glinting like it was carved from ice.
It was clearly expensive.
Too expensive.
She stared at it for a long moment.
"It's… too much," she finally said.
"You don't like it?" Nik asked lightly, though there was a teasing edge in his voice. "I can send a more expensive one—"
"No." She cut him off, gritting her teeth. "I'll keep this one."
"Oh?" His voice was all smug satisfaction now. "So you do like it."
"I didn't say that."
"But you didn't hate it either," he said, amused. "Progress."
She rolled her eyes. "I don't need gifts from people."
"And yet, you kept it."
Elizabeth groaned. "You're so irritating."
"I've been told that," he chuckled. "But don't worry, Ellie. I'm going to keep getting under your skin until you admit you secretly like it."
"Don't call me that."
"Too late. Goodnight, Ellie."
The call ended.
She stared at her phone for a second longer before placing it face-down.
That boy… was seriously bad news.
And she had no idea why her heart was beating just a little faster.