[CONTENT TEMPLATE HERE]
Chapter 826:
June leaned against the wall and looked out through the floor-to-ceiling window. Snow was falling — the first of winter, fat flakes catching the city lights like scattered diamonds.
She felt it then. The loosening. A vertebrae-deep unclenching she hadn’t known her body was capable of. She pulled out her phone — not to call a car, but to open her banking app. The string of numbers that had appeared that afternoon, Cole’s settlement, was staggering. Enough to buy a small country. Yet her eyes remained calm as she tilted the screen toward Vera.
“It’s just a tool,” June said quietly. “A means to an end p>
Vera whistled, low and impressed. “A tool to buy an island, maybe. You’re officially the most eligible bachelorette in New York p>
June shook her head, a small smile playing at her lips. “I just want to get Apex Bio back on track p>
They reached the coat check. Vera retrieved their cashmere wraps and pressed June’s into her hands. The fabric was soft as a whisper.
“My driver’s downstairs,” Vera said. “I’m taking you home. No arguments. You’re in no condition to p>
“June.” A low, resonant voice came from behind her. “Mind if I give you a ride p>
June and Vera turned in unison. Easton Hahn leaned gracefully against an antique Chinese vase at the end of the corridor, dressed in a deep charcoal bespoke overcoat. Behind him, a young man in a black suit held a furled umbrella, its tip glistening with melted snowflakes.
“Easton.” June was genuinely surprised; she didn’t recall mentioning her plans for the evening.
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘯
As if reading her mind, Easton smiled and pushed off the wall. “I was dining with a client,” he explained, his voice smooth as velvet. “I didn’t expect such a coincidence.” His gaze lingered on June’s flushed cheeks and the champagne haze in her eyes, taking her in like a masterpiece.
Vera immediately sensed the shift in atmosphere. She gave June’s arm a subtle, knowing squeeze.
“Oh, you know what,” Vera said with theatrical suddenness, “I just remembered I have to pick up my cat from the groomer’s. June, darling, it looks like you’ll have to trouble Mr. Hahn after all.” She flashed Easton a meaningful smile before making a swift exit, leaving behind a space that crackled with unspoken energy.
June felt a flicker of helplessness, the alcohol slowing her ability to form a polite refusal.
Easton took her coat from his assistant and, with the ease of a perfect gentleman, draped it over her shoulders. His fingertips brushed the nape of her neck — a touch both cool and searing — sending a jolt through her. June’s body stiffened for a moment, enveloped in an unfamiliar masculine scent.
Easton stepped back, resuming a perfect social distance, as though the touch had been entirely accidental.
“The snow is getting worse,” he said, gesturing toward the elevator with a polite after-you motion. “My driving is passable p>
June looked into his deep, discerning eyes and, as if briefly mesmerized, found herself nodding.
As they walked to the elevator, Easton asked casually, “The agreement with Cole — everything went smoothly p>