Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 18: I wont fall for him

Luiss pressed his lips into a thin line. Silence meant tacit agreement, didn't it?

"About last night... President Luiss doesn't need to take it seriously. I understand you were under the influence and... expecting Rosaline."

"I said I would compensate you."

"Compensation only applies if something actually happened. But you stopped."

Luiss studied her, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "Is there nothing you want? You have an open offer."

Ariana had been prepared to gracefully refuse, but then it hit her—there was something she wanted. Something that aligned with her mission and ensured her survival.

"Back in our city, there's a five-star hotel I've always wanted to visit. But I never found the time or the means to get in."

"You want me to reserve a table for you?"

"Yes. Great Fox Cuisines. If President Luiss can make a reservation and accompany me for dinner, I'll consider us even."

Luiss pulled out his phone and texted Liam the details without hesitation. But then, with a pause, he lifted his gaze back to her, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

"Wanting to dine at an exclusive restaurant makes sense. But wanting me to accompany you..."

Ariana's heartbeat stuttered.

"Let me confirm, Ms. Grey—just you and me?"

Heat flared up her neck, spreading to her cheeks like wildfire. But what was a little embarrassment when the alternative was elimination?

"Yes," she said curtly, pressing her lips together, refusing to elaborate.

Luiss tilted his head slightly, his expression amused. "But just two people of opposite genders together... wouldn't that be—"

"I think I just heard the bell!" Ariana cut in hastily. "That must be breakfast. And I don't like eating before a bath. So I'll be heading to the bathroom now."

Without giving him a chance to respond, she turned on her heel and bolted, disappearing behind the bathroom door.

Luiss stood there, momentarily stunned. Then, after a long pause, a smirk curved his lips.

"So... she wants a date."

Ariana slammed the bathroom door shut, pressing both hands over her burning face.

"God, this is so embarrassing."

She took deep, steadying breaths, but her heart still pounded wildly. The way he had looked at her—like he was amused, intrigued, and pleased all at once—sent a wave of mortification through her.

She needed to get herself together.

A cold shower. Yes, that would help.

By the time she stepped out, her emotions were back under control, her face schooled into an impassive expression. Fortunately, her prayers had been answered—President Luiss was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, a neatly dressed woman stood in the suite, carrying a silver tray.

"Ms. Grey, President Luiss asked me to deliver this letter to you."

"A letter?" Ariana blinked. Who the hell wrote letters in this day and age? Ever heard of text messages?

Still, she accepted it.

"You may leave."

The woman bowed professionally and exited without a word.

Ariana settled onto the plush couch, opening the envelope as she absentmindedly took a bite of her brunch.

The letter was handwritten—elegant, precise strokes.

I have asked Liam to book a table at Great Fox Cuisines for Saturday. As for me, I've cleared my schedule. Whether you consider this a date or simply a dinner, I will proceed accordingly. The burden of compensating you weighs heavily on my shoulders.

Ariana nearly choked on her food.

"That manipulative fucker!" she muttered under her breath.

On the surface, the letter was considerate, even accommodating. But in reality? He had shifted the entire responsibility of defining the nature of the dinner onto her.

Now, if she wanted to call it a date, she'd have to explicitly say so. Which meant she'd have to admit it. Out loud. To his face.

Her stomach twisted in frustration.

"Ugh, I'll deal with this later. No use being mad on an empty stomach."

She turned her attention back to the food, and immediately, her mood improved.

Golden, buttery scrambled eggs infused with black truffle, melting in her mouth. Silky hollandaise cascading over tender lobster and crisp English muffins. Creamy avocado tartine topped with sweet, delicate crab meat.

Each bite was sheer indulgence. Every flavor balanced, every texture perfected.

This wasn't just any breakfast—Luiss had specifically requested these dishes for her.

"How... thoughtful." The words escaped her in a whisper, almost reverent.

Then, as if struck by lightning, she snapped back to reality.

"What the hell am I doing?" She shook her head violently.

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She couldn't afford to be touched by his actions. This wasn't real. Luiss wasn't real.

He was a construct of the story. A target she needed to capture.

She couldn't afford to be the one falling instead.

Love clouded judgment.

And if she wanted to win this game, she needed to take each step with caution, with absolute clarity.

No distractions. No feelings.

"I'll make him fall for me. But I won't fall for him."

Ariana clenched her fist, her resolve steeling.

This was a battle of hearts.

And she refused to lose.

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