The Billionaire Recluse & The girl who stayed.

The project.

~lexi~

Tonight was the dinner with Mr Oaks.

Mike Roberts' business partner.

The man who, apparently, had very specific tastes.

And unfortunately for him...

I wasn't one of them.

They had asked me to put together a modelling concept for their new campaign—something "fresh", something "different".

What they meant was—

Me.

But that wasn't happening.

Not now.

Not ever.

Instead, I had done what I did best.

Adapted.

I found someone perfect for the role—a stunning blonde with confidence, curves, and absolutely no problem being the face of something like this.

Her name was Mia.

And she knew exactly what she was signing up for.

I hadn't told Lilly.

Not because I didn't trust her—

But because this was my job now.

My decision.

And I intended to prove I could handle it.

—

The Italian restaurant was smaller than the one from the night before, but still elegant in its own way.

Soft lighting.

Close tables.

Quiet music.

Intimate.

Professional.

Controlled.

Mia stood outside waiting for us, exactly where I told her to be.

She looked incredible.

Confident.

Polished.

Perfect.

"Lilly," I said as we approached, "this is Mia—the model I've selected for the project."

Lilly greeted her warmly, as she always did—her kindness never forced, always genuine.

"I'm so glad you didn't agree to model yourself," she whispered quietly in my ear as we stepped inside. "He's a sleaze, trust me."

I gave her a small smile.

Good to know.

—

We spotted him immediately.

Mr Oaks.

Sitting alone.

And somehow... taking up more space than he should have.

He had that look about him.

The kind of man who thought he was more important than he actually was.

The kind of man who made my skin crawl before he even spoke.

As we approached, he stood, offering his hand.

Polite.

Surface-level.

Fake.

"And who might this be?" he asked, eyeing Mia with obvious judgement.

I stepped in smoothly.