"Miss Roland, how many properties do you own?" Evelyn's fingers paused on the rim of her coffee cup. She studied the man across the table—her mother's so-called "perfect match" who supposedly earned a million annually. "This café belongs to me," Evelyn answered with a smile. The man's eyes lit up as he surveyed the tastefully decorated space. "Though it's currently operating at a loss," she added. His expression froze instantly. "How much debt?" he pressed. "A thirty-thousand-dollar loan with my business partner." The man frowned deeply. "I won't be responsible for premarital debts. I own two fully paid properties. You can live there after marriage, but your name won't be on the deeds." "I'm busy with work, so you'll handle all household chores." "My parents are elderly. Childcare will be your responsibility." Evelyn lifted her coffee cup. "Mr. James," she interrupted, "you seem to need a live-in maid." She gestured toward the door. "This one's on me." The man's face flushed crimson. He slammed a hundred-dollar bill on the table. "I can afford my own drink!" He stood abruptly, sneering, "Women like you deserve to stay single!" The coffee cup traced an arc through the air before splashing across his pristine white suit. "Get out!" Silence blanketed the café. In a corner booth, William Roscente set down his documents. "William?" Evelyn stared in surprise at the approaching man. His tailored suit accentuated his sharp features, more mature and composed than she remembered. "Client meeting." William glanced toward the exit. "Bad timing, it seems." Evelyn hastily wiped the table. "Just in time to witness my humiliation." She brought him a glass of lemon water herself. "Mother's relentless with the matchmaking," Evelyn sighed. "Tenth blind date this month." William tapped the glass rim. "I recall your college..." "Over." Her smile faded. "He married the chairman's daughter six months ago." The glass reflected her reddening eyes. William leaned forward suddenly. "Marry me instead." Evelyn's hand jerked, spilling water across the table.