---- Chapter 16 Jody POV: The research conference was a whirlwind of presentations and networking. As the final session wrapped up, | was packing my briefcase when a man | vaguely recognized from a rival corporation cornered me. "Jody Campbell," he said, his smile a little too wide, his eyes lingering on me a little too long. "Incredible presentation. Your data on polymer degradation is fascinating. We should discuss it further, perhaps over dinner?" "Thank you," | said, giving him a polite but firm smile. "But | 'm afraid ' m busy this evening." He wasn' t deterred. He stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Come on. A private conversation would be much more... productive. Give me your number." He started to pull out his phone. | took a step back, my polite smile tightening. "I don' t think so. "Oh, | think she does." Evander' s voice, cool and steady, cut in from behind me. He came to stand beside me, his presence an immediate, ---- comforting shield. He casually draped an arm over my shoulder, his touch light but proprietary. "And you are?" the man asked, his eyes narrowing. "I'm her boyfriend," Evander said, his voice smooth as silk, not a flicker of deception in his eyes. "And we have plans." The man' s bravado vanished. He stammered an apology and made a hasty retreat. | let out a breath | didn't realize ' d been holding. "Thank you," | said, looking up at Evander. "Boyfriend, huh?" He grinned, removing his arm but staying close. "Seemed like the most efficient way to handle the situation." His smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "To celebrate my heroic rescue, you owe me. Come with me somewhere." "Where?" | asked, intrigued. "The amusement park," he said, a boyish excitement in his eyes. "l used to see it from my bedroom window as a kid, all lit up at night. My parents were always too busy with work to take me. | always wanted to go." His simple, honest confession touched a chord deep inside me. | thought of the amusement park Arthur had bought for Claudia, a grand, empty gesture meant to impress. Evander didn' t want to buy the park; he just wanted to experience the joy of it. With me. ---- "Okay," | said, a real smile spreading across my face. "Let's go to the amusement park." His eyes lit up, and in that moment, | felt a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with science and everything to do with the kind, genuine man standing in front of me.