Chapter 576

"Understood, sir."

The two security personnel swiftly escorted the middle-aged man out of sight.

Rosalind shot Everett a sideways glance before pivoting on her heel to leave.

Everett matched her stride effortlessly, his long legs keeping pace despite her hurried steps.

Rosalind increased her speed, weaving through the casino crowd in an attempt to shake him off. But Everett remained glued to her trail like a shadow.

"Stop tailing me!" she hissed through clenched teeth.

Bursting through the casino doors into the crisp night air, Rosalind's haste proved her undoing. Her ankle twisted sharply beneath her, sending her sprawling onto the pavement.

She cursed under her breath. Could this night get any worse?

As she sat rubbing her throbbing ankle, a deep velvety voice floated down. "You alright?"

Looking up, she found Everett looming over her. The height difference was ridiculous - her seated position forcing her to crane her neck while he stood there like some unshakable monolith.

His hand extended toward her. "Take it."

An offer of assistance.

Rosalind stubbornly tried to rise on her own.

Her ankle protested violently.

Before she could attempt again, Everett's fingers closed around her slender wrist. With shocking ease, he lifted her upright as if she weighed nothing.

Rosalind gaped at him. Her anger momentarily forgotten, replaced by stunned realization of his concealed strength.

Everett scanned the street. "This isn't your scene. Let me call you a cab."

He stepped to the curb, raising an arm. A yellow taxi immediately pulled over. Opening the rear door, he gestured. "Get in."

Rosalind remained rooted. "That's it? Nothing else to say?"

Everett's shoulders lifted in a half-shrug. "Like what?"

"Like what?" Rosalind echoed incredulously. "Seriously?"

Everett's lips parted slightly. "I've got nothing to say. I'm working. Don't come looking for me again. Just go home."

He turned to leave.

A small hand darted out, clutching his sleeve.

Everett froze. For several heartbeats, he remained statue-still, clearly willing himself to walk away.

But that stubborn grip held firm.

He exhaled sharply. "Let go."

Rosalind shook her head. "Not until you talk to me."

Everett turned slowly. "What's there to discuss?"

Rosalind's eyes burned with intensity. "Why here? Of all places? With your brains, you could've gone legit. Why choose this life?"

Her gaze held equal parts confusion and betrayal. She needed to understand.

Everett met her stare silently.

Rosalind pressed on. "I hate this place. Come with me instead. You want income? I'll hire you as my tutor. I'm terrible at studies anyway."

Everett gently detached her fingers. "Appreciate the offer. But no."

He turned again.

This time, Rosalind launched herself at his back, arms locking around his torso in a desperate embrace.

Everett went rigid, every muscle tensing at the unexpected contact. Rosalind pressed her cheek against his shoulder blades, voice thick with determination.

"My father gave his blessing. Said if we stay together, you could take over our family business. I know you'd hate that, so here's my counteroffer - I'll fund your own venture. E-commerce is exploding right now. With your mind, you'd dominate. This is where you belong."