**Chapter Three: Mr. Philanthropist - Nik’s POV** I couldn’t help but glare at her as frustration bubbled up inside me. How had I ended up entangled with someone as stubborn as she was? My mood was already precarious, and now she was intruding upon the precious solitude I craved. With an exasperated sigh, I sank back into my seat, surrendering to the inevitable realization that arguing with her would be a futile exercise. “Just get her statement, and she’ll be gone from your life for good,” I reminded myself, attempting to regain focus. It was unbelievable how just moments earlier, I had found myself captivated by her curves, a lingering chill coursing through me when our hands met for a handshake. This girl was undeniably dangerous. The only other person to make me feel this way had been my wife, Kay, during our happier days. But after our world had crumbled, I’d resolved to steer clear of any woman who could invoke such feelings again. Trust and love were ghosts of the past for me—entities I had buried deep, promising they would never resurface, not until I turned to dust. Sure, I was in a sort-of relationship with Tina, but the truth was that I didn’t love her, and she knew it. I enjoyed her company; she was an easygoing companion who understood her place. Unlike the other girls who had been drawn to me, desperate to bind me to their whims, she had no grandiose notions of reshaping my life. Girls who craved more than they could handle were anathemas to me. They were trouble, and I avoided them like the plague. Sure, Tina was fantastic in bed—an essential qualification in my book—so I kept my distance from the naive romantic types, those who believed in love rather than lust. While I sat there brooding, the stubborn girl continued humming a tune I didn’t recognize. I had to admit, even in my grumpiness, there was something soothing about her voice that unraveled the tension knotted in my limbs. “We’re here,” my chauffeur announced, and I watched as she peered outside, her eyes widening in disbelief upon seeing Royal Haven. I chuckled inwardly. If she only knew I owned this hotel, her surprise would have her screaming in shock. But honestly, who cared? All I wanted was her statement so I could vanish before any of my employees recognized me. It was unlikely they would, considering I rarely visited this branch. But who knew? Some of the female staff might have done their homework on me, secretly fantasizing about a fairytale ending with yours truly. As I entered the lavish hotel, I kept my chin down, sparingly acknowledging the doorman who greeted me with a polite nod. Turning toward the reception desk, I spotted the stubborn girl, her brows furrowed in concentration as she inquired about her boyfriend. Eventually, she turned, her face morose, just as my phone buzzed to life. Glancing at the caller ID, I grimaced at the sight of the grumpy old man again. “What is it now?” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “You’re running late,” he grumbled, and I couldn’t help but hiss in annoyance. “I’m caught up in some matters,” I replied. “Then hurry up. I want to meet Tina, but I don’t have all day.” “Fine,” I ground out, the irritation bubbling in my chest as I ended the call. I wondered how he would react when he realized I was alone. Well, he'd just have to deal with it; I had tried, even if it had been in vain. Turning away, I collided with the stubborn girl—she slammed into my chest, immediately jerking back as if I were a living fire. “Sorry,” she stammered, embarrassment edging into her voice, but I could sense the nervousness filtering through as she added, “I didn’t expect you to turn so quickly.” I studied her intently, trying to decipher what was going on in her mind. Was she nervous about crashing into me or searching for her boyfriend? I couldn’t tell. “Where’s your Honey Pie? Ran off with someone else?” I asked, a teasing lilt to my voice, although I hadn’t intended to provoke her. The glare she shot my way was pure venom. “Keep your toxic tongue to yourself,” she hissed, turning her gaze away. Great job, Nik. You've just irked her. “Sorry,” the word slipped out before I could catch myself. She cast a sidelong glance back at me, scoffing before looking away again. At least I had offered an apology. “Maybe you should give me your statement, and then I can disappear while you wait for your sweetheart,” I suggested, but she was fixated on a couple nestled intimately in a quiet corner of the lobby. I watched her face as her expression darkened, lips quivering slightly. Something was clearly wrong. Without a moment’s hesitation, she charged toward the couple, standing defiantly before them. They hadn’t noticed her until she called out a name, causing the man to turn abruptly. I observed as he flinched, his eyes widening in disbelief. Then came a sharp crack as her hand met his cheek, and the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. She had caught her boyfriend cheating. How utterly predictable. The man’s face twisted in fury as he grabbed her wrist just as she prepared to slap him again. “Don’t you dare,” he growled, an arrogant defiance in his tone. “How could you?” she cried, her voice strained as she blinked back tears, desperately holding them at bay. “I should have dumped you months ago, but pity kept me around. You’re pathetic, desperate to latch on to anyone.” Ouch. The knife of truth cut deep, but his venomous words were too much. “What did you just say?” she gasped, disbelief mingling with hurt. “Just look at you, Maya. You’re not even as attractive as your sister! You’re shapeless, and frankly—nothing. What guy in his right mind would want you?” Fists of fury clenched at my sides. Who was this scum? The mere idea of him drawing breath disgusted me. I stepped forward, ready to intervene, but a gathering crowd stilled me. I knew that inserting myself into this would only bring media heat; a scandal was the last thing I needed. So, I bit my tongue, resolving to handle this piece of trash later, far from prying eyes and cameras. But then I saw her, the stubborn girl, bolting away from the scene, hands pressed against her lips, likely holding back her grief. I wasn’t one to comfort crying women, yet I felt a surge of sympathy—I couldn't just leave her like this. I reached my car and swiftly opened the door for her, helping her inside. “Drive,” I ordered my chauffeur, unsure of our destination. She sat there, trembling, muffling her cries with shaky hands, shoulders quaking with the effort. “You should stop crying,” I said, my tone firm, and she glanced up at me, eyes red and watery. “How could you be so heartless?” she implored. “Alright then, cry if you want and tell me what that actually accomplishes,” I retorted, meeting her gaze. I was met with silence before she looked away, the tears speaking volumes. “You need to be strong and get back at him. Make him regret ever leaving you,” I urged, hoping to instill some spirit in her, but it was like throwing water on a fire—it didn’t work. “HOW?!” she snapped, arms flailing in frustration. “I’m nothing! I don’t have a stable job, I’m broke, and I’m not even remotely pretty. So, tell me how?” An idea flickered to life in my mind, and a smile crept onto my face as she shot me a confused look. “Stick by me, and I’ll make all your dreams come true,” I promised, relishing in the hope blossoming in her eyes, knowing she likely thought I was bluffing. “For starters, I’ll pay you a hundred thousand dollars if you’ll agree to be my date tonight.” Her eyes widened, mouth agape. “A hundred thousand dollars just to be your date for one night?” The disbelief practically dripped from her voice. “Yes,” I clarified, adding with a hint of mischief, “to be precise, a fake date.” I knew I had her hooked; the offer was too enticing to refuse. And helping damsels in distress was my special talent—my unique way of engaging with humanity. So why not? After all, I was just being a good Samaritan. At least, that’s what I wanted to believe.