As a dusk descended, Daniel Evans made his way back to his luxurious apartment in the heart of the city.
Entering his bedroom, he carelessly tossed his tie aside and leaned against the headboard, methodically dialing a familiar number.
"Mr. Evans, I am calling to inform you that everything is well arranged." Came a cautious male voice over the phone.
"Good." Daniel Evans nodded, and then a hint of satisfaction showed on his face.
"That girl is just like I expected, as naive and innocent as ever."
"But Mr. Evans, she seemed hesitant, could it be..."
"Hesitant? Don't worry, once she realizes I hold the lifeline of her dad's company, she will surrender." Daniel chuckled lowly, his tone confident and determined, though it betrayed a certain juvenile infatuation.
"I am happy for you, Mr. Evans, may I know what our next step is?"
"Next step?" he suddenly interrupted, reaching into his suit pocket, and fiddling with the familiar check.
"Nothing, wait for the results to come in." He clenched his fist, crumpling the cheque, a glint in his eyes. "I have my plans. I have always liked my prey to walk willingly into my trap. As for you, remember there is nothing to do, or you'll bear the consequences."
"Yes, Mr. Evans." the voice on the other end sounded apprehensive.
Daniel hung up the phone contentedly and lay back on the bed, letting his anticipation unfurl within him.
"Let's see how long you can hold out, Grace. I'm looking forward to your performance, my lady."
Fresh from the professor's office, Grace Jones was immediately surrounded by a throng of classmates, making it difficult for her to even step forward.
"Grace, you were in there for so long, the professor didn't give you a hard time, did he?" a female asked, concern etched on her face.
"Weird, you're the first one he didn't scold harshly." a strong male remarked enviously.
"I know It is because she is so pretty that even the strict professor goes easy on her!" A shy, short boy suddenly spoke up, his eyes shining as he gazed at Grace.
As more chaos began to chatter, encircling Grace , leaving her breathless.
Just as her complexion grew increasingly troubled, Eva Hudson appeared, stepping forward to breaking the siege.
"Beauty tricks? Grace is just naturally good-tempered, that's why she can stay calm and composed in the face of danger." Eva declared, her voice earnest as she surveyed the crowd.
"Where would you find such a gentle kind girl like her?" With that, Eva pulled Grace to a nearby bench and sat down, then passed a cup of tea to her, murmuring, "Grace, you may need to drink some tea to cool off a bit."
Grace agreed wholeheartedly, downing the tea in one gulp. She then shot a grateful glance to Eva, and without a word, they reached an understanding.
The scheming crowd, witnessing this, finally fell silent and dispersed.