Kyle waited patiently for Jane to return, but the awkward silence was starting to get to Ella, who was beginning to feel second-hand embarrassment. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
"So, Kyle, what do you do for a living?" Ella asked. Her tone suggested curiosity, though it was likely spurred by the expensive gifts he had bought—namely, an iPhone and a MacBook—for her friend.
Kyle hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should answer or just laugh it off. It was none of her business, but there was no harm in offering a reply.
"I'm an entrepreneur," he said, meeting her gaze directly. "I'm also working my way into the movie and music industry."
If Ella was trying to intimidate him with her questioning, she was doing a terrible job of it.
"Music and movies, huh?" Ella repeated, her interest clearly piqued.
"That's right. I own an agency that scouts for talent," Kyle continued smoothly. Of course, this wasn't exactly true. In reality, Kyle had no real job. He certainly couldn't explain to her that a mysterious system rewarded him with wealth whenever he spent money on attractive women. That would sound insane. Still, the agency cover worked well enough for situations like this.
Kyle mentally noted that he needed to diversify his supposed sources of income. Having multiple investments or business ventures would help explain his growing wealth should anyone ask too many questions.
"You know, I'm something of a musician myself," Ella said, sliding naturally into pitching herself. Kyle couldn't blame her—this was a world where opportunities went to those bold enough to grab them.
"A musician?" Kyle asked, playing along. "Do you do it for fun, or are you hoping to make a career out of it?"
"A career? I wish! I can't even sell out a bar when the entrance is free," Ella laughed, though there was a touch of self-deprecation in her tone.
"It sounds like someone doesn't believe in herself," Kyle replied, leaning forward. "Here's what we're going to do—"
Before he could finish, Jane finally emerged from the room, causing him to break off mid-sentence. Immediately, he turned his full attention to her, leaving Ella and the conversation behind.
Jane looked awkward and hesitant, as though she wasn't sure how to explain herself. She couldn't believe Ella had called Kyle her boyfriend earlier; what if Kyle got the wrong impression? This could have gone sideways in so many ways.
"Are you done running away?" Kyle asked gently, a teasing edge to his voice.
Jane stood there, still unsure of what to say. Kyle got up, walking over to her and taking her hand softly.
"Did you not want me to come?" he asked, studying her face. He was beginning to suspect that she hadn't been the one who sent the text. Jane looked too unprepared—like she hadn't expected to see him tonight.
"Oh, God, no! I wanted you to come, I just didn't…" Jane's voice trailed off, her words disappearing into the tension between them.
"It's fine," Kyle said calmly, his reassurance cutting through her awkwardness. Jane was different. She wasn't after his money. She genuinely wanted to spend time with him, and that made her a breath of fresh air.
"Here, I got you this," Kyle said, handing over the gift he had bought for her.
Ella, sitting nearby, craned her neck to see what he'd brought, but she didn't need to wait long.
Kyle had noticed earlier that Calista had gone wild over Louis Vuitton bags. If that was a universal favorite among women, then he was banking on it working for Jane, too. He'd bought two bags, each costing $3,000.
The moment Jane laid eyes on the bags, her face lit up.
"Ella! He got us bags!" Jane exclaimed excitedly, though the second bag was clearly meant for her. Still, Jane's natural generosity shone through, much like it had earlier with the food.
Ella's jaw dropped. For a moment, she had assumed it was just for Jane, but now she was holding a Louis Vuitton bag in her hands.
Ella practically leapt out of her seat, rushing to Jane's side to admire the bags. In their excitement, both women momentarily forgot about Kyle entirely.
Kyle didn't mind—this gave him a moment to observe Ella properly. And what a view it was. Her body was stunning. The curve of her hips, the cups of her buttocks visible beneath her shorts—Kyle couldn't help but lick his lips. Ever since his encounter with Calista, his urges had only intensified, and any sane man would be tempted by the sight before him.
Before his thoughts could drift further into dangerous territory, Ella turned back to him.
"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in an impulsive hug. Her body pressed firmly against his chest, and Kyle couldn't help but notice the way her nipples, visible beneath her thin singlet, poked against him.
Still, he kept his hands politely at his sides, ignoring the heat that shot through him.
"I-I'm relieved you like it," Kyle managed to say, feigning modesty as though the gift hadn't been extravagant.
Thankfully, Ella broke the hug before his body could betray his thoughts. She pulled back, holding the bag in her hands like it was a treasure.
Jane turned to Kyle, smiling brightly, her face flushed with happiness.
"You really didn't have to," she said softly, though her expression made it clear she loved the gift.
"If it made you this happy, then it was worth it," Kyle said with a small smile. He looked her directly in the eyes. "After all, who wouldn't want to see that pretty smile?"
Jane's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and she glanced away shyly. Kyle was starting to notice that she wasn't used to receiving compliments. Had she grown up being overlooked? Perhaps she'd been awkward or plain as a kid and had blossomed into the beauty she was now. If that were the case, it explained a lot.
Kyle filed the thought away—he could use that to his advantage later.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Ella watching him closely, her expression unreadable.