The Orchid was one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city — private booths, low lighting, and a menu that required reservations months in advance.

Silas arrived exactly on time, dressed in a tailored black suit that made him look every bit the powerful billionaire he was. He had no desire to be here, but his mother’s threat still echoed in his mind.

Diane was already seated when he arrived.

She looked stunning in a deep emerald dress that complemented her figure perfectly. When she saw him, her face lit up with a warm, genuine smile.

"Silas," she said softly, standing up as he approached. "Thank you for coming. I was worried you might change your mind."

Silas pulled out his chair and sat down without returning the smile. "I don’t break promises to my mother."

Diane sat back down gracefully, a small laugh escaping her. "That’s very honest of you. Most men would at least pretend to be happy to see me."

A waiter appeared immediately, pouring wine for both of them. Silas took a sip, his expression unreadable.

"So," Diane began, trying to ease the tension, "how has your week been? I heard you closed that big deal with the overseas group. Congratulations."

Silas set his glass down. "It was expected. Business is business."

Diane nodded, undeterred by his cold tone. "Still, it must feel good. You’ve built an empire most people can only dream of. I admire that about you. I’ve been working on my own projects too — a new film is in pre-production. It’s a period drama. Very different from what I usually do."

Silas stirred his wine slowly. "A glamorous life in the acting word."

Diane smiled. "It has its moments but it’s exhausting. Constant travel, constant scrutiny. Sometimes I wish I could just disappear for a while. Have a normal life. What about you? Do you ever take time off?"

"Rarely," Silas replied. "There’s always something that needs my attention."

Diane leaned forward slightly, her voice softening. "That sounds lonely. Even powerful men need rest, Silas. When was the last time you took a real vacation? Somewhere quiet, no phones, no meetings?"

Silas’s eyes flickered for a moment, but his voice remained cold. "I don’t do vacations. They’re a waste of time."

Diane laughed lightly. "You’re so serious. I remember when we were younger, you were always so focused. Even back then, you had this intensity about you. It was intimidating... but attractive."

Silas raised an eyebrow. "Flattery again?"

"Not flattery," Diane said honestly. "Truth. I’ve turned down many men because they couldn’t match that drive. You do. That’s why I agreed to this dinner. Not just because your mother asked."

The waiter returned with appetizers — seared scallops and a delicate salad. They ate in relative silence for a few minutes before Diane tried again.

"Have you watched any good movies lately?" she asked. "I just finished a movie about ambition and sacrifice. It reminded me of you somehow."

Silas’s mind briefly flashed to Sylvain — the way he had sobbed on the floor earlier, broken and desperate. He pushed the image away.

"I don’t have time for fiction," he said curtly. "Reality is complicated enough."

Diane nodded thoughtfully. "True. But sometimes stories and movies help us understand ourselves better. What about travel? Any dream destinations?"

"None," Silas replied. "I go where business requires."

Diane smiled softly. "You’re making this very difficult, you know. Most men would jump at the chance to talk about themselves. But you... you’re a fortress."

Silas finally looked at her directly. "I didn’t come here to entertain you, Diane. My mother wants this. I’m here. That should be enough."

Diane’s expression softened with understanding. "I know you’re reluctant. I’m not here to trap you. I genuinely want to know the man behind the reputation. The one who built everything from nothing. The one who keeps everyone at arm’s length. Why is that, Silas? Why do you push people away?"

Silas’s jaw tightened. "Because people are liabilities. They want things. They betray and humans are complicated to understand."

Diane reached across the table, lightly touching his hand before he could pull away. "Not everyone. Some people just want to stand beside you. Not take from you."

Silas pulled his hand back slowly. "And you think you’re one of those people?"

"I’d like the chance to prove it," Diane said quietly. "One dinner at a time. No pressure or expectations from me. Just... conversation."

The main course arrived — perfectly cooked steak for Silas and seabass for Diane. They ate in silence for a while before Diane tried a lighter topic.

"Have you seen the new art exhibition downtown? The one with the modern sculptures? I went last week. Some of the pieces were breathtaking."

Silas shrugged. "Art is subjective. I prefer things with clear value."

Diane laughed. "You really are all business. But even business needs beauty sometimes. Life can’t be all numbers and contracts."

Silas’s mind drifted again — to Sylvain waiting back at the penthouse, broken and obedient. That was his beauty. His control. His contract.

"You’re very persistent," he said finally. "Lots of women would have given up by now."

Diane smiled. "I’m not most women. And you’re not most men. That’s why I’m still here."

The rest of the dinner continued with Diane carrying most of the conversation — talking about her latest film, her travels, her thoughts on the industry. Silas responded with short, curt answers, never offering more than necessary.

When the bill came, Silas paid without hesitation.

As they walked out together, Diane turned to him. "Thank you for tonight, Silas. I enjoyed it. Even if you didn’t."

Silas looked at her for a long moment. "It was... tolerable."

Diane laughed softly. "High praise coming from you. Can we do this again sometime?"

Silas didn’t answer immediately. Then, with a small nod, he said, "Perhaps."

He walked her to her car and watched the car slowly drive out, then got into his own. As the driver pulled away, Silas stared out the window, his mind already back on the penthouse.

Diane was pleasant and somewhat honest but she wasn’t what he wanted.