The tie was choking me. As I sat at the round table in a private dining room at one of the fanciest restaurants in the city, that was all I could think of. And that I wanted to go home and lie down on my bed.

I had spent the morning attending classes, then had a grueling practice session and now I was waiting for some arrogant assholes to arrive so I could eat overly expensive bland food. What a marvelous day!

All because Iris pushed the dinner with prospective investors on me instead of attending herself. While I was sitting here with a stiff back and an empty stomach, she must be out there frolicking with her fiancé.

Speaking of the devil, my phone screen lit up with her name and I immediately accepted the call. "I hate you. None of the assholes have arrived yet. I have been waiting alone for twenty minutes."

"Atlas, baby, are you hangry? Is this what it is?" she asked, completely ignoring what I had just said.

I scowled at the empty chair across from me. "Maybe."

"I knew it!" she chuckled on the other end. "I'm sorry, baby. You know I would have never sent you there if I wasn't busy handling the mess back at the company."

"So you're not with Jayden?" I asked even though I damn well knew he would be there somewhere. That man was whipped beyond belief.

There was some shuffling and whispering on the other side. "At least you're eating fancy food, asshole. We are eating out of take-out boxes." Jayden's voice boomed through the speakers as I had expected.

I barked out a laugh. "Wanna switch places?" I could kill to get a single french fry right now.

Hurrying over to the restaurant directly after practice didn't feel like such a good idea now. I naively thought I would be eating food immediately after I reached there. Screw whoever that made the stupid etiquette to wait for the other party to arrive before ordering food. People should be allowed to eat whenever they want to.

"Hang in there. I'll make sure you get two weeks free from all office work," Iris promised.

"You better." We hung up and I resumed aimlessly looking around the empty room.

Honestly, this impromptu dinner meeting wasn't the entire reason for my bad mood. I had been on edge ever since Everett dropped the bomb on me at the penthouse a few days ago. After ruminating over the news, I had immediately called Henry to confirm whether it was true. I wouldn't put it past Miller to try and mess with my head.

But Henry was unreachable. When all my calls went straight to voicemail, I shot him an email with a subject line saying urgent in all caps only to get a computer-generated reply that he was on vacation and would reach out as soon as possible.

I still hadn't heard back and it was driving me nuts. It didn't help that Evelyn and I had hit a rough patch as well. Apparently, someone had started spreading nasty rumors about her and she was naturally upset about it. She told me she wanted some space until everything settled down.

Although I was relieved that she didn't break things off immediately, I wasn't exactly appeased with how things were. I couldn't even walk up to Evelyn to talk without her getting skittish and trying to end the conversation as soon as possible in fear of others watching us.

However, I had a feeling that there was something more to it. Something she wasn't telling me. Evelyn wouldn't react so strongly just because of some rumors.

I tried digging into it but didn't hear a peep. Dylan hadn't said a word to anyone. Not even to our team. I had interrogated him thoroughly and even if I hadn't, he just wasn't that kind of guy to spread rumors. When I told him about it, he offered to help in looking into the matter.

Whoever was doing it had obviously stopped for whatever reason but Evelyn wasn't going to believe that. So now we were stuck in a limbo where all we could do was steal glances at each other and then part ways as if there wasn't anything between us.

I crumpled the napkin in my hand as rage coursed through my veins. The moment I find out who had messed with Evelyn will be the moment someone is going to end up in the ER and me in jail.

The door to the room opened, snapping me out of my violent thoughts. A man dressed in a crisp black suit walked in, his dark eyes assessing the empty room. "I thought the meeting was at 7?" he asked as I stood up to greet him.

"It was. Apparently, everyone is running late," I said, extending my hand and trying my best not to sound annoyed. "Atlas Griffin."

"Sebastian Brown." He shook my hand before taking the chair directly beside mine. "I had sent Iris a text saying I was going to be a little late and yet I'm the first one here. Strange."

"Strange indeed," I replied.

The two of us talked about how Sebastian knew Iris, what this meeting was all about, and why I was here instead of Iris when she was the one spearheading the entire thing. Right when both of us were about to announce the meeting was canceled and get something to eat, there was a knock on the door.

The hostess opened the door, poking her head in. "Your guests are here," she said with a practiced smile. "I'll send someone to take your orders in a few minutes."

She gave way to three men who walked in smiling as if they hadn't made us wait for over an hour. "Sorry gentlemen. We were caught up with some pressing matters," the blonde man at the forefront said.

All of them at once? I might not be a seasoned business person like Iris but I knew when someone was bullshitting me.

"I'm Trev Scott. Shall we start?" He took the seat directly opposite mine while the other two sat on either side of him. Trev grinned wide at me, showing off his pearly whites that somehow gleamed the same way his slick blonde hair did.

I didn't have to know him personally to say that he was an asshole. He probably thought it would be a power move to make everyone wait and then take control of things as soon as he entered. I didn't understand why though since he was one of the investors. Even if he opted out and two of them joined hands with us, it wouldn't make a difference.

But the way the other two were smiling and whispering with Trev, I could tell those two were in on whatever Trev was trying to play here. That could put me in a spot.

Personally, I would have talked to each one separately but Iris was calling the shots on this one. And she thought it would be best to propose the plan to them at once.

We did a short round of introductions before Trev spoke again. "I was surprised when Miss Griffin said her younger brother would be attending instead. I didn't know she had a brother."

"I'm her cousin actually. But we are close," I explained. "Shall we get to business?"

Another knock interrupted us and all heads turned in that direction as the door was pushed open. A familiar redhead poked her head inside and my heart lurched.

As if our eyes were opposite poles of magnets, they instantly collided. Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise but she was quick to paste a polite smile on her face. "Hello, my name is Evelyn and I'll be your server tonight. Are you ready to order yet?" she asked.

She stepped inside when everyone agreed that it was best to order food. My eyes drank her in as she went from person to person with her notepad in hand, taking down their orders. She was wearing the same black dress she had on the other day with her hair tied up in a bun.

I wondered why she never told me the name of the restaurant she worked at. I would have come more prepared and not stared at her like a love-struck puppy, dying to get even a bit of her attention.

Why would she tell you when you visit the mart she works at just to tease her? My conscience taunted me.

Touché. I would have definitely made an excuse to eat out and come here often just to see her if I had known she worked here. Especially now that seeing her was so difficult.

"And what would you like to have sir?" she asked me.

I blinked like an idiot, still reeling from seeing her here. When she raised a brow at me, I cleared my throat and looked at the menu, picking the first thing my eyes landed on. Evelyn announced that our food would be ready shortly before taking her leave.

"Didn't know waitresses these days were so hot. Damn!" Trev commented laughing and the others joined him except Sebastian and me.

My hands curled into fists as I took a deep breath. Not worth it. So not worth it. Thankfully Sebastian stepped in before I said something stupid.

He kept his menu card back on the table a little too loudly, cutting their laughter short. Once he had everyone's attention, he plastered a bright smile on his face. "Shall we start now?"

I took it as my cue to pass out the proposals Iris had prepared and started explaining what the project was and what benefits it could incur to all our firms. Usually, we would propose new projects to our existing investors but those old farts were getting too ahead of themselves. It was time for a replacement. Although I wasn't really keen on getting Trev on board.

Evelyn came back with trays of food, going back and forth to bring everything as we discussed the project. My eyes however followed Evelyn's every move. And I wasn't the only one interested in her actions. Trev's gaze was fixed on her as well.

He went a step ahead and kept calling her to ask for water, extra napkins, or for some other stupid reason. He deliberately spoke in a low voice so she would have to lean down to listen and he could stare down the neckline of her dress.

A tick pulsed in my temple when I saw him accidentally brush his arm against her boob. Evelyn jerked back, her eyes wide. Still, she forced a smile and walked out of the room to get whatever he had asked for this time.

Trev's eyes followed her, staring at her ass. When his gaze met with mine, he had the audacity to grin as if he wasn't behaving like a total douche.

The dinner wrapped up and it was time to make final decisions. "I like the proposal," Trev started. "But I'm not sure if I can trust Iris to lead it. And you, Atlas, are still in college. Something at this scale will need a strong leadership."

His two lackeys agreed without missing a beat. I steepled my hands on the table and straightened my shoulders. "So what are you suggesting?"

"I was hoping we could come to an agreement where my company could take charge of the project while Griffin Enterprises supports it with workforce and space requirements," he suggested. "Of course, if you agree to it we are ready to fully fund it as well."

"If Trev's taking responsibility for the project, I don't mind investing in it either," one of his men said and the other one mindlessly agreed. Sebastian was yet to say a word as he was too busy poring over the material.

Regardless, I couldn't agree with his proposal. Giving them full control of things would be like giving away the project. Iris had been working so hard for it since last year. There was no way I would let some sleazy asshole walk in and claim her work. We could figure out the funding from somewhere else.

"I'm sorry..."

I was cut off by Evelyn entering the room again with a bottle of mineral water and the check. "Extremely sorry for the interruption," she said, meeting my gaze as she placed the check on the table before going to Trev again. "Here's your sparkling water."

"Thanks, babe. You're a sweetheart," he beamed at her and reached out to touch her arm. "I'll make sure to leave a great tip," he said with a wink. "And if you ever want to move on from waitressing, I can give you a job in customer service. You seem like a great fit."

I watched him with keen eyes while the others were busy among themselves. He took out his card and placed it on the table, sliding it toward Evelyn. She plastered on a polite smile and took a step forward to accept the card. As she did that, Trev stretched his hands out under the pretense of loosening his muscles and Evelyn abruptly froze.

Her eyes went wide, face going pale as she glanced at Trev who just winked at her. He touched her.

I pushed my chair out, its legs screeching against the floor loudly as I stood up. All eyes turned to me and Evelyn took the opportunity to step away from Trev. I met her gaze, my jaw ticking with rage. "Leave," I told her. Without a word, she hurried out, not looking back.

Trev leaned back in his chair, his face scrunched in annoyance. "What's all this about, Atlas? It's not your classroom. One needs to maintain decorum in professional meetings."

I sneered at his attempt to make me feel out of place. "We are done here. Griffin Enterprises can manage without your company. Besides, we have a policy of not working with assholes."

Collecting the materials, I unceremoniously shoved them in my bag and turned to Sebastian who was looking at me with an amused smile. "It was nice meeting you," I told him.

"Likewise," he grinned.

With that, I cut a glance to the other men in the room before stomping out. My eyes scanned over the common dining area of the restaurant in search of Evelyn. The place was filled with diners, chatting and enjoying the food while the staff skillfully fluttered around with trays and notepads in their hands.

I spotted Evelyn at the corner table at the right end of the room. Without a second thought, I made my way to her. She was wiping down the surface of the table with her back facing me. I tapped on her shoulder and she flinched, whirling around to face me. However, the alarmed expression on her face immediately melted away once she saw that it was me.

"Are you okay? I'm so sorry about what happened. I should have stepped in long before that asshole did something." My arms raised on their own accord to pull her into my chest. I wasn't sure if it was her who needed a hug or me but I couldn't resist the urge to touch her. To hold her and make sure she was okay.

But before I could, Evelyn pushed my arms away and stepped back. "I'm fine, Atlas," she said while her eyes looked past me in worry. "I'm fine. You need to leave. I'm still working."

"I know but..." Sighing, I took a step back. She was right. This wasn't the place to do this. "I'll wait for you in the parking lot. Let me drop you home."

"No need. My friend is dropping me home," she replied. "It's okay, Atlas. I'm fine. You can go." She turned away from me and collected her supplies from the table before walking away.

Shutting my eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose. A migraine was on its way. I glanced around the restaurant one last time before walking over to the reception desk to pay for the dinner and leave.

I had just gotten in my car and plugged in my phone when it began to ring, the sound making my head pound. It was Iris.

"What the fuck, Atlas?" Iris' voice blared from the speakers.

"I can explain. Scott was being a complete asshole. He—"

"I know he is an asshole but that doesn't mean you will behave unprofessionally. You're there to represent Griffin Enterprises," she seethed. "Those men are going to ruin our reputation and it's going to get even more difficult to get funding. Do you have any idea what you have done? Your stupidity is going to cost the company."

"Well, why didn't you do this yourself then? If this was so important, you should have been there in that room instead of prancing around with your fiancé."

Guilt clawed at my chest as soon as those words left my mouth. Iris was already doing a lot. Hell, she had done more than either of our dads had done for this company. "Iris, I didn't mean that."

There was silence on the other end, making me feel worse with every passing second. "Iris? I'm sorry. I didn't—"

"Go home. We'll talk later."

The line went dead.

I punched the steering wheel in rage. The pain did nothing to soothe the burn of guilt. Miller was right. I was a failure. All I had done so far was to disappoint everyone and cause pain to the people who cared about me. People I didn't deserve to have in my life.

What the fuck is wrong with me?