Page 13 of The Valentine Agenda

"Yes?" A blush crept up her neck. "I mean, good evening, Mr. Park."

"James," he corrected smoothly, deploying his best client-meeting smile. "I'm glad I caught you."

The way her cheeks coloured rosily wasn't lost on him—it would make their social media debut that much more convincing.

She clutched her handful of paper hearts like a shield. "You are?"

"I've noticed your work with the building's community programs." He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, manufacturing just the right amount of uncertainty. A touch of vulnerability always sold sincerity. "It's admirable."

The blush deepened. Behind Hannah, Mrs. Chen emerged from the mail room, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Perfect—another witness for the building's gossip mill.

"Oh, it's nothing special," Hannah said. "I just like helping out."

"I disagree." He stepped closer, noting how her breath caught. This was almost too easy. Like setting up any other business deal—identify the target's weaknesses, present the right image, wait for them to practically close the deal themselves. "I've been thinking a lot lately about what matters. About... connecting with people."

Hannah's eyes widened slightly. In his peripheral vision, James saw several residents slowing their pace through the lobby. Good. Let them see James Park taking an interest in their beloved community volunteer.

"I have a reservation at Nero's," he continued. "For Valentine's Day. I know it's forward of me, but I'd be honored if you'd join me."

The paper hearts forgotten, Hannah's hands went slack. "Valentine's Day?"

"Unless you have other plans?" He already knew she didn't. She probably spent every evening grading papers.

"No! I mean, no, I don't have plans. I'd love to—I mean, I'd like that very much."

James smiled, already composing the Instagram post in his head. He'd wait until they were at the restaurant, get a shot ofher looking overwhelmed by the view. The caption would write itself:Sometimes the best things in life are right in front of you.

Vanessa would know exactly what he meant.

"Perfect. I'll pick you up at eight." He pulled out his phone, the gesture practiced. "What's your apartment number?"

"5C," Hannah said, still looking dazed. "I—thank you. This is... unexpected."

James nodded, making a show of adding it to his calendar. "Looking forward to it."

As he turned to leave, he caught Mrs. Chen's expression. The old woman was watching him with something between disappointment and warning. He gave her his most charming smile, but she just shook her head slowly.

It didn't matter. Everything was falling into place. Hannah was still standing where he left her. He could practically see the hearts in her eyes as she watched him walk away.

Let her dream. Let her plan. Let her spend the next 24 hours floating on cloud nine. It would make the eventual Instagram posts that much more believable.

And if Vanessa happened to see them together at Nero's, looking like the perfect study in opposites? Well, that was just a happy coincidence.

James stepped into the elevator, catching one last glimpse of Hannah. She was pressing a paper heart flat, her smile radiantwith genuine joy. For the briefest second, something twisted in his chest—an unfamiliar twinge of remorse.

He shut it down before it could take root.

This wasn't personal. Hannah would get her fancy dinner, he'd get his revenge, and everyone would walk away happy.

Well, almost everyone.

CHAPTER SIX

Hannah

Hannah waited until James disappeared through the revolving door before pressing her hands to her burning cheeks. The paper hearts she'd been hanging fluttered forgotten to the floor as reality slowly sank in.

James Park had just asked her to dinner.

---