An Unexpected Encounter

Lois stared at the man standing before her.

Rain dripped from her hair, and her clothes were completely soaked. The paper bag containing the books had survived only because she had instinctively shielded it with her body.

The stranger's expression remained unreadable.

"I'm sorry," he said.

His voice was deep and calm, but somehow distant.

Lois blinked in surprise.

She had expected arrogance.

She had expected excuses.

Instead, she got an apology.

"It's okay," she replied softly. "At least the books survived."

Walter glanced at the bag she was holding.

"You protected the books before yourself?"

Lois looked down and laughed awkwardly.

"Well, they don't belong to me."

For the first time in a very long while, Walter found himself curious about someone.

Most people cared about money.

Many cared about appearances.

Yet this young woman seemed genuinely worried about a few books.

His driver stepped forward.

"Mr. Ford, we're running late."

Lois's eyes widened.

Mr. Ford?

As in Walter Ford?

The Walter Ford?

The billionaire whose face appeared on magazine covers and business news channels?

She suddenly felt embarrassed.

"I-I should go."

Walter noticed her shivering.

The temperature had dropped, and the rain showed no signs of stopping.

"You'll get sick."

"I'm fine."

"You are soaked."

Lois looked down at herself.

Unfortunately, he was right.

Walter removed his expensive black coat and held it out to her.

"Take it."

"What?"

"Take the coat."

"I can't."

"It's just a coat."

Lois nearly laughed.

Just a coat?

The thing probably cost more than her monthly salary.

Walter's expression remained serious.

"You need it more than I do."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Lois accepted it.

"Thank you."

As she slipped it on, she was surprised by how warm it felt.

Something about the gesture softened her impression of him.

Maybe he wasn't as cold as everyone said.

Walter was thinking something similar.

Most women he met immediately tried to impress him once they learned who he was.

Lois had done the opposite.

She looked as if she wanted to escape.

That alone made her different.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"The Kingston Bookstore."

Walter recognized the location.

It was several blocks away.

"In this weather?"

Lois nodded.

"I have a delivery."

The billionaire shook his head.

"Get in."

Her eyes widened.

"What?"

"My driver will take you."

"No, that's okay."

"It wasn't a request."

Lois frowned.

"People usually ask before helping."

Walter stared at her.

Then, unexpectedly, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

The sight shocked both of them.

His driver nearly dropped the umbrella.

Walter Ford never smiled.

"Fine," Walter said. "Would you allow me to help?"

Lois hesitated.

Then she smiled.

"That sounds much better."

Minutes later, she found herself sitting inside one of the most luxurious cars she had ever seen.

The leather seats were softer than her bed.

The silence was almost intimidating.

Walter sat across from her, reviewing documents on a tablet.

Lois tried not to stare.

Tried and failed.

Without looking up, Walter spoke.

"Do I have something on my face?"

Lois immediately looked away.

"No."

"Then why are you staring?"

Her cheeks turned red.

"I've just never met a billionaire before."

Walter sighed.

"And?"

"And you don't act like I expected."

He finally looked up.

"What did you expect?"

"A rude old man."

For the second time that evening, Walter smiled.

A real smile this time.

The sound of Lois's laughter filled the car.

Neither of them noticed it then.

But for the first time in years, Walter Ford wasn't thinking about business.

And for the first time in her life, Lois Ray was sitting beside the man who would eventually change her future forever.