CHAPTER TEN - *CAUGHT IN THE ACT

"I know this young woman," he said to the security guard. "There's been a misunderstanding. You can let her go." The guard hesitated, then released Anna's arm. "As you wish, Mr. Fairchild." Erik approached Anna, his blue eyes twinkling with something she couldn't quite read. "You're quite persistent, aren't you... Anna, was it?" Anna nodded, too stunned to speak. Erik leaned in close, his voice low. "I admire your determination. But next time, perhaps try a more... conventional approach?" With that, he turned and walked back into the crowd, leaving Anna standing outside the venue, her heart pounding. As she watched Erik disappear into the sea of people, Anna felt a renewed surge of curiosity and excitement. He had remembered her. He had noticed her again. "Next time," she whispered to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. "There will definitely be a next time." Anna wiped down the last table in her section, her mind wandering to the enigmatic Erik Fairchild. She shook her