Chapter 177

The office was buzzing with activity as everyone prepared to leave at five sharp. Just then, an enormous bouquet of crimson roses arrived at the entrance.

"Excuse me, is Miss Seraphina Prescott here?"

"That's me. What is this about?" Seraphina adjusted her designer handbag and sauntered toward the delivery man.

"These are for you. The sender said he doesn't want you to stay angry and promises to marry you once you're legally of age." The delivery guy handed over the lavish arrangement.

Seraphina accepted the flowers, her expression darkening as she pulled out the enclosed card. Then, her face brightened. With a coy smile, she tossed the card into the nearest trash bin before exiting.

"Can you believe our ice-cold CEO sent flowers just to appease some girl?" One female colleague immediately fished the card from the trash.

A small crowd gathered, curiosity piqued.

Whatever was written on that card left the women gasping. "He actually has self-control? Those motivational quotes online weren't lying after all!"

A male colleague packing up his laptop snorted. "You ladies stay up all night sketching. No wonder your skin's ruined. How could you compare to a spoiled little princess like Seraphina? Of course Mr. Blackwood prefers a fresh-faced 19-year-old. It'd be weird if he didn't!"

Just then, Seraphina stormed back in.

The office fell silent.

"My card." She made a beeline for the trash, only to find it already in a coworker's hand.

She'd anticipated this.

If they'd read it aloud, then Evelyn must have heard everything. Perfect.

"Here. I figured you'd come back for it," the guilty colleague mumbled.

"Thanks." Seraphina sighed dramatically. "I shouldn't have thrown it away. Now he'll punish me tonight..."

The way she emphasized "punish" and "tonight" sent imaginations running wild.

As Seraphina turned to leave, Olivia piped up innocently, "Flowers from your lover? Why send them here? Are you two fighting so badly you're living apart?"

All eyes turned to the unfolding drama.

Seraphina's face twisted in anger, but Abigail cut in first. "Olivia, weren't you listening? Seraphina said she'll be punished for throwing the card away. This is just another form of romance."

"Punished? Why? Because her family isn't good enough? Does she have to kneel and kiss his feet like some servant?" Olivia widened her eyes. "What kind of twisted relationship is that? Sounds like something from medieval times!"

Seraphina's face burned scarlet.

"You're doing this on purpose!" she shrieked, hurling the roses at Olivia.

Abigail pulled Olivia aside just in time.

With rabbit-like innocence, Olivia added, "I'm so worried for you, Seraphina. First the card, now the flowers? Will he knock your teeth out tonight?"

The office erupted in stifled laughter.

Abigail decided enough was enough. She grabbed Evelyn and Olivia and made their exit.

Left alone, Seraphina redirected her fury toward Evelyn. "You pathetic gold-digger! Couldn't seduce my man, so you sent your friends to humiliate me? Look at yourself! I outclass you in every way!"

The remaining coworkers exchanged glances. Clearly, Seraphina lacked both class and intelligence.

Evelyn visited her father at the hospital before heading to see her grandfather.

En route, her phone buzzed.

Dominic had acted first—her grandfather was now safely relocated with proper care. The message invited her to join them if she wished.

Evelyn hesitated but ultimately felt relief. With Maxwell Lockwood lurking, this was safest. Her grandfather deserved peace in his twilight years.

She'd repay Dominic someday.

As she typed "thank you," another message arrived—a voice note. His deep, velvety voice filled the air around her.

"Send me your location. I'll pick you up. It's the kids' first day. They'll want both parents there."

How could she refuse?

She sent her coordinates and waited roadside.

Today marked her twins' school debut. Evelyn had longed to fetch them but feared drawing attention beside Dominic. Now he'd made it possible.

At the school gates, the children vetoed restaurant dining, insisting on "Mommy's cooking."

"But Mommy's tired after work," Dominic reasoned, though he secretly craved her homecooked meals too.

Evelyn knelt, wiping sugar from Isabella's lips. "It's fine. I want to cook for them."

What mother wouldn't? Her babies needed proper nutrition.

Dominic raised an eyebrow but acquiesced.

At the supermarket, Evelyn shopped alone—no need for a human billboard attracting middle-aged admirers. The last thing she needed was "trophy wife" rumors.

Back at her apartment, she handed out new slippers.

Watching Evelyn carry groceries into the kitchen, Dominic realized something: without her, this wouldn't feel like home.