Chapter 260

"Is something troubling you, Ms. Laurent? Or is the local climate not agreeing with you?" Dominic inquired, studying her expression.

Vivienne adjusted her blazer with a practiced motion. "The weather here takes some getting used to. I'll adapt soon enough to perform at my best."

Dominic gave an approving nod. "I've never doubted your competence, Ms. Laurent. Leave the documents here. We'll review them in detail tomorrow."

"Understood." Vivienne turned on her heel and exited without another word.

Dominic leaned back in his chair, satisfied.

This was the Vivienne he knew—cool, composed, untouchable. She carried herself with an icy elegance that no distraction could penetrate.

That unshakable professionalism was precisely why he valued her.

Capable. Disciplined. Unaffected by personal trivialities. The ideal executive.

"Ms. Laurent," Dominic called out just as her hand touched the doorknob.

Vivienne froze mid-step. A smirk curled her lips before she schooled her features back into neutrality. She turned, eyebrows arched. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"

"Your work in Argentina yielded impressive results. The subsidiary's growth exceeded projections. Name your reward—bonus or equity. We'll finalize details over dinner tonight."

"Very well." Her tone gave nothing away.

The moment the office door clicked shut behind her, Vivienne's smile returned, radiant as a sunrise.

She had mastered this dance. Dominic despised clingy women, and she'd watched countless others crash and burn trying to claim his attention.

Yet she remained. The only woman who'd stood by his side this long.

At six sharp, the workday ended.

In the design department, Evelyn had grown close to Olivia and Abigail. The others remained polite acquaintances.

Abigail waved goodbye and left first, while Olivia linked arms with Evelyn as they headed out together.

Olivia chattered about office gossip as they walked.

"Did you hear about the finance guy who embezzled half a million to impress some camgirl? Got arrested last week..."

"And that 'reliable' marketing manager? Turns out he was juggling two girlfriends until they found out..."

Evelyn half-listened, her mind elsewhere.

At the company entrance, Dominic's black Bentley glided past them.

The window was down. Evelyn caught a glimpse of his profile, but his gaze never strayed toward her.

Vivienne sat in the passenger seat, regal as a queen. A breeze carried her Chanel No. 5 perfume toward them.

When Vivienne noticed Evelyn, her eyes gleamed with mocking triumph.

Dominic spotted Evelyn in the rearview mirror.

A sudden impulse seized him—to order Vivienne out and beckon Evelyn into the car instead.

This was new. He'd never had a woman he actually wanted to claim before. The unfamiliarity unsettled him.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. This was strictly business. Vivienne's performance merited recognition, nothing more.

He'd explain it to Evelyn later. She'd understand—corporate dinners were routine.

The Bentley disappeared around the corner.

Olivia shot Evelyn a concerned glance.

Everyone knew Evelyn shared something special with Dominic. Seeing him with another woman had to sting.

"You okay? Vivienne just got back from overseas. This is probably just a welcome-back dinner," Olivia offered gently.

Evelyn looked away.

She trusted Dominic. Vivienne was a stellar employee—this dinner made perfect sense.

Yet the unease lingered. She was only human.

"I'm fine." Evelyn pushed down the nagging doubt. "Our bus is coming."

The bustling square ahead featured a dancing fountain at its center. Beyond it lay the bus stop for Route 52.

Since starting work, Evelyn had dreamed of buying a car. But her savings were meager, and she refused to touch the credit card Dominic gave her.

By year's end, with her bonus, maybe she could afford something modest.

Halfway across the square, a hand clamped around her wrist.

Evelyn whirled to face Maxwell Lockwood.

"Let go, Maxwell." Her voice turned arctic.

"I'm your husband," he growled. "What's wrong with picking you up from work?"

Olivia stepped between them. "You're pathetic, Maxwell. Evelyn's with Mr. Blackwood now. Stop embarrassing yourself."

Maxwell's snake-like gaze flicked to Olivia before returning to Evelyn. "Quit this job. Let me take care of you." His eyes darkened as they raked over the T Corporation building. "Look at those dark circles. Dominic doesn't appreciate you. Come home where you belong."

Evelyn wrenched free. "I love my job. And we are not married—not in any way that matters. That forced arrangement ends soon. Stay away from me!"

She turned to leave, but Maxwell blocked her path.

"I'll never divorce you," he hissed. "You really think Dominic loves you? He's sleeping with Vivienne Laurent. You're just his plaything. Now that she's back, where does that leave you?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. The words struck like a physical blow.