Chapter 274

"P-Please give us another chance, Mr. Blackwood! We swear this will never happen again!" Samuel Harrison's forehead glistened with cold sweat as Dominic's piercing gaze locked onto him. He prayed for mercy.

But Richard Caldwell's expression twisted with arrogance.

A staunch nationalist, he refused to believe this foreigner could do anything to him.

Not only was he the general manager—he was also the head chef.

His culinary skills were unmatched. Viva Corporation would suffer without him!

Against all expectations, Dominic stated coolly, "Apologies, Mr. Caldwell, but Viva no longer requires your services. Pack your things and leave."

"What? After three years of loyal service, this is how you repay me? You dare fire me, you filthy outsider?" Richard's face darkened with rage. He slammed the table and hurled insults.

The other executives sat frozen, not daring to breathe.

Has Richard lost his mind? Insulting the CEO?

Does he have a death wish? Doesn’t he know Mr. Blackwood’s nickname is the Ice King?

Vivienne Laurent watched Richard like he was already a corpse.

Dominic’s gaze sharpened, sending a chill down Richard’s spine.

A mocking smile curled Dominic’s lips. "You’re no rookie, Richard. With your experience, no one would believe you couldn’t handle this minor PR crisis. I’d give you a chance—if this were just a PR issue. But you’re on Viva’s payroll while secretly working for La Belle Époque. Stealing trade secrets. Sabotaging our reputation. Why should Viva keep a traitor like you?"

Richard’s face flushed crimson. "Lies! This is slander, Dominic Blackwood!"

Dominic blew a smoke ring into Richard’s face, making his eyes water.

With a flick of his hand, the screen displayed damning footage—Richard accepting bribes from La Belle Époque’s owner, handing over confidential recipes.

The video was grainy, but Richard’s face and voice were unmistakable.

His blood drained away.

This foreigner had uncovered his years of espionage in mere days. Terrifying.

Richard dropped to his knees. "I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood! I’ll never—"

Dominic cut him off with a cold laugh. "Mr. Caldwell, you’re accused of corporate espionage. The courts will decide your fate."

The doors swung open. Police officers marched in, handcuffs ready. "Richard Caldwell, you’re under arrest for industrial theft. Come quietly."

Richard thrashed but was swiftly subdued and dragged away.

Dominic turned to Samuel, whose face was still pale. "The GM position is vacant, Mr. Harrison. You’ll act as interim GM. Make it permanent—if you perform."

Samuel gaped.

He’d failed. Why wasn’t he being punished? Why a promotion?

Dominic stubbed out his cigarette. "Everyone makes mistakes. You get one chance to redeem yourself—if you don’t cross the line."

He knew foreigners faced hostility here. Firing both managers would breed rebellion.

Punishing one, sparing the other—fear and loyalty, perfectly balanced.

The executives exchanged glances, respect dawning.

Vivienne watched Dominic hungrily.

After the meeting, only Dominic remained, scrolling through his phone.

No calls. No texts from Evelyn.

His chest tightened with frustration.

She was angry.

Phone explanations wouldn’t cut it. He’d have to spoil her in person.

Vivienne approached, confidence oozing.

She’d conquer this man’s heart.

She imagined his proposal.

"The PR crisis is nearly resolved," she purred. "We’ll hold a press conference soon to clear Viva’s name. You’ve been working so hard, Mr. Blackwood. A friend owns a luxury spa nearby. Care to join me?"

Dominic didn’t even glance up.

Vivienne took his silence as assent. Thrilled, she stacked files clumsily—then tripped.

Her ankle twisted. She crashed into the table’s edge, barely feeling the pain.

Too giddy to care.

Then Dominic’s icy voice shattered her fantasy. "Ms. Laurent, book the earliest flight back to A City. Now."

She blinked. "But Mr. Blackwood, aren’t we—"

"I won’t repeat myself."

He stood by the window, brooding.

Vivienne’s smile died. "Yes, sir."

She rushed out, heart sinking as she arranged the flight.

Dominic clenched his phone.

No word from Evelyn.

She was definitely furious.

Phone apologies were useless.

He’d have to pamper her senseless.