Chapter 281

Evelyn's heart clenched with guilt when she thought of the twins. She exhaled sharply when Margaret confirmed their safety.

Thank God they were unharmed. She'd never forgive herself if anything had happened to them.

"I swear it won't happen again," Evelyn vowed to Margaret with fierce determination.

Margaret gave an approving nod before exiting the room.

All things considered, she was quite pleased with the young woman.

Evelyn possessed striking beauty, a gentle nature, and genuine kindness. Not only did she hold Dominic's affection, but she was also the biological mother of his children. They could build a perfect family where the twins would flourish.

Though as a mother, she still had much to learn.

After Margaret left, Evelyn opened the gift box to reveal a pristine white Chanel ensemble.

The contemporary design exuded elegance with flawless tailoring.

She recognized it from last month's fashion spread - the price tag equaled her entire annual salary.

Such luxury was beyond her means.

But with no other options for the office...

Nina remained captive under Maxwell's control, her fate uncertain. Evelyn needed to beg Dominic for help - her last hope.

Ms. Laurent had already reprimanded her for previous absences. Requesting more leave was impossible.

Reluctantly, Evelyn slipped into the designer outfit.

To her surprise, it fit like it was tailored for her.

T Corporation.

Evelyn's arrival in the design department turned heads.

One colleague's shrill exclamation echoed through the office. "My God, Evelyn! Is that the new Chanel collection? That must cost half my yearly salary! I'm green with envy!"

Her words dripped with thinly veiled jealousy.

'This is what sleeping with the boss gets you,' the woman thought bitterly.

Evelyn had arrived at the company dressed plainly. Now she wore clothes that sparked envy.

"Just a knockoff. The real thing's beyond my budget," Evelyn explained patiently.

Abigail, sketching a blueprint, glanced up and instantly recognized the authentic designer wear. She smirked but stayed silent.

The colleague visibly relaxed at the counterfeit claim. "That makes sense. Your salary's lower than mine. Unless some man's funding your wardrobe..."

Evelyn's expression darkened.

Always protective, Abigail rolled her eyes. "Evelyn could trade on her looks but chooses to earn her keep through design talent. Unlike some here with mediocre skills and personalities so unpleasant... well, even stripping wouldn't attract attention to that flat chest. No wonder she's compensating."

Snickers erupted around them.

Abigail had struck a nerve. The colleague flushed, glaring at Evelyn's curves.

Her A-cup insecurity was legendary - she famously wore padded bras. The public humiliation left her speechless.

She silently vowed to save for breast implants.

Evelyn remained unfazed. Years ago she might have argued, but hardship had strengthened her. Now she brushed off such pettiness.

Only one thought consumed her: convincing Dominic to save Nina.

After last night's rage...

He'd been terrifying - a force of nature. The image of him impaling Maxwell's hand with broken glass still haunted her.

A shudder ran down her spine.

The incident had erected walls between them.

Would he help for old times' sake?

Lost in thought, Evelyn didn't notice Abigail tugging her silk scarf.

Abigail gasped at the love bites revealed beneath. "How long since Dominic last had you? The man's a beast! Just looking at your neck makes me wince... so tell me, how is our CEO in bed?"

"Stop!" Evelyn's face burned crimson to her ears.

She yanked the scarf tight, eyeing Abigail warily.

"Fine, I'll behave. Take these documents to Mr. Blackwood's office." Abigail chuckled, handing over files that were technically her responsibility.

She had no desire to face the CEO's icy demeanor, handsome as he was. With Evelyn present, Dominic might actually show humanity.

Evelyn dreaded facing Dominic after last night's trauma. But Nina's plight forced her forward.

The CEO's office occupied the top floor. Waiting at the employee elevator, Evelyn spotted a striking figure.

The woman's curves were accentuated by oversized sunglasses obscuring most of her face, revealing only a pert nose and crimson lips.

She entered Dominic's private elevator without hesitation.

Ding!

The employee elevator arrived. Evelyn boarded dejectedly with other female colleagues.

"Who was that? She looked familiar - such presence! How bold to use the boss's private lift!" one whispered.

Her friend giggled. "That's Lillian Prescott, the actress. Rumor says Dominic personally chose her as the new perfume spokesperson over an international star... He never played favorites before. Think he's interested?"

Another joined in. "Dominic's avoided women for years - not even rumors. But he's only human. And Lillian's adoptive father is the Provincial Secretary - their statuses match..."

Evelyn heard no more.

The words echoed endlessly.

Dominic had personally endorsed the celebrity.

Their social standings aligned perfectly.

Her legs turned leaden approaching the CEO's office. Each step required monumental effort...

Lillian entered carrying a thermos of soup.

Dominic's office radiated understated luxury.

He stood by the window instead of working.

At six-foot-four, his physique dwarfed professional models. His commanding aura inspired awe even at a distance.

Lillian smiled.

This man controlled T Corporation and the city's economy. Countless wealthy women had pursued him in vain. His complete lack of romantic entanglements pleased her immensely.