Chapter 283

Dominic's gaze burned into Evelyn. She stood before him in a sleek designer dress that hugged her curves perfectly.

Her toned legs peeked from beneath the hem, pale skin glowing under the office lights.

Chestnut waves cascaded down her back like liquid silk. The delicate features of her face were accentuated by subtle makeup - starlit eyes, rosy lips. Only the silk scarf around her neck betrayed her secret, hiding the bruises beneath.

She looked like a cherry blossom in full bloom.

Dominic's body reacted instantly at the memory of last night's passionate encounter.

But his expression darkened when he recalled her reckless actions.

Evelyn trembled under his stare, barely daring to breathe. One wrong move and he might refuse to help Olivia.

She cleared her throat and pushed documents across his desk. "The reports you requested, Mr. Blackwood."

The aroma of chicken soup from the kitchenette made her stomach twist.

Has Lillian Prescott gotten that close to him? Bringing him homemade meals now?

Dominic's voice cut through her thoughts. "You scream my name in bed, yet call me 'Mr. Blackwood' now?" His anger flared at her obvious avoidance.

Evelyn blinked at his harsh words. "We're at work," she reminded him. "You've always insisted on professionalism. I didn't think you'd want personal matters interfering."

His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Watch your tone, Evelyn Sinclair."

She knew that look. Knew the storm brewing beneath his controlled exterior.

Taking a steadying breath, she cut to the chase. "I'm not here to argue. We can settle our... personal issues later. Right now, I need to ask you for one thing."

The air grew thick with tension.

Dominic took a slow drag from his cigar. "And what would that be?" Ice laced his words.

Evelyn bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. "Please... save Olivia."

His cold laughter filled the room.

A stray lock of hair fell across his forehead, disrupting his usual polished appearance.

He tapped ash into the tray, voice dripping with sarcasm. "If I disgust you so much, why come begging for favors? Am I really that unbearable, Evelyn?"

Her distance unsettled him. He was accustomed to her warmth, her reliance on him.

The words left his mouth before he could stop them.

Evelyn clenched her fists until her nails bit into her palms. "If not for me, then do it because she's a T Corporation employee. Maxwell took her because of me! He threatened to have his men violate her unless I..." Her voice broke. "He sent me photos. Videos. I had no choice! She's my best friend and it's my fault she's in this mess!"

Tears spilled down her cheeks.

She pressed a hand to her mouth, struggling to maintain composure, but the tears kept coming.

"So that's why you surrendered to Maxwell's demands?" Dominic crushed his cigar and stood. His gaze turned predatory.

Evelyn lifted her chin. "Yes."

His fist slammed onto the desk, sending papers flying.

"Have you lost your damn mind?" he roared. "You thought facing that monster alone would solve anything? Should I applaud your bravery or mourn your stupidity? Why didn't you call me?"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "You think I didn't try? Your phone was off! I was losing my mind with worry! Olivia was in danger and time was running out! What was I supposed to do?"

"The police—"

"Maxwell said I'd get her back in a body bag if I involved them!" Evelyn hugged herself. "I couldn't risk it. I had to try..."

Dominic remembered the missed calls when he'd finally turned his phone on after the flight. He'd assumed she was being clingy.

Guilt twisted his gut.

He'd misjudged her. Misread the situation when he found her in Maxwell's bed.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, stepping closer. "I didn't know." Tentatively, he reached for her, pulling her slight frame against him.

She felt fragile in his arms.

His lips brushed her damp lashes as he whispered apologies.

Evelyn shoved him away.

The hurt from last night still burned fresh.

"Olivia's still with Preston Worthington," she said coldly. "I don't know what condition she's in. Save her quickly, Mr. Blackwood, and I'll be forever grateful."

She turned on her heel and strode out.

Dominic watched her go, guilt and longing warring in his chest. His fist connected with the desk again, splitting skin. He barely registered the pain.

Pressing the intercom, he summoned Sebastian.