Chapter 331

"Fetch your manager." Dominic's voice cut through the air like a blade.

One of the sales associates scrambled toward the back office.

Moments later, the manager appeared, his face paling when he recognized Dominic. He bowed deeply, his tone dripping with sycophancy. "Mr. Blackwood! What an honor to have you in our humble store. How may I assist you? Shall I have anything wrapped for you?"

Dominic didn’t respond. Instead, he flipped open his wallet, revealing an array of gleaming platinum cards. He selected one and handed it over. "The entire store."

Evelyn's eyes widened. She wanted to protest.

God, he’s insane. And insanely hot.

Not just generous—territorial. That’ll shut those vipers up.

"Of course! Everything here is now yours. Do as you please," the manager gushed before scurrying off to process the payment.

The staff stood frozen, stunned into silence.

Lillian Prescott seethed. Why did Evelyn deserve a man like Dominic?

Her resolve hardened. Men like him—wealthy, devastatingly handsome—were rare. She would have him.

But Miranda Lockwood wasn’t backing down.

Sure, the man was attractive and loaded, but he’d sided with the woman she despised. That made him an enemy.

"Listen, rich boy," Miranda sneered, "stay out of this. That thief stole my necklace. A custom piece. Worth nearly a million. You really want to defend a criminal?"

Miranda had spent years abroad, surrounded by spoiled trust-fund brats. She didn’t recognize Dominic, nor did she care about business headlines. To her, he was just another pretty face with money.

She jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "If she’s innocent, why refuse a search?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "And if you don’t find it?"

"I’ll apologize publicly and compensate you." Miranda smirked.

"Fine." Evelyn spread her arms. "Search me."

Miranda lunged—only for Dominic to seize her wrist, his grip crushing. "Try it. I dare you."

The staff exchanged nervous glances.

Rich clients meant volatile tempers. They weren’t paid enough to intervene.

Dominic’s glare was lethal. Miranda trembled but forced a laugh. "Let go, or I’m calling the police."

She fumbled for her phone with her free hand.

Dominic snatched it and smashed it against the floor.

The device shattered. Miranda gaped at the wreckage.

He just—

"I’ll replace it," Dominic said coldly. "But touch my woman again, and you’ll regret it."

Miranda stumbled back, speechless.

Dominic took Evelyn’s hand and strode toward the exit. Pausing, he glanced at Abigail. "Handle the rest."

Abigail nodded eagerly. "Of course, Mr. Blackwood."

She couldn’t believe her luck. The boss had noticed her. Trusted her.

Evelyn was her golden ticket.

With Dominic’s hand wrapped around hers, Evelyn felt the warmth of his skin, the unyielding strength. Safe. Protected.

Yet she sighed. Why does drama stalk me like a shadow?

"Dominic," she murmured as they walked, "you didn’t have to buy out the store."

He didn’t respond, his pace steady.

She bit her lip. "I just think—"

Noticing her heels, Dominic slowed. His gaze softened. "Don’t worry about the money."

"Fine." She relented. Arguing with a Blackwood was futile.

That single purchase probably exceeded her lifetime earnings. To him? Pocket change.

"Tonight’s dinner," he said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, "is Jonathan Prescott’s seventieth. VIPs galore, but stay close. You’ll be fine."

"The same critical Mr. Prescott?"

Dominic smirked. "He’s blunt, not cruel. He won’t touch you while I’m there."

Evelyn nodded, tightening her grip on his arm.

With him, she feared nothing.

Back inside, Miranda glared at her shattered phone. "Who is that arrogant bastard?"

Lillian ignored her, brushing past.

Miranda spat after her before plopping onto the floor. "My necklace went missing here. Fix this, or I’m not leaving!"

Losing a 900K piece? Her family would skin her alive.

Abigail smirked and signaled security.

Within minutes, guards hauled Miranda and her friend out, kicking and screaming.