Chapter 393

Evelyn's fingers trembled as she slammed the phone down.

The moment the call ended, Beatrice immediately dialed Dominic's number.

Dominic answered with visible exhaustion. "What now, Mother? Why are you calling at this hour?"

Beatrice's voice turned urgent. "Did Lillian contact you? Listen, with the Prescott family's influence, handling the Greenview Regalia fire investigation would be—"

"I don't need Lillian's help," Dominic interrupted sharply. "And I've made my position clear. There will never be anything between us. If that's all, I'm hanging up. My fiancée wouldn't appreciate this conversation."

The line went dead before Beatrice could respond.

Beatrice clutched her phone, humiliation burning her cheeks. She'd deliberately called knowing Evelyn was present, never expecting her son to publicly reject her matchmaking attempts.

Meanwhile, Evelyn stood frozen, stunned by Dominic's blunt dismissal of his mother's interference.

A small warmth bloomed in her chest despite the tension. At least Beatrice couldn't manipulate Dominic like she'd hoped.

Evelyn handed Dominic a steaming mug. "You've been working nonstop. Drink this." She hesitated before adding, "Though... having Lillian's connections might actually—"

Dominic's hand froze mid-reach. The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.

His stormy gaze locked onto hers. "Excuse me?"

Evelyn's pulse quickened under his dangerous stare. Those obsidian eyes held her captive, dark and fathomless as midnight.

She hastily set the mug down.

In one fluid motion, Dominic pinned her against the wall, his arms caging her in. "Do you doubt me?" His breath fanned across her lips.

The air between them crackled with tension.

"Never." Evelyn met his gaze unflinchingly. "I believe in you completely."

Dominic's expression softened slightly. "Good." His thumb traced her jawline. "Don't ever suggest I need another woman's help again."

"Okay."

"Now apologize properly."

Evelyn blinked up at him. "How?"

His lips curved. "Kiss me."

Standing on tiptoes, she barely reached his mouth, pressing a chaste kiss against his lips.

Dominic frowned. "That's not nearly enough." His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Show me what I taught you."

Flushing, Evelyn wound her arms around his neck. This time, she parted his lips with hers, her tongue sliding tentatively against his.

Dominic's control shattered.

For that stolen moment, the world outside ceased to exist.

At dawn, Evelyn awoke to cold sheets. Dominic had already left for the office.

By eight, she descended the stairs—only to freeze at the sight of Beatrice waiting in the parlor.

Beatrice's lip curled. "Finally decided to wake up? My son's been working since sunrise while you laze about. Pathetic."

Evelyn forced a neutral expression. "I'm heading to work now."

"Tell Dominic his grandfather demands his presence tonight." Beatrice's eyes raked over Evelyn with disdain. "Though I suppose as a mere employee, you wouldn't understand family obligations."

The barb struck deep. Evelyn turned to leave.

Beatrice wasn't finished. "Lillian's touring internationally next month. She offered to introduce Dominic to European investors." A cruel smile twisted her lips. "Real partners, not gold-digging secretaries."

Evelyn whirled around. "Funny—Dominic seems quite content with this gold-digger. We're trying for another baby next year."

Beatrice's face purpled with rage. "You shameless—"

"Takes one to know one." Evelyn grabbed her purse. "I believe you only married into the Blackwoods after getting pregnant?"

Beatrice lunged, hand raised.

Evelyn sidestepped gracefully. "Office hours await. Do see yourself out."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Beatrice trembling with impotent fury.