Chapter 396

Evelyn pressed her cheek against Dominic's solid chest, murmuring apologies into his shirt. "Dominic, I'm so sorry... I just wanted to save Mr. Gregory. I never imagined things would turn so dangerous. I promise I'll never act so recklessly again, please don't be angry."

"Who do you think you are?" Dominic's voice was dangerously low. "Some kind of superhero? You can't even protect yourself properly, yet you rushed into danger without a second thought. Are you completely foolish? Do you have any idea how close you came to dying? The moment you fell..." His voice cracked, eyes burning crimson.

Only heaven knew the sheer terror that had gripped him when she'd slipped from that ledge.

At that moment, the only thing that could have calmed his rage was seeing Gregory Sinclair's blood on his hands.

"I didn't mean to put myself in danger. It was life or death - one second's hesitation and an innocent man would have been lost." Evelyn's voice trembled as she burrowed deeper into his embrace. "I swear I'll never do anything so stupid again. My arms hurt..."

Instantly, Dominic's attention shifted.

His hands shook slightly as he gently examined her arms, voice rough with emotion. "Where does it hurt? Show me."

Rolling up her sleeve revealed angry red marks circling her delicate wrists. Dominic's expression darkened at the sight - injuries sustained when she'd clung to Gregory. The sight made his chest constrict painfully.

If she couldn't even protect herself, what madness had driven her to play the hero?

Dominic's jaw tightened. Without a word, he scooped Evelyn into his arms and carried her toward the executive offices in Tower C.

Evelyn peeked at Dominic's stormy expression and wisely kept silent, curling into his chest like a chastened child.

The moment they entered the CEO's suite, a flustered assistant rushed forward. "Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Sinclair has been stabilized but remains emotionally distraught. He's demanding to see you—"

"Get him out of my sight!" Dominic's roar made the assistant jump. Never had anyone seen the usually composed CEO lose his temper so completely. The woman fled without another word.

Dominic deposited Evelyn onto the plush sofa before retrieving the first aid kit. His movements were precise as he applied antiseptic and bandages to her abused wrists.

Studying his expression, Evelyn ventured a timid whisper when he seemed calmer. "Dominic... could you say something? You're frightening me."

His response was a searing kiss that bordered on violent - more punishment than affection. Teeth scraped her lips until she whimpered, tears springing to her eyes.

When he finally pulled away, Evelyn's lips bore the faint coppery taste of blood.

His punishments always carried this dark, sensual edge.

Evelyn blinked up at him with wounded eyes, which only seemed to incense Dominic further. She was the one who'd acted recklessly, yet somehow he ended up feeling like the villain.

A sharp knock interrupted them. "Mr. Blackwood, the press, police, and Gregory's family are gathered downstairs..."

Dominic knew this wasn't the time for recklessness. With one last glance at Evelyn's pale face, he instructed Sebastian, "Contact Dr. Julian. Have him examine Evelyn for any other injuries."

Knowing her aversion to hospitals, Dominic preferred having their family physician assess her. Besides his medical expertise, Dr. Julian held a psychology degree - essential after today's trauma.

"Right away, sir," Sebastian nodded.

Dominic pressed a kiss to Evelyn's forehead. "Stay here. Don't move until I return."

Evelyn nodded obediently, watching his retreating form with anxious eyes. Drawing back the curtains, she surveyed the chaos below. Though she trusted Dominic's capabilities completely, unease still coiled in her stomach.

Outside T Corporation's headquarters...

Dominic emerged to a sea of flashing cameras, surrounded by bodyguards in dark suits. Reporters shouted questions while Gregory's brother and sister-in-law played the grieving relatives for the cameras.

"My brother's family burned alive because of T Corporation's negligence!" the man wailed dramatically. "And now they've driven him to suicide! Dominic Blackwood's crimes cannot go unpunished!"

Spotting Dominic, reporters surged forward like sharks scenting blood.

"Mr. Blackwood! When will T Corporation take responsibility for the Greenview Regalia fire?"

"Is it true safety systems were merely decorative installations?"

"Can you guarantee your newer developments like Grace Bay meet actual safety standards?"

Dominic stood unwavering, his icy composure cutting through the hysteria. Taking the offered microphone, his voice carried absolute authority.

"The Greenview Regalia tragedy is indeed regrettable. As CEO, I acknowledge shortcomings in our oversight." His piercing gaze silenced the crowd. "I give my word - the victims' families will receive full accountability."

"As for Mr. Sinclair's actions today..."