Chapter 416

Worthington Residence

Dominic lounged lazily on the couch, his left arm wrapped around the quiet Evelyn while his right hand swirled a crystal wine glass.

Preston Sr. adored fine wine, particularly reds. His collection spanned the globe.

Recently, an earl from England had gifted him a crate of premium vintage. Preston had invited Dominic, Julian, and a few close friends over for a tasting.

Dominic wasn’t much of a drinker. Alcohol clouded judgment, and he preferred clarity.

But Preston was an old friend, so he’d made an exception.

He’d sent the twins home since he’d be drinking. Only he and Evelyn had come.

Julian sat across from them, watching as Dominic set down his glass to peel a grape for Evelyn.

When he held it to her lips, she hesitated, but resistance was futile.

Julian gaped, horrified by the display of affection.

Was this really Dominic Blackwood? The ruthless tycoon known as the Ice King?

Julian smirked. "You two are inseparable now. Got any sisters, Evelyn? I need a girlfriend like you. Any recommendations?"

Before she could answer, Dominic popped the grape into her mouth. "Don’t bother. Evelyn’s one of a kind. Well, there’s her stepsister—Sophia, was it? Currently serving time. Feel free to visit her in prison."

Evelyn burst out laughing.

Julian nearly choked.

That’s how you treat a friend?

Dominic had never introduced him to anyone. And the first suggestion was a convict?

Julian shot Evelyn a wounded look. "See how he bullies me? Help a guy out. Introduce me to someone decent."

Evelyn blinked. "The women I know are all taken. If I meet someone, I’ll let you know."

She thought of Olivia.

Kind, resilient, loyal—qualities rare in anyone.

Julian was witty, caring, and a brilliant doctor. They’d make a good match.

But Olivia had just escaped hell. Men were the last thing she needed right now.

Better to wait.

Preston sipped his wine from a massage chair, his ethereal beauty as striking as ever. "Harvard-educated and still single? Pathetic. Take notes from Dominic. Maybe you’ll have triplets by next year."

Julian groaned.

As if taking advice from Dominic would help.

Before Evelyn, the man had been a glacier—untouchable, terrifying.

Dominic handed Evelyn a glass. "Merlot-Cabernet blend. Purple hue, rich flavor. Smell it."

She inhaled. She wasn’t a connoisseur, but the aroma was intoxicating—berries, honey, vanilla.

"Amazing. I can almost taste it already."

Preston grinned. "Take a few bottles home."

Julian scoffed. "Unbelievable. I begged you for one yesterday, and you refused. Now you’re handing them out? Some friend."

Preston rolled his eyes. "Bring a wife next time, and you can have whatever you want."

Julian glared. "Says the man who’s never even dated. At least I’ve had girlfriends. You? I bet even the flies around you are male."

A shadow crossed Preston’s face, gone as quickly as it appeared.

Dominic smirked but stayed silent.

Only he knew about the woman who haunted Preston’s past.

Dominic’s obsidian gaze swept the room, regal even as he drank. But when he turned to Evelyn, his expression softened.

Love really was magic, the two bachelors mused.

A butler hurried in, whispering to Preston. His face darkened.

"Family emergency. Make yourselves at home."

He and Julian rushed out.

Evelyn tugged Dominic’s sleeve. "What happened to Preston Jr.? Didn’t he just recover from a car crash?"

She still seethed over what he’d done to Olivia.

The crash two months ago had been satisfying—karma at work.

Dominic kissed her lightly, his breath warm against her ear. "I arranged that crash. Shattered his leg. And from what I hear, he’s… permanently impaired now."

He pulled back, watching her.

"Revenge enough for your friend?"