Chapter 432
Dominic's chiseled features were bathed in the golden glow of streetlights and silvery moonlight.
Evelyn's breath caught in her throat as she saw his face clearly for the first time.
His aristocratic lips curved with effortless grace, exuding an otherworldly nobility that seemed almost surreal.
For a fleeting moment, Evelyn imagined him as a prince stepping out from the pages of a fairy tale.
His commanding presence was breathtaking, yet he radiated a calm serenity like the moon itself.
Evelyn couldn't deny the magnetic pull she felt.
The man she'd recently labeled as her "rival" stood with regal poise, while the graceful woman in his arms completed the perfect picture. Their embrace was poetry in motion.
Anyone would be captivated by either of them.
Her crush melted into his arms like putty.
Alistair's stomach twisted. He wanted to greet Evelyn, but Dominic ushered her into the car with gentlemanly precision.
Evelyn's radiant smile could rival the sunrise.
Alistair stood frozen, unable to take another step.
He had no place there. All he could do was watch the luxury vehicle disappear into the night.
Morning came too soon.
Evelyn rose with the sun, preparing breakfast for Dominic and the twins. After their family meal, they dropped Alexander and Isabella at kindergarten before heading to Blackwood Enterprises.
At her desk, Evelyn frowned. Her drawer was unlocked.
She distinctly remembered rushing to Blue Honors last night. Had she forgotten to lock it?
Her documents appeared undisturbed - the top sheet still showed today's meeting agenda. Satisfied, she gathered the files and headed to the conference hall.
This wasn't an ordinary meeting. Alongside Blackwood's designers and project staff, Vivi Group's team was present. Most importantly, both companies' top brass attended.
Dominic and Vivi's chairman sat at opposite ends of the conference table.
Quentin Prescott commanded attention on the left - a stern, authoritative figure accustomed to giving orders. His lean frame and perpetual seriousness spoke of decades in power.
Dominic occupied the right in his signature black suit. Though younger, his presence matched Quentin's in intensity.
Executives filled the front rows while other employees sat further back.
Yvonne's team occupied the third row.
Evelyn sat with Abigail, Olivia, and Gregory in the fourth row's center.
An empty seat beside Evelyn caught Alistair's eye.
Ignoring her icy expression, he claimed the spot.
Evelyn sighed. With the meeting starting, she wouldn't cause a scene over seating.
The summit commenced.
Both leaders shook hands before presenting their urban renewal project research.
Profit distribution remained contentious - today's purpose was finding common ground.
Executives from both sides argued their positions passionately, each fighting for their company's advantage.
When leadership finished, design teams took the stage.
Yvonne spoke first, followed by Vivienne.
Both women dazzled with eloquence, showcasing blueprints that highlighted their respective companies' strengths.
Evelyn marveled at Vivienne's avant-garde designs - no wonder she led Blackwood's creative team.
Yet Yvonne's striking concepts held equal merit. The competition was fierce.
Alistair's presentation shocked Evelyn.
She'd assumed the newcomer shared her rookie status. Instead, his innovative designs revealed remarkable talent.
Her opinion of the seemingly frivolous man improved slightly.
Olivia and Miranda presented next.
Miranda's usual provocative style had toned down considerably with her chairman present. Her conservative black jacket couldn't completely hide the scandalous white blouse beneath.
While Miranda's work lacked her colleagues' brilliance, it held unique merits. Yvonne wouldn't tolerate mediocrity.
Evelyn's turn approached, her pulse racing.
"You've got this, Evie!" Abigail whispered. "Just pretend it's a regular meeting."
Olivia added, "I was sweating bullets too, but once you start, it's not so bad."
Evelyn took a steadying breath, gathered her materials, and approached the podium.
As she inserted her flash drive, no one noticed Bernadette's smirk of anticipation...