Chapter 436

Quentin Prescott's face turned crimson with rage when he heard Dominic's counteroffer.

His hands trembled as he realized multiple potential partners were waiting in the wings.

The sheer scale of T Corporation's operations gave him pause.

If he rejected Dominic's terms now, the ruthless businessman would undoubtedly turn elsewhere.

And those alternative partners? None would be pushovers...

Clutching his tightening chest, Quentin waved weakly. "I need to consult my executive team. You'll have our answer shortly."

Dominic stubbed out his cigarette with finality. "Feel free to use any conference room, Mr. Prescott."

The meeting adjourned abruptly.

Vivi Group's executives filed into an adjacent boardroom for emergency discussions.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Sinclair returned to the design department with her colleagues.

Her fingers itched to comfort Dominic after the grueling negotiations. She longed to wrap her arms around him and ease his tension.

But their relationship remained strictly confidential at work.

No sooner had Evelyn settled at her workstation than the internal phone rang.

Dominic's deep voice commanded: "My office. Now."

Under Abigail's knowing smirk and Bernadette's jealous glare, Evelyn rose and walked toward the executive suite.

The hallway's new Persian carpet felt luxuriously soft beneath her feet, its intricate patterns whispering of Dominic's care.

She smiled, remembering how he'd installed the plush flooring after learning of her pregnancy - just to prevent any potential falls.

At the CEO's door, she barely had time to knock before strong arms yanked her inside.

Dominic's lips crashed against hers before she could protest, his embrace crushing the air from her lungs.

She pushed weakly against his chest. "Dominic... I can't... breathe..."

He released her reluctantly, hands lingering on her shoulders.

The mingled scents of tobacco and his cologne filled her nostrils. Normally repulsive, the smell now made her heart ache.

She knew he chain-smoked to cope with stress. Yet since her pregnancy began, he'd never lit up in her presence.

If the craving became unbearable, he'd excuse himself entirely.

This small sacrifice touched her deeply.

Resting her head against his chest, she listened to his steady heartbeat beneath the crisp white shirt.

Her fingers traced the stubble along his jaw. "Why the last-minute change? This deal means everything to you. You've barely slept preparing for it. Quentin's offer met all your requirements..."

Dominic's usually clean-shaven face showed signs of exhaustion. She knew profit margins weren't the issue.

Instead of answering, he kissed her again, softer this time.

When they parted, his gaze burned with quiet intensity.

In private, Dominic showed endless tenderness. But Evelyn recognized the ruthless ambition beneath - his true goal wasn't partnership, but complete acquisition of Vivi Group.

Meanwhile, Vivienne Laurent approached the CEO's suite in stiletto heels.

The plush new carpet silenced her footsteps.

Noticing the slightly ajar door, she raised her hand to knock - then froze.

The man she'd secretly loved for a decade stood embracing a petite woman, their lips locked in passionate kiss.

Though the woman faced away, Vivienne recognized Evelyn Sinclair instantly from her clothing and profile.

Bernadette's warnings about Dominic's infatuation came rushing back. Vivienne had dismissed them as jealous rumors.

Even photographic evidence hadn't convinced her that a man like Dominic would settle for someone so... ordinary.

Now, witnessing their intimacy firsthand, jealousy surged through Vivienne like poison.

Her nails dug into her palms as she watched Dominic's hands roam possessively over Evelyn's body.

This couldn't be happening.

Not after everything she'd done to position herself as his perfect match.

Vivienne stumbled back silently, her carefully constructed world crumbling around her.