Chapter 443

Dominic steadied Old Mr. Prescott as he rose. The elderly gentleman's eyes sparkled with gratitude when he saw Evelyn.

"You came, Dominic and Evelyn. How thoughtful of you to visit an old man like me. And you brought gifts!"

Dominic gave a respectful nod and placed the fruit basket on the table. He guided Old Mr. Prescott back into his chair. "Please rest. Evelyn and I heard you weren't feeling well. How are you now?"

"Nothing serious, just old age catching up," Old Mr. Prescott chuckled warmly. "Evelyn, I've been meaning to ask you about the design plans. There are a few details I don't quite understand..."

Evelyn smiled softly. "I'd be happy to clarify everything for you, Old Mr. Prescott."

"Wonderful! Lillian, come greet our guests," he called out.

Lillian approached with practiced grace, her voice honeyed. "Grandfather."

Her smile was flawless, but Evelyn caught the icy daggers in her gaze. A shiver ran down her spine.

Old Mr. Prescott beamed. "This is Evelyn Sinclair, the brilliant architect from T Corporation. Such talent at her age!"

Lillian masked her disdain. "We've met, Grandfather. Evelyn... assisted me during my commercial shoot at T Corporation."

The memory of losing her endorsement deal to this woman still burned.

"Oh? You know Ms. Sinclair?" A sharp voice cut in. Old Mrs. Prescott eyed Evelyn critically. "Which university did you attend, dear?"

The older woman knew her granddaughter's feelings for Dominic. She approved of the match—Lillian was refined, accomplished, and beautiful. Far superior to this nobody.

Evelyn sensed the hostility but remained composed. "Just an ordinary school abroad, Old Mrs. Prescott. Names matter less than skills, don't you think? Degrees open doors, but ability keeps them open."

Old Mrs. Prescott sniffed. "My Lillian graduated from London College of Arts—top-tier globally. She won Best Actress in her debut! Unlike some who probably bought their degrees..."

Evelyn's smile didn't waver. "My alma mater doesn't sell degrees, Old Mrs. Prescott. St. Andrew's ranks third in England for academic rigor. Not Oxford, but certainly no diploma mill."

The barb struck home. Lillian flushed—her prestigious-sounding school ranked far lower.

Old Mrs. Prescott pursed her lips but held her tongue. She wouldn't make a scene in front of guests.

Meanwhile, Dominic, Jonathan, and Old Mr. Prescott discussed business. Jonathan grew increasingly impressed by Dominic's acumen. T Corporation dominated the city's economy under his leadership, contributing a third of its tax revenue.

The bribery evidence in Jonathan's pocket suddenly felt heavier. Report it? The consequences could be catastrophic. He shelved the dilemma for later.

"What's the status on the downtown redevelopment?" Jonathan asked instead.

Dominic, dressed in understated black, exuded quiet authority. "T Corporation and Vivi Group have finalized contracts. Construction begins next week. The district will be transformed."

Old Mr. Prescott sighed. "Edmund was lucky to have you. His son Zachary was a disappointment... Dominic, I'd have made you my grandson-in-law if you weren't already taken."

Dominic's gaze softened as it found Evelyn. His voice carried quiet finality. "I appreciate the sentiment, but my heart belongs to Evelyn. We're getting married May first."

The declaration silenced the garden. Reactions varied—Old Mr. Prescott's disappointment, Old Mrs. Prescott's frustration, Jonathan's shock, Genevieve's resignation, Evelyn's stunned disbelief.

May first? Since when?

Lillian's heart twisted violently. So soon? Her nails dug into her palms as she glared at Evelyn. The hatred in her eyes could melt steel.