Chapter 449

Gideon Blackwood barely hesitated before agreeing to Dominic Blackwood's proposition.

The money was too tempting to refuse.

Though he'd amassed fortunes through shady dealings, his extravagant lifestyle had drained every penny.

Now he was drowning in debt with empty bank accounts.

Still, curiosity got the better of him. "Mr. Blackwood, I appreciate your trust, but aren't you worried I'll swindle your company like I've done to others?"

Dominic's lips curved into a confident smirk. "Mr. Blackwood, if you can pull it off, be my guest."

His tone was light, but his piercing gaze told another story.

That deceptively gentle stare sent chills down Gideon's spine. He remembered the dossier he'd dug up on Dominic.

Behind that charming smile lurked a predator who dismantled enemies with ruthless precision.

Turning a failing company into a global empire in mere years? No one achieved that by playing nice.

Gideon's playful demeanor vanished. He raised his glass solemnly. "To our partnership, Mr. Blackwood."

"To us," Dominic echoed.

This alliance was a calculated risk. Gideon was a wildcard—brilliant but unpredictable.

Yet Dominic trusted his instincts. Controlled properly, this madman could become his most valuable weapon.

Back at the hotel suite, Evelyn Sinclair lounged on the velvet sofa, engrossed in a fashion magazine.

Curled up like a contented cat, she absentmindedly twirled a rose petal caught in her chestnut locks.

The juxtaposition of innocence and allure was mesmerizing. Dominic had known countless beauties, but none radiated Evelyn's tranquil warmth.

He scooped her up effortlessly, settling her onto his lap. "What's so fascinating?"

"Oh! Is your friend gone?" She snuggled closer, her citrusy perfume enveloping him.

"Mm. We're heading back to A City soon. Hungry?" He interlaced their fingers, resting his chin on her head.

Pregnancy had turned his usually disciplined Evelyn into a snack monster.

She gestured to the half-eaten tiramisu. "Room service already spoiled me. But look—" She grabbed his hand excitedly. "This magazine teaches palm reading!"

His elegant fingers resembled sculpted marble.

The deeply etched career and wisdom lines spanned his palm impressively.

"Your fate lines are incredible!" Evelyn traced them with awe. "Smooth sailing through life's storms. And this—" Her fingertip paused between his index and middle fingers. "Your heart line shows deep commitment capacity... though these minor branches indicate serious lady-killer tendencies."

Seraphina Prescott. Lillian Prescott. Vivienne Laurent. The names flashed through her mind like warning signs.

Why did women flock to this man like moths to flame?

Dominic nipped her pout with a kiss. "Only weak men stray. You're my entire universe, Evelyn. Those girls are children compared to you."

Her cheeks pinked. "I'm not your wife yet, Mr. Blackwood."

Their playful banter distracted them from the ominous tangle where his heart line crossed his lifeline—a twisted fusion ending at his wrist's edge.

The conversation turned to wedding plans until Evelyn hesitated. "I had this nightmare... You vanished on our wedding day. Left me standing alone in white, humiliated..."

Dominic crushed her against his chest. "Never. Dreams lie. If anyone gets abandoned, it'll be me." His lips found her forehead. "Our wedding will be perfect. I promise."

He maneuvered her onto the bed, spooning her from behind. Burying his face in her nape, he inhaled her jasmine scent.

Exhaustion weighed heavy—back in A City, corporate battles awaited. But here, wrapped around Evelyn, he found peace.

Reassured by his heartbeat, she turned to face him. Two months until she became Mrs. Blackwood!

Giddy excitement overtook her. She rained featherlight kisses across his face—forehead, brows, nose, even his stubbled jaw.

Each peck was sweeter than the last. She'd doze off, then wake to repeat the ritual like a lovestruck teenager.

Finally, Dominic pinned her beneath him, eyes darkening. "Keep this up, and I won't be responsible for the consequences."

Evelyn giggled her surrender.

As she settled against him, Dominic kissed her temple, arms locking possessively around his sleeping fiancée.

His eyelids grew heavy...