Chapter 453
Vivienne was mentally strong.
Under Dominic's penetrating stare, she maintained a cool smile, though her chest tightened.
She knew exactly how sharp Dominic was.
Lying to him wasn't an option, so she confessed openly. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood. When I was in your car last time, I stopped by a convenience store to buy lingerie. But when I got home, one piece was missing. I didn’t dare ask you about it—after all, it’s intimate, and I felt awkward..."
The usually composed and icy Vivienne displayed an uncharacteristic flush of embarrassment.
Seeing her admit it so frankly, Dominic's suspicion faded.
If there had been any doubt, it vanished now.
He even found it amusing that Evelyn had made such a fuss over a random piece of women's clothing.
His woman was perfect in every way—except for her possessive streak.
But he adored her. He could indulge her, tolerate everything about her.
Vivienne had worked for him for years. Dominic knew her value.
Ms. Laurent was one of T Corporation’s top executives, generating immense wealth through sheer dedication. Yet she showed no interest in men and treated him with nothing but professional respect.
It never crossed Dominic’s mind that his subordinate harbored deeper feelings.
"I see. A simple oversight, then." Dominic nodded, satisfied.
Vivienne exhaled in relief.
"Don’t let it happen again, Ms. Laurent. I dislike personal belongings—especially women’s lingerie—cluttering my car. It leads to misunderstandings."
Her body stiffened.
Knowing his temperament, she understood the matter was closed. "Understood, Mr. Blackwood."
She was clever enough to use such tricks only once. Never again.
"Good." He returned to his work without another glance.
Vivienne hesitated, watching him with silent longing.
As Dominic reviewed documents, his phone buzzed—a message from Evelyn. Uncharacteristically, he set aside his work and opened it.
A playful GIF from her made the corners of his stern lips lift.
He replied swiftly.
Dominic: [You can kiss and hug me all you want when I get home.]
After a pause, he added a smirking emoji. The thought of Evelyn’s reaction softened his expression.
Vivienne froze, stunned by the sudden warmth in his eyes.
To her, Dominic was always ruthless, cold, decisive. She’d never seen him like this.
She tilted her head subtly, trying to glimpse his screen—and saw a cute profile picture labeled "Darling."
Darling?
A bolt of shock struck her chest.
When had Dominic grown so close to that woman? Close enough to call her Darling?
Her vision blurred. Her heart felt crushed under a weight she couldn’t breathe through.
She stood motionless, a statue before his desk, tears threatening to spill.
Dominic glanced up. "Ms. Laurent? Anything else?"
His deep voice snapped her back. Masking her pain, she forced a smile. "No, Mr. Blackwood. Excuse me."
She turned away, unable to face his indifference—his tenderness reserved for another.
Later, Dominic worked overtime. He insisted his driver take Evelyn home, but she refused, waiting to leave together.
Worried about his pregnant wife’s hunger, he sent her to a renowned dessert café nearby.
The café buzzed with patrons, its air sweet with the scent of pastries.
Evelyn sat by the window, savoring their signature stroopwafel—crisp outside, honeyed caramel within.
Then the door chimed.
Cassandra Prescott strode in, sunglasses perched arrogantly.
She’d been watching Evelyn since Lillian’s secret mission.
Today, luck favored her.
Cassandra slid into the seat opposite Evelyn, startling her.
"Ms. Sinclair. Evelyn Sinclair?" Cassandra removed her shades, revealing striking, sharp features.
Evelyn frowned at the gaudily dressed stranger. "Yes. Who are you?"
Cassandra lit a cigarette, blowing smoke carelessly. "No need for names. Just leave Dominic."
The smoke made Evelyn nauseous. But the demand left her numb.
Who is this woman? Why is she telling me to leave my husband?