Chapter 46

The limousine's engine purred to life.

Sebastian had handled all hotel arrangements with military precision beforehand.

Evelyn sat rigidly in the backseat. She deliberately avoided looking forward, terrified of accidentally meeting Dominic's gaze. Her eyes remained fixed on the passing cityscape.

Dominic flipped through financial reports with detached efficiency. His aristocratic fingers turned each page crisply. An aura of glacial indifference surrounded him, freezing any possibility of conversation.

Evelyn's throat constricted.

Anxiety always triggered her thirst reflex.

Upon arrival, Abigail didn't wait for Evelyn. She practically bounded toward the waiting executives, oozing professional charm.

The seasoned businesswoman had pieced everything together. That intimidating man Evelyn mentioned? None other than T Corporation's CEO himself - their ultimate superior.

Sebastian's poker face confirmed her suspicions. His deliberate seating arrangements spoke volumes.

Abigail nearly vibrated with excitement. This surpassed even her biggest career wins. As a pragmatic woman, she recognized the extra hurdles women faced climbing corporate ladders.

Evelyn Sinclair was her golden ticket. The boss's current obsession!

Whether fleeting fancy or serious interest didn't matter. The undeniable fact remained - Evelyn held Dominic Blackwood's attention.

Men shared a universal weakness. The unattainable fascinated them most. Abigail decided then to play Cupid.

Her career needed this strategic alliance. Someone who could whisper in the CEO's ear. Evelyn was perfect.

The hotel lobby swallowed their group.

As the most junior employee, Evelyn trailed two paces behind Dominic. Head bowed, she moved silently through marble halls toward the elevators.

The doors slid open.

Entering first trapped her near the control panel. Moving would require brushing past him. The thought made her skin crawl, so she stayed rooted.

The elevator ascended.

At the restaurant level, Evelyn took her assigned seat beside Dominic.

Courses arrived, followed by vintage wine.

Her phone buzzed urgently.

"Excuse me," she murmured, rising. "I need to take this."

Every head turned except Dominic's. "Make it quick," he commanded without looking up.

The hallway provided sanctuary. "Hello?"

Michelle from Design Department whispered frantically: "I just saw Nathan dragging some woman into the stairwell! He looked... guilty."

Evelyn's grip tightened.

"That cheating bastard!" Michelle hissed.

"Impossible..." They'd barely settled into the company. No way he'd already seduced someone new.

Besides, why would he keep harassing his ex if he had a new girlfriend?

Most damning - he'd proposed barely two weeks ago.

"Listen carefully - I'm putting you on speaker. Stay quiet." Michelle positioned her phone near the stairwell door before retreating.

"So you're ditching me now? Didn't hear complaints when you were pounding into me," a female voice sneered.

Evelyn froze.

"You came onto me first!" Nathan sounded furious.

"Took you one try to cave. Real men have self-control." The woman's mocking tone dripped with contempt.

"Shut up and abort it. I don't want your brat!"

"You think I'll obey? You screamed about knocking me up during sex! That's why I let you finish inside me! Now you refuse marriage? Think I'm stupid like Evelyn?"

Evelyn leaned against the wall, eyes closed.

Sophia was pregnant. Nathan hadn't denied paternity - just demanded termination. Proof of their ongoing affair.

Pregnancy tests required weeks to show positive. This betrayal spanned months.

She'd been blind. While Nathan proposed with fake devotion, he'd been sleeping with Sophia. Played for a fool.

That "accidental" WeChat message during his business trip? Probably Sophia's doing. That mysterious hotel room visitor? Undoubtedly Sophia.

Evelyn disconnected, thanking Michelle before returning.

Her seat beside Dominic felt like a trap. Requesting relocation would draw unwanted attention.

Abigail signaled a waiter to fill Evelyn's glass. "You kept everyone waiting," she chided loudly. "Apologize properly with a toast."

One glass wouldn't kill her.

Evelyn drained it swiftly.

The refilled glass glinted ominously. Already lightheaded from gulping the first, she barely registered the alcohol content.

As she moved to sit, Abigail's foot shot out.

Evelyn pitched sideways, wine splashing across...

"Evelyn!" Abigail feigned shock, retracting her foot. "Quick! Help Mr. Blackwood clean up!"