Chapter 462

Vivienne couldn't stand watching the man she'd loved for a decade become someone else's husband.

Her fists clenched so tightly they trembled. "Are you certain you want to marry an ordinary employee, Mr. Blackwood? You deserve someone better. Ms. Sinclair lacks experience, no matter how you look at it..."

Dominic's gaze turned icy. "Oh? What kind of woman do you think I should deserve?"

Normally perceptive, Vivienne missed his displeasure entirely, too consumed by emotion.

She pressed on. "Mr. Blackwood, you need a woman who excels professionally yet remains gentle in private. A capable wife could share your burdens. You wouldn’t have to exhaust yourself like this."

Dominic set his pen down, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. "You're mistaken, Ms. Laurent. I want a wife who is my soulmate, not my business partner. Evelyn makes me feel at ease—something no one else can. She’s like the rib God took from me. Now that she’s back, my life is complete."

His voice softened, but his words cut deep. "You’ve never known true love, Ms. Laurent. That’s why you set conditions for a partner. When you find it, you’ll realize none of those conditions matter."

I already found him ten years ago! Vivienne wanted to scream.

But pride held her back.

Defeated, she murmured, "Forgive the interruption, Mr. Blackwood. I’ll return to work."

Dominic barely acknowledged her, already refocused on his documents.

Vivienne left his office, her mood black.

Back in her own space, she nearly shattered everything on her desk in fury.

Bernadette entered with coffee, well aware of Vivienne’s rage over Dominic’s engagement.

"Drink this. Calm down, Ms. Laurent."

Vivienne knocked the cup aside, her glare venomous. "Do I look like I want coffee?"

The scalding liquid burned Bernadette’s hand, but she bit back a cry. "Panicking won’t help. Honestly, I despise Evelyn Sinclair even more than you. That woman’s a seductress—flirting with the CEO and the general manager. How does Mr. Blackwood not see it?"

Vivienne’s frown deepened. "What? Evelyn’s involved with the general manager too?"

Bernadette spun her tale eagerly. "The entire design department’s seen it. During lunch, General Manager Blackwood sat so close to her, whispering things that nearly led to a kiss. She’s greedy—already has the CEO but still chases his brother-in-law!"

Her jealousy over Julian Blackwood’s attention toward Evelyn fueled her lies.

Vivienne’s hatred flared. "How could Mr. Blackwood love someone like that? Tell me, Ms. Worthing—do men really think with their dcks? What does she have that I don’t?"

Bernadette smirked. "Some men prefer women who seem pure but are wild in bed. That’s the only way she’s fooled Mr. Blackwood. Don’t worry—women like her always get dumped."

But Vivienne refused to believe Dominic could be so shallow. "No. He’s not that type. She must have manipulated him somehow."

Seeing her fury, Bernadette shivered but pressed on. "An engagement isn’t a marriage. For someone as brilliant as you, tearing them apart should be easy."

Vivienne suddenly laughed, her composure returning. "You’re right. Bring me another coffee."

Once alone, her smile turned chilling.

Bernadette’s correct. They’re only engaged.

As long as they don’t marry, I’ll find a way to destroy them.

At the Mansion

The engagement ceremony was tomorrow, but Evelyn’s nerves were frayed.

The CD’s threats echoed in her mind, wearing her down.

Her children played word games on the couch until Isabella noticed her mother’s distress.

She climbed into Evelyn’s lap, tiny fingers smoothing her furrowed brow. "What’s wrong, Mommy? You’re marrying Daddy tomorrow. Why are you sad?"

Evelyn hugged her tightly, inhaling her sweet scent. "Mommy’s just..."

A shrill ring cut her off.

The caller ID flashed Unknown.

Evelyn’s face paled.