Chapter 479

Lillian had chosen a white dress, believing it made her appear angelic and virtuous.

Someone once told her she resembled a blooming lily when dressed in white.

On the way to the restaurant, Donovan had accidentally stained Lillian's dress.

Though the mark was barely noticeable, Lillian, ever the perfectionist, stopped at the boutique next door.

She purchased an entirely new outfit.

After changing, Lillian arrived at Restaurant Nine, but Dominic hadn't shown up yet.

Seated by the window in the lavish restaurant, she gazed at the city lights, her beautiful face etched with discontent.

Normally, the man would be the one waiting for the woman.

Yet here she was, having made the reservation herself, sitting alone like some desperate fool. The injustice of it stung.

Lillian wore an elegant yellow cocktail dress. Paired with her alluring makeup, she looked like a vision under the soft restaurant lighting.

Her delicate features carried a hint of vulnerability, the kind that made men want to protect her.

She had deliberately chosen a table in the open instead of a private room.

First, because she wanted her beauty to be admired. Second, because if she and Dominic were seen together, it would make headlines by morning.

Exactly as she intended.

Half an hour later, Dominic finally arrived.

He spotted Lillian by the window, chin resting on her hand, lost in thought. Approaching quietly, he took the seat across from her.

"Apologies, Ms. Prescott," he said smoothly. "Work has been relentless lately. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting."

He pulled out the chair and sat, every inch the aristocratic gentleman—cold, composed, effortlessly captivating.

The moment Lillian saw him, her earlier irritation melted away. The world seemed brighter, colors more vivid, just because he was in it.

He was like sunlight after a storm, reviving her parched spirit.

Just being near him made her feel alive.

She smiled sweetly. "It’s no trouble at all. I just got here myself."

Even if she’d waited an hour, she would’ve gladly waited all night just to see him.

Dominic masked the ice in his gaze with a polite smile. "What would you like to order? Shall I call for the menu?"

Lillian tilted her head thoughtfully. "I’m not picky. You can choose whatever you prefer."

The more she looked at him, the more his sharp features mesmerized her.

Dominic chuckled lightly. "Nonsense. Surely you have favorites, Ms. Prescott. Order whatever you like—don’t hold back on my account."

He had no intention of eating. Even if this place served ambrosia, he wouldn’t stomach a bite across from her.

If not for his ulterior motives, he wouldn’t waste a second on this charade.

All he wanted was to go home—to Evelyn and the children.

Evelyn’s cooking, simple as it was, surpassed any gourmet meal. These days, with her pregnancy, they’d hired chefs to ease her burden, but she still cooked for them sometimes.

Those family dinners were what he truly cherished.

Lillian blinked at his refusal but quickly recovered, her smile widening. "Dominic, we’ve known each other so long. Must you still call me 'Ms. Prescott'? Just 'Lillian' is fine."

She leaned forward slightly. "I’ve dined here before with my parents. The food is exquisite. Why don’t you tell me your preferences, and I’ll order for you?"

Dominic met her gaze evenly. "That’s kind of you, Ms. Prescott, but I have no particular tastes. Please, order as you wish."

Lillian’s smile tightened.

He still refused to call her by her first name.

Yet he’d never referred to Evelyn as "Ms. Sinclair." The double standard grated on her.

But it was this very arrogance that drew her in.

Patience, she reminded herself. Evelyn would be out of the picture soon.

The thought soothed her irritation.

To avoid awkwardness, Lillian placed their order—small, delicate portions of the restaurant’s finest dishes.

The waiter returned swiftly with their food, then discreetly retreated.

Lillian picked at her meal, stealing glances at Dominic, who barely touched his drink.

Seizing the moment, she ventured, "Dominic… what happened between you and Ms. Sinclair? I heard she called off the engagement. I always thought you two were so in love."

Her wide, innocent eyes hid her true intent.

Internally, Dominic scoffed. Outwardly, he shrugged. "These things happen. Perhaps my flaws made her insecure. She chose to leave."

Lillian sighed sympathetically. "If she wants to go, let her. She’s losing an incredible man. Half the women in this city would kill to marry you." She smiled coyly. "One tree falls, but the forest remains."

Dominic’s lashes lowered, shadowing his cold gaze. "Does that forest include you, Ms. Prescott?"

He had no interest in forests.

His heart had been barren for years—until Evelyn took root there. Fragile yet stubborn, she’d brought life to his wasteland.

Lillian was testing him. He knew it.

So he met her eyes, his voice cool. "Some forests aren’t worth the trees."

One day soon, she’d pay for her games.