Chapter 74

Dominic's expression clearly conveyed that if he wouldn't bring the woman himself, he should at least let them meet her.

Julian had always been fascinated by the psychology of a man like his brother who'd remained celibate for over five years. How could any healthy male function normally without female companionship? It defied all logic!

"Are you saying she's not good enough for us? Imagine how that would make her feel..." The elderly patriarch studied his grandson's face carefully, watching for any sign that Dominic might be one of those playboys who slept around but secretly looked down on their partners.

Dominic realized his grandfather had no other options left. The old man probably regretted not disciplining his own son better when he had the chance. Though that man didn't deserve respect, his grandfather remained the sensible one.

This interrogation was clearly born from desperation to see him married.

"She's easily frightened. I don't want you two scaring her away." Dominic casually picked up a document, implying it wasn't about hiding her from them, but protecting her from their overwhelming personalities.

The insulted grandfather and brother exchanged glances.

"She's delicate and reserved around strangers. Shy as a rabbit. But you two..." Dominic's disdainful gaze swept over them, his frown deepening.

The grandfather, who'd been ready to strike his grandson with his cane, suddenly remembered he was supposed to be the gentle elder. He lowered his cane awkwardly, clearing his throat as he composed his features back into kindly benevolence.

Julian, the instigator, couldn't resist adding, "If she's truly as timid as you claim, I'd wager you're the one terrifying her most..."

As a grown man with normal desires, Julian understood intimacy between couples. With his brother's pent-up energy from five years of abstinence and that formidable physique, any delicate woman would be devoured whole.

'Poor girl,' Julian thought. 'After a night with Dominic, would she even have strength left to function during daylight hours?'

Evelyn spent her morning hour at the hospital.

The taxi ride to her office was perfectly timed - neither late nor too early.

When she submitted her design work, the department head was thoroughly impressed. He praised her extensively, saying her work shone with professional brilliance far beyond a novice's level - more like a decade-long master's touch.

Evelyn suspected Dominic must be that master designer.

A message popped up from Abigail: "The department head loved your design! Consider your probation period passed."

Truthfully, Abigail knew Evelyn would stay regardless of her skills. When the CEO himself intervened, no one dared object.

Another message followed: "Guess who our best designer is?"

"Who?" Evelyn replied briefly, occupied with work.

"Our CEO, obviously! His designs grace buildings across five developed countries. Even our city center library is his work. After taking over the family business and cleaning up their mess, he stopped designing professionally." Abigail's rapid typing conveyed her excitement.

Evelyn stared at her screen in shock.

That stunning library she'd admired during her first subway exploration was Dominic's creation?

"Such a pity we'll never get to see his personal sketches," Abigail lamented in another message.

Evelyn reopened the design she'd submitted - the one Dominic had drawn for her last night. She studied it intently until her phone rang.

"Dr. Harrison?" Evelyn answered softly, stepping away from the main office.

The hospital needed Robert's ID card.

"I'll deliver it this afternoon," she promised.

After finishing her morning tasks, Evelyn skipped lunch and took a taxi straight to her father and Victoria's place.

Though she dreaded seeing Victoria, she had no choice. The ID was at home, and her bedridden father couldn't retrieve it himself. She'd have to endure whatever unpleasantness awaited.

En route, Evelyn tried calling Victoria.

"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

Multiple attempts yielded the same result.

Gazing at the bustling streets outside her window, Evelyn scrolled through her contacts and called Sophia instead.

"Why call me? Did Dad die? Need us to rush to his funeral?" Sophia snapped, annoyed at the interruption during her mobile game.

Evelyn ignored the sarcasm. "Are you home? I need to pick up Dad's ID card."

"I'm here. Come get it." Sophia hung up abruptly.

Evelyn frowned, bracing herself for whatever awaited at that apartment.

Meanwhile, Sophia rose from bed thoughtfully and called Nathan. "You wanted to talk? Get to my place in twenty minutes."

Nathan was out with his team leader but rushed over immediately after her call.

His mother, desperate to keep her potential grandchild, had withdrawn cash to buy Sophia an apartment - down payment paid, property under Sophia's name. Nathan nearly went mad at his mother's reckless actions.

Though Patricia later regretted trusting the unreliable Sophia, the deed was done. Her only hope was pushing for a quick marriage and safe delivery of her grandchild.

Nathan had bombarded Sophia's phone with calls that night, only to be ignored. Now that she'd initiated contact, giving him a twenty-minute ultimatum, he had no choice but to comply.

Finding the door unlocked, Nathan entered to an empty living room and bedroom. Approaching the bathroom, he called, "You in there?"

"Come in," Sophia commanded.

Nathan frowned but opened the door.

Sophia stood fresh from her bath, skin glistening with frankincense-scented droplets. Her soft body pressed against him as her wandering hands explored purposefully.

"Excited already?" She sank to her knees.

Her warm mouth closed around him.

Nathan's eyes shut involuntarily as a groan escaped his lips. His hands tangled in her hair.

She gazed up through her lashes, ensuring his pleasure before pulling away.

"Hurry up. I need to return to work," Nathan urged impatiently.

Consumed by desire, he forgot to question Sophia's sudden change from cold indifference to passionate invitation. Only one thing mattered now.

Kneeling on damp tiles, Sophia's delicate fingers worked at Nathan's belt buckle, unfastening it with practiced ease before unzipping his trousers.