Chapter 415

Madam Nora froze. "Who is this?"

With a charming smile, Lucas replied, "This is Mr. Kent."

Realization flashed across Madam Nora's face. "Ah, Mr. Kent. I've been eager to meet you."

Dominic stepped forward, taking her hand with practiced grace and pressing a light kiss to her knuckles. "The honor is mine, Madam Nora."

She smiled approvingly.

After exchanging a firm handshake with Lucas, Dominic's sharp gaze landed on Evelyn.

One brow arched playfully as he asked, "And who might this lovely lady be?"

Madam Nora interjected warmly, "This is Ms. Zara. Evelyn Vanderbilt."

Evelyn offered a polite nod in greeting.

"Is that so?" Dominic's dark eyes gleamed with predatory interest. "Evelyn Vanderbilt, the famous Ms. Zara. What an unexpected pleasure."

'Unexpected? Why would he say that?' Evelyn wondered silently.

Dominic settled into the seat beside Lucas, directly across from Evelyn. As he engaged Lucas in lively conversation, the designer eventually revealed, "Mr. Kent has joined the Viana Jewelry Show as this year's co-sponsor."

Madam Nora's eyes widened. "I didn't know you had an interest in jewelry, Mr. Kent."

A slow, knowing smile curved Dominic's lips. "I'm fascinated by all things beautiful."

His gaze locked with Evelyn's as he spoke, making her stiffen before quickly looking away.

'Who is this man? Have we met before?'

Nearby, Oliver Lawson broke into a cold sweat at the sight of Dominic. His fingers flew across his phone screen as he urgently texted Nathan.

The Kents were dangerous, especially Dominic. And now, it seemed their sights were set on Evelyn.

An hour later, the dinner concluded. As Madam Nora prepared to leave, Evelyn stood. "Allow me to escort you back, madam."

Before Madam Nora could respond, Lucas smoothly intervened. "I'll take Madam Nora home—it's on my way."

Madam Nora nodded. "No need to trouble yourself, dear. You should rest at the hotel."

Evelyn smiled but said nothing.

Once Madam Nora departed, Evelyn turned to Dominic. "I'll be going now, Mr. Kent."

Dominic rose leisurely. "Let me walk you to your room, Ms. Vanderbilt."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Mr. Kent, I have to ask—do we know each other?"

He stepped closer, invading her personal space. "What do you think?"

Whether intentional or not, his proximity made her skin crawl. She suppressed a shudder. 'Disgusting man.'

Dominic inhaled deeply, his smirk widening. "Are you wearing perfume, Ms. Vanderbilt?"

Evelyn took a deliberate step back. "I don't wear perfume, Mr. Kent. My room is just upstairs—no need for an escort."

With that, she turned on her heel and left.

Dominic watched her retreating figure, tongue tracing his lower lip thoughtfully. A dark glint entered his eyes.

'How entertaining it would be to steal Nathan's woman right from under him.'

Later that night, Evelyn soaked in the bathtub, staring absently at the starry sky through the window.

Something about Dominic unsettled her. Whether he was a predator or simply arrogant, she wanted nothing to do with him.

The living room lights were off when she stepped out. Just as her hand reached for the switch, a strong arm yanked her into the shadows, a palm clamping over her mouth.