Chapter 113

"Yes, sir," Nathan responded.

Moments later, a steaming cup of coffee was placed before Dominic.

As Nathan stepped out, he nearly collided with Bianca approaching the office.

Her face was bare of makeup, her usual polished appearance replaced by exhaustion.

Nathan hesitated, opening his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately remained silent.

Bianca entered Dominic's office and closed the door firmly behind her.

"I'm sorry, Dominic," she rasped, standing before his desk. "This was all my brother's doing. He knew you were still recovering, yet he deliberately sent you up that treacherous hill. We never go there ourselves—he wanted you dead."

Dominic studied her pale features before replying, "I know."

"He won't apologize. He's already fled the country," Bianca continued, voice thick with emotion. "Please... spare my family. My father is aging, and I fear the backlash would destroy him. If punishment is necessary, take it out on me. I'll accept whatever you decide without protest."

Dominic regarded her with an unfamiliar intensity.

This was a side of Bianca he'd never seen before—no flawless makeup, no carefully curated perfection.

"I acknowledge your years of loyalty," he finally said, his tone detached. "Resign from Blackwood Group and disappear from my life. Do this, and your family remains untouched."

Tears spilled down Bianca's cheeks as the finality of his words sank in.

It was over.

Everything between them—finished.

She inhaled sharply, attempting to compose herself, but the tears refused to stop.

One last, lingering look at Dominic, then she turned and fled the office.

Once Bianca's footsteps faded, Lucas entered.

Knowing Dominic wouldn't tolerate any mention of Bianca, he cut straight to business.

"Your birthday's next week. If you don't want a hotel event, we could arrange something intimate at home."

Dominic took a slow sip of coffee. "Unnecessary."

He despised crowds and never celebrated his birthday.

"But Evelyn already prepared your gift," Lucas countered. "How will she give it to you without a gathering? And it's not something money can buy." He watched Dominic's reaction carefully.

Dominic tried to maintain indifference, but his eyes betrayed interest.

"She knitted you a sweater! Worked day and night to finish it in time," Lucas pressed. "When has any woman ever handmade you clothing? Don't you want to see it?"

Dominic typically avoided sweaters—found them cumbersome.

The laborious process of knitting one seemed downright absurd.

Yet he'd never call Evelyn absurd.

If she gifted him a sweater, he'd wear it.

"I know you hate crowds," Lucas amended. "Just lunch with a few close friends."

Dominic frowned, and Lucas quickly added, "Evelyn will be there, of course. She made the gift—she'll definitely come. Your place or a restaurant?"

"Restaurant."

"Consider it done. Should I inform Evelyn, or will you?"

"You handle it."

Lucas stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Haven't you two spoken at all? Adrian mentioned she kept asking to visit you—"

"She never came." Dominic's voice turned rough with suppressed emotion.

Lucas hadn't realized Dominic had been waiting for Evelyn to reach out first.

"She was probably consumed with knitting your sweater! It's her first attempt at knitting, and not an easy task..." Lucas mused before adding impulsively, "Since you hate sweaters, maybe I could—"

"You're mistaken," Dominic interrupted smoothly. "I adore sweaters."