Chapter 134

The tailored suit made him look younger, yet people still treated him with the deference reserved for someone older.

It clearly irritated him.

"I'm Evelyn's—"

Dominic started to speak, but Evelyn cut him off by grasping his hand firmly. "I don't know this guy," she said quickly. "It's freezing out here. Let's get to the car!"

Sophie smoothly maneuvered the persistent student out of their path.

Evelyn shot her friend a grateful glance before guiding Dominic back to the waiting Rolls-Royce.

"You shouldn't be walking so much when your legs haven't fully healed," she chided gently, her voice laced with concern.

"The pain's gone," Dominic insisted.

His gaze dropped to the floral arrangement in Evelyn's arms.

"There's something hidden in the bouquet," he mentioned casually.

"What?" Evelyn's eyes widened as she stared at him. "You got me a present? But I didn't get you anything."

An awkward silence settled between them.

They'd spent the entire week confined to the house.

When had he possibly arranged this?

Dominic opened the car door, ushering Evelyn inside first.

"I didn't expect anything in return."

The rich timbre of his voice sent an unexpected flutter through Evelyn's chest.

Inside the vehicle, she carefully parted the blooms to discover a petite rose-gold jewelry box.

The diamond ring inside took her breath away.

Though elegantly simple in design, the center stone was... substantial.

When Dominic settled beside her, she couldn't resist teasing him.

"I never pegged you as the flashy type. Since when do you have such... bold taste?"

"You don't like it?" Dominic's intense gaze locked onto hers. "What style would you prefer?"

He'd assumed all women adored diamonds—the more impressive, the better.

Evelyn lifted the ring, letting it catch the light. "Don't you think it's slightly... excessive? A stone this size might make my hand look disproportionate."

Dominic studied her delicate fingers and vehemently disagreed.

Everything looked exquisite on her.

"I couldn't bring myself to give you anything less," he said simply.

"Fine, forget I mentioned it," Evelyn conceded, carefully replacing the ring. "Thank you for coming to the recital."

"You have an exceptional voice," Dominic murmured.

Her angelic tones still echoed in his mind.

"Why did you choose art history?" he asked suddenly.

Evelyn's grip tightened around the flowers. "You want to know why I picked that major?"

Dominic shook his head.

"My stepmother chose it for me. She convinced my father it was an easy degree." Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Not exactly the most practical field unless you come from money."

"Your father left you Thornfield Industries. He ensured your future," Dominic pointed out.

"He never mentioned it before he died." Bitterness crept into her voice. "After cheating on my mother, he barely acknowledged me. I hated him."

"Perhaps he felt he'd failed your mother and didn't want to repeat that mistake."

"How would you know? Is that how all men think?"

"We're discussing your father."

"Yet you sound like you understand him perfectly."

Evelyn caught herself before the conversation escalated further.

"Did you coordinate your outfit with mine tonight?" she asked instead.

Her navy jacket over white blouse mirrored Dominic's white shirt beneath a sapphire waistcoat—close enough to appear intentional.

The question visibly flustered him.

Why did she have to call attention to it?

"Yes," Dominic admitted bluntly, leaving Evelyn momentarily speechless.

Upon returning home, Evelyn showered first.

As Dominic took his turn, she lounged in bed scrolling through her phone when his device suddenly illuminated.

She glanced over to see a message notification from Lucas.