Chapter 177
The easiest way to avoid Zoe demanding anything more from him was to pay her a substantial sum. Money solved everything.
Dominic knew that.
Zoe Montgomery’s eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Blackwood, you can’t be serious. Sophia’s condition isn’t something that can be fixed with just one surgery. You know as well as I do that while her cognitive abilities have improved slightly, she’s far from independent. If you want her to continue progressing, there will be more procedures—second, third, maybe even more."
Dominic listened in silence. Zoe was only here on her annual leave. She wouldn’t have this kind of time later.
"Dr. Montgomery," he said after a pause, "what are your long-term career plans?"
There was no question—he wanted Sophia to keep receiving treatment. If her intelligence could reach a level where she could care for herself, that would be ideal.
Zoe understood exactly what he was asking. He wanted her to continue treating Sophia, but she might not stay in Ravenswood indefinitely.
She sighed. "Mr. Blackwood, to be honest, I’m at a crossroads. I’m thirty-four, and my family is pressuring me about marriage. My career isn’t my top priority right now."
When Dominic didn’t respond, she decided to be blunt. "If you want me to keep treating Sophia, there’s a simple solution."
His expression darkened.
"Miss Montgomery," he said after a tense silence, "I can introduce you to someone suitable."
Zoe’s smile faltered, but she forced a laugh. "I didn’t expect that from you."
"Because I need you to continue Sophia’s treatment," Dominic said flatly. "But I will never marry again."
She studied his sharp features, her gaze lingering.
"Mr. Blackwood, marriage isn’t the only option. Let’s be honest—any woman who’s met you would struggle to settle for less. Why don’t we… keep each other company? That way, my family stops nagging, and I can focus entirely on Sophia’s case."
She had found his weakness—Sophia’s condition. If he was willing to spend a fortune on her treatment, was it too much to ask for him to play the role of her lover?
Unless he didn’t care about Sophia’s progress anymore.
She was forcing him to choose.
Meanwhile, at Thornfield Industries, Evelyn Thorne had just wrapped up her morning meeting when her assistant stepped in.
"President Thorne, Vincent Holloway from Aureate Tech is here to see you. He used to be our VP," the assistant informed her.
Evelyn’s lips thinned. She hadn’t forgotten how Vincent had called to gloat when Thornfield Industries collapsed.
She strode into the conference room.
Vincent stood, flashing a charming smile. "Evelyn, it’s been too long. You look even more stunning than I remember."
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, unimpressed. "What do you want?"
He chuckled. "Your offer to rehire former employees at double their old salaries has made waves. I was wondering if there’s room for me too?"
Evelyn arched a brow. "No."
His smile vanished. He hadn’t expected such a blunt refusal.
"Just a joke," he backtracked, forcing a laugh. "I’m doing fine at Aureate Tech."
"Then why are you here?" she pressed.
Vincent hesitated. "Just… visiting."
Her lips curled. "Is Thornfield Industries a zoo? Or a café?"
Fuming, he stormed out.
Evelyn returned to her office, unfazed. Just as she reached for her water, her phone rang.
She set the glass down and answered.
"Evelyn!" Sophie Mercer’s furious voice crackled through the line. "Dominic is dating that doctor! What the hell? I thought Sophia was the only woman he cared about!"