Chapter 243

[My alcohol tolerance is insane!]

[It's all of us versus Dominic Blackwood. We've got this!]

Julian Whitmore smirked as he read the fired-up messages lighting up his phone screen.

Why had he been so generous inviting Dominic to this party?

This was his master plan.

Hurt Evelyn Thorne, and you hurt him.

Julian might not be able to take Dominic down in business, but outdrinking him? That was his specialty!

That evening, Eleanor Blackwood requested Dominic bring Zoe Montgomery to the family estate for dinner.

The meal commenced as soon as they arrived.

"You should visit more often when you're free, Doctor Montgomery," Eleanor said warmly. "Dominic rarely makes time for you."

Zoe nodded gracefully. "Of course. I'll come by regularly if I'm not intruding."

"Intruding? Nonsense! I adore accomplished women like you!"

After the pleasant dinner, Eleanor summoned Dominic to her private quarters.

"Doctor Montgomery would make an excellent match, Dominic. You're not getting younger. Why not get engaged?" Eleanor pressed.

"Not until Sophia's fully recovered," Dominic deflected, searching for excuses.

"Sophia's condition has nothing to do with your marriage!"

"I want her present at my wedding."

"Dominic, she could attend right now! Didn't you say her condition improved post-surgery?"

He shook his head stubbornly.

"I'm suggesting engagement, not marriage. Doctor Montgomery sacrificed her prestigious career for you. Show some gratitude," Eleanor chided, then demanded, "What's really holding you back?"

"No engagement," Dominic stated flatly. "I don't love her. The moment I find another specialist for Sophia, we're through. You're a woman, Mother. You know marrying her without love would destroy her."

Eleanor's expression hardened.

"Do you think I married your father for love? Many couples maintain perfect facades while living separate lives. Their marriages still last decades."

"Just because others tolerate misery doesn't mean I will," Dominic countered.

"You're impossible! Fine, I won't nag further," Eleanor snapped, changing subjects abruptly. "Your father's death anniversary is next month."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "I know. If that's all, I'm leaving."

"At least reconsider things with Doctor Montgomery!"

Exiting, Dominic informed Zoe of his departure.

Zoe walked him out. "I'll stay a while longer."

He gave a curt nod.

Thirty minutes later, Eleanor retired for the night.

Julian finally cornered Zoe alone.

"Confirmed—my uncle's attending Evelyn's birthday this Saturday," Julian revealed, studying Zoe's reaction. "He'll definitely drink. Retrieve him when he's wasted. If he's blackout drunk, he's yours. If not..."

Julian produced a tiny vial.

"One sip of this, and that proper gentleman becomes an animal in bed."

Zoe's lips parted in shock.

Disgraceful... but necessary.

She snatched the vial, sneering, "You're disturbingly experienced with these tricks."

Julian flushed crimson.

"You asked for solutions, Doctor Montgomery. With my uncle, dirty tricks are the only way he'd ever touch you!"

"Enough! I know he loves Evelyn Thorne! So what? I'm his girlfriend now!" Zoe hissed. "After we sleep together, I'll make him marry me!"