Chapter 246

Sophie pulled out a fresh blouse for Evelyn.

"What in the world happened to you? How did you manage to tear off all your buttons?" Sophie eyed her suspiciously, then gasped. "Evelyn, did you get into a physical altercation?"

Evelyn shrugged as she slipped into the blouse. "You could say that."

"And you lost, didn't you? You look like you've been through a warzone." Sophie poured her a steaming cup of tea. "You're the CEO of a billion-dollar corporation now. You should really consider hiring security. Look at Dominic—he’s practically surrounded by an army of bodyguards. I heard they’re all ex-special forces..."

Evelyn gave a bitter laugh. "If that’s the case, I don’t need to hire anyone else."

Sophie frowned. "Why?" Then realization dawned. "Oh, tell me he didn’t—what did that bastard do this time?"

Evelyn took a sip of tea before setting the cup down.

"Thanks for the blouse. I need to get back to the office." Lucas had been blowing up her phone for updates on the negotiations.

She had to return immediately. "Let me walk you out," Sophie insisted, concern etched on her face.

"No need, I’m fine. This isn’t our first fight." Evelyn’s voice was weary.

"I know, but it’s the first time he’s laid hands on you!" Sophie suddenly turned and rummaged through her purse before pulling out a sleek canister. She pressed it into Evelyn’s palm. "Take this pepper spray. Next time he tries anything, blind him."

At Thornfield Tower, Lucas did a double take at Evelyn’s changed attire.

"Negotiations didn’t go well?"

"Nope," Evelyn admitted.

"It’s fine," Lucas reassured her. "We can always expand our sales team and handle distribution ourselves."

Evelyn nodded. "That’s what I was thinking. We’re just starting out. Slow and steady wins the race."

Lucas had never been passionate about business or profits. He stayed with Evelyn out of loyalty. He trusted her to lead.

"Lucas, the funds from our overseas ventures might have to cover this project… We could break even, or we might lose everything," Evelyn confessed after a long pause.

"Don’t stress over it. Money comes and goes. We’ll make more." Lucas squeezed her shoulder. "Remember how rough things were when we first started abroad?"

Evelyn exhaled, some tension easing. "Maybe it was easier back then because I had nothing to lose."

"Just focus on your own path. Don’t let others dictate your worth," Lucas said firmly.

Evelyn chuckled, feeling lighter. "Since when did you get so wise, Lucas?"

"Ha! Come on, let’s go shopping. That blouse is tragic on you." Lucas wrinkled his nose. "Your birthday’s this weekend. You need something stunning."

He practically dragged her out of the office.

Late that afternoon, Dominic strode into Blackwood Group’s headquarters with Nathan trailing behind.

"Nathan, I won’t be attending Evelyn’s party this weekend," Dominic stated flatly.

Nathan already knew why. The explosive argument that afternoon had left Dominic seething.

His pride had taken a hit.

Ripping off her blouse and throwing cash in public… Dominic felt humiliated.

Even if the restaurant had been nearly empty, bystanders had undoubtedly witnessed the spectacle.

"I’ll go with Lucas then," Nathan said. "Someone from the company should make an appearance."

Dominic’s gaze landed on a sleek black bag on the table. "What’s this?"

Nathan cleared his throat, struggling for words.