Chapter 250

Dominic suddenly grasped Evelyn's fingers. Her phone clattered onto the table as he abruptly released her.

Lucas had been right - this entire speech was aimed directly at her. The executives exchanged stunned glances.

Oh God. Was something brewing between them? Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks. She gulped down the entire glass of juice before her.

Thank heavens today wasn't her actual birthday. What a delightful present - a corporate lecture on her special day, Evelyn thought bitterly. Dominic kept droning on about business strategies between sips of whiskey.

He seemed to have completely forgotten whose celebration this was supposed to be.

Evelyn had consumed two plates of pasta and a bowl of fruit salad. An hour later, he was still pontificating. She massaged her temples and glared at him.

Dominic cleared his throat, locking eyes with her. "Evelyn, did you take notes on everything I said?"

"Let's drink!" Evelyn avoided his gaze, pouring herself a generous measure before filling his glass. "After all this time, we've never shared a proper toast!"

Before Dominic could respond, she'd already drained her glass.

At the neighboring table, Sophie gasped dramatically. "Evelyn's lost her mind!"

Adrian murmured to Sophie, "Looks like Evelyn's the one taking Dominic down tonight - not Mike, certainly not the executives."

As he spoke, they watched Dominic raise his glass and finish it in one go. Sophie's eyes widened. "What are they playing at?"

Adrian smirked. "It's obvious. There's either unresolved tension or pure animosity between them."

"They'll never reconcile. Not with Zoe in the picture... and Sophia... Even if Evelyn's gone mad, she'd never..." Sophie trailed off with a dismissive wave.

The drinking continued for another thirty minutes.

Dominic was thoroughly intoxicated, and Evelyn wasn't far behind. She pressed her fingertips to her throbbing temples, fighting to stay conscious.

Mike remained the only sober one. He dragged Lucas away for another round - clearly he'd intended to get everyone drunk tonight!

At 10:30 pm, Zoe appeared in the banquet hall, her stilettoes clicking sharply against marble. The sound made Evelyn look up. Their eyes met.

"Happy Birthday, Miss Thorne." Zoe towered over Evelyn, looking down her nose. "I'm here for Dominic."

Evelyn's alcohol-fogged brain struggled to form words. She managed only a weak hand gesture in response.

"Miss Thorne, how could you let him get this drunk? You know his health condition!" Zoe scolded while signaling the driver to help Dominic up. "I thought you cared about him, given your history!"

They couldn't maneuver Dominic to the car in his state. Zoe had no choice but to book a room. As soon as the driver deposited Dominic on the bed, Zoe retrieved the vial Julian had given her. Tonight was her chance.

Lucas had texted: (Not my intention, Miss Thorne. Let him drink if he wants. Just humor him.)

Evelyn set her phone down sharply. Dominic's gaze flickered between her and Lucas - he knew they'd been discussing him.

He took a measured sip before announcing, "Do any of you understand what truly sustains a business?"

The executives exchanged confused glances. Had they accidentally wandered into a corporate workshop?

Evelyn blinked owlishly. She couldn't tell who was drunker - herself or Dominic.

His face swam before her eyes as he loosened his tie with uncharacteristic clumsiness.

"Starting a company is simple. Maintaining it? That's the real challenge..." Dominic continued his impromptu lecture.

The executives set down their drinks, listening with forced attentiveness.

Lucas texted Evelyn: (He's warning you. Worried you'll bankrupt yourself.)

Evelyn's cheeks burned as she read the message.