Chapter 432

Dominic stepped out of the shower, water droplets glistening on his toned physique as they trailed down his damp skin.

He grabbed a plush towel with one hand while clutching his phone in the other.

When the notification flashed across his screen, his fingers hesitated for a fraction of second before tapping it. As he absorbed the content, his piercing gaze darkened into an icy storm.

Since when had Evelyn accepted Eric's romantic gesture? Had she sought him out yesterday to announce her new relationship? Was this ridiculous public display really necessary?

With a violent motion, he hurled his phone across the bathroom. The device shattered against the marble tiles with a resounding crash.

Meanwhile, in her lavish European-style mansion, Margaret swirled a glass of crimson wine with deliberate elegance.

A self-satisfied smirk played on her lips as she scrolled through the trending news on her tablet. "Do you know what entertainers fear most, Zoe?" she purred without looking up. "Losing their adoring fans. And what makes fans abandon their idols? A public romance announcement. Even someone as famous as Eric Montclair can't escape this fate."

Zoe observed her with reluctant admiration.

"This will undoubtedly damage Eric's career. No matter how he spins it, he'll lose followers," Margaret continued, taking a triumphant sip. "The industry has changed. Handsome, talented celebrities are a dime a dozen now."

Zoe crossed her arms. "Don't celebrate too soon. None of today's heartthrobs hold a candle to Eric's star power."

Margaret arched an eyebrow. "My, my. Could it be you're one of his fans too? How unexpected."

"Is that so strange? Remember, our target is Evelyn, not Eric. Don't overstep," Zoe retorted sharply, grabbing her designer handbag before storming out.

During this period, Margaret had been cohabiting with Richard, which meant Zoe frequently joined them for meals.

After Zoe's departure, Richard approached Margaret. "Don't provoke her. Stick to your original plan. You're a businesswoman first - focus on the bottom line."

Margaret waved him off distractedly. "Your daughter infuriates me. Shouldn't you make it up to me? Rub my feet."

Richard immediately knelt to massage her feet. Margaret reclined on the sofa with visible satisfaction, sighing dramatically. "Why did I ever marry Jack? As his wife, I had to obey his every whim, dependent on him for every penny. Pathetic! If only he were alive to see how powerful I've become!"

Richard chuckled sycophantically. "If he were alive, you'd never have broken free. We wouldn't be together now."

"True enough," Margaret conceded. "Though he's dead, his daughter remains. Every debt he owed me, I'll collect from Evelyn - with interest!"

Back at Mooncrest Manor, Evelyn stared at her phone in shock. During her time pretending to be Eric's fan before his treatment, she hadn't recognized the necklace's significance - a piece he famously wore during his idol days.

Had she known its history, she never would have accepted it. When Eric asked her to wear it yesterday, she'd thought nothing of it.

Her fingers flew across the screen to call him.

Eric answered with his characteristic calm warmth. "Evelyn, would you like me to issue a clarification or-"

"Yes," she interrupted firmly. "I'm so sorry, Eric. I didn't realize what the necklace meant to you. I'll return it tomorrow."

"Please let me handle the PR, but keep the gift. It would break my heart otherwise," he pleaded softly.

Evelyn relented. "Alright, I'll keep it. But you must clarify our relationship status publicly."

After a weighted pause, Eric agreed. As the call ended, Evelyn reached for a glass of water, her hand trembling slightly as she took a long sip.