Chapter 60

"Is Evelyn truly worth that much?" Adrian asked, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.

"She's worth every penny because she's my wife," Dominic replied, his gaze turning frosty. "If she weren't married to me, Tristan Chamberlain wouldn't even glance in her direction."

Adrian's confusion deepened.

"If he wants to throw money at her, let him. Isn’t this just free cash for her?"

"She’s. My. Wife." Dominic bit out each word sharply.

"Oh… right. Got it." Adrian hesitated. "So what’s the plan? Raise our offer? Because if we don’t, she’ll definitely take Veritas Capital’s deal."

"Not necessarily."

"Then why are you so worked up?"

Adrian could hear the barely restrained frustration in Dominic’s voice.

Dominic had wanted to acquire Thornfield Industries to free Evelyn from its crushing debt and endless problems.

She was still in university—far too young and inexperienced to run a company.

Selling it would clear her debts, secure her future, and give her and her mother financial stability.

He had weighed every angle before making this decision, yet Evelyn refused to see his efforts.

If she accepted Tristan’s investment, Veritas Capital would inevitably seize control of Thornfield Industries.

"You’re lucky, Adrian. No one loves you, and you love no one. No heartbreak for you," Dominic muttered dryly.

"Actually, I got a girlfriend today!" Adrian grinned. "Blind date. Our families know each other, so it’s pretty much set in stone."

"Good for you. Introduce her to me once things settle," Dominic said flatly.

"Will do!" Adrian chuckled before adding, "But seriously, why don’t you just talk to Evelyn? She’s not clueless—she’s got a mind of her own."

"Go see your girlfriend," Dominic snapped.

Just hearing Evelyn’s name made his temples throb.

As if he didn’t already know how stubborn she was.

Her stubbornness was exactly why she never listened to a word he said.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sat in a quiet café, venting to Sophie over the phone.

"Whether it’s Mr. X, Adrian Vaughn, or Tristan Chamberlain… something about them feels off," she mused. "Adrian acts broke one second, then flaunts wealth the next. And Tristan? He knows Bianca and I can’t stand each other, yet he’s suddenly desperate to invest in my father’s failing company. If Thornfield Industries was actually in demand, I wouldn’t question it—but no one else is interested!"

Sophie took a slow sip of her iced tea. "Let me handle Adrian. As for Tristan, why don’t you just call Bianca and ask what’s really going on?"

Evelyn stiffened.

She’d spoken too fast and let that slip.

"If you don’t trust Adrian, don’t work with him," Sophie continued, oblivious. "Otherwise, you’ll regret it when he backstabs you later. That guy’s sharp—you won’t outmaneuver him."

Thankfully, Sophie didn’t press further.

"I already know the board will push for Veritas Capital’s offer," Evelyn sighed.

"You’re the CEO! Who cares what they think?"

"Except I’m not technically the CEO. I never signed the contract!"

"With your VP gone, who’s left to challenge you? Just make the call yourself, Evelyn. Stop overthinking it—oh, Adrian’s here. Gotta go!"

When Evelyn returned to Blackwood Manor that evening, guests had gathered in the dining room.

"Miss Thorne! It’s the weekend—out with friends?" Lucas Grant stood from the couch, smiling. "Join us for dinner if you haven’t eaten yet!"

The sight of Lucas reminded Evelyn of Dominic’s drunken antics the other night.

"I’m not hungry," she lied. "I’ll eat later."

But just then, the rich aroma of roasted herbs and spices drifted from the kitchen.

Her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.

Lucas laughed. "Come on, Miss Thorne! Sit with us." He guided her toward the dining area. "Heard you got an investor today, but you don’t look thrilled."

"Do you know Tristan Chamberlain?" Evelyn asked abruptly. "Bianca’s brother."

Since Lucas already knew about the offer, she might as well dig for answers.