Chapter 77

Evelyn was lost in thought when a sudden realization struck her.

"Did Dominic have anything to do with what happened to Julian Whitmore?" she asked.

Lucas was stunned.

"Why would you think that? Didn't Julian get himself into trouble with his gambling debts? What does that have to do with Dominic?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of water before answering. "He admitted it was his doing. He even told me to get on my knees and beg."

Lucas was speechless.

He picked up his own glass and drank, then sighed. "What is going on between you two? What kind of couple constantly picks fights like this? It's like you both enjoy it!"

Evelyn immediately denied it.

"I don't have such a strange habit. He's the one who keeps provoking me."

"Exactly! And I'm sure he'd say the same about you!"

"Which is exactly why we don't get along," Evelyn muttered, taking another sip. "Some couples argue and fall deeper in love. Others just break up."

She hesitated before adding, "Don't you think Bianca Chamberlain is a better match for him? In ten years, they've never had a single problem."

Lucas scoffed. "That's because there was never anything between them. Dominic feels nothing for Bianca."

Evelyn exhaled. "Right... I almost forgot."

The woman he truly loved was the one who looked like a princess.

After lunch, Evelyn took a cab to Thornfield Industries.

Lucas sent the day's purchases back to the Whitmore mansion before heading to Blackwood Group.

Of course, he didn't miss the chance to gloat in front of Dominic.

"I bought her thirty-one gifts this morning," Lucas announced. "She was thrilled."

Dominic glanced up, unimpressed. "Did you force her to accept them?"

Lucas smirked. "Could you tell?"

Dominic arched a brow, silently waiting for the explanation.

"When I asked her to pick a bracelet, she stared at one for more than three seconds. I went back and bought it after she left."

He pulled out a velvet jewelry box and opened it, revealing a delicate diamond bracelet.

The stones were modest, making it tasteful rather than extravagant.

"Give it to her tonight," Lucas said, handing it over.

Dominic turned the box between his fingers, his sharp gaze fixed on Lucas. "How did you convince her to take the gifts?"

Lucas grinned. "I told her it was an early birthday present—since your first one after the accident is coming up—"

Dominic's expression darkened. "My birthday is months away!"

"I was just helping you cheer her up," Lucas defended. "She might not have shown it, but she was happy."

"You're useless," Dominic muttered.

Lucas wisely stayed silent.

"Give me the receipts," Dominic demanded.

"Don't worry about it. Consider it my birthday gift to you."

"Give. Me. The. Receipts."

That evening, Evelyn returned home.

"Madam, I've placed all your purchases in your room," Mrs. Wilkins informed her.

Evelyn's cheeks warmed. "Thank you... Is Dominic back yet?"

"He returned around four."

Her pulse quickened. "I'll come down after he's had dinner. I'm going to my room first."

Once inside, she began unpacking the gifts.

Her fingers brushed against a small red box she didn't recognize.

"We didn't buy this today," she murmured, opening it.

Inside was the very bracelet she had admired at the jewelry store.