Chapter 79

"You have every right to refuse," Dominic murmured, his voice low and measured.

"Just eat your damn food!" Evelyn shot back, her temper flaring. "Even if I choose to work with Tristan Chamberlain, it doesn’t mean I’ll suddenly fall for him. Do you really think I’d just roll over for any man who shows interest? Do I seem that desperate to you?"

Dominic fell silent, his jaw tightening.

After dinner, Evelyn retreated to her room and opened Tristan’s email, scanning the contents with growing unease.

She might not have been a business expert, but his proposal was crystal clear.

If Thornfield Industries followed his strategy, they might actually stand a chance at revival.

If only he weren’t Bianca Chamberlain’s brother—she would’ve agreed without hesitation.

With a frustrated sigh, she snapped her laptop shut and flopped onto the bed.

Her phone buzzed—Sophie.

[I slept with Adrian Vaughn! Ugh… I think I’m in love with him!]

Evelyn blinked.

She hadn’t seen that coming.

Still, Adrian wasn’t a bad catch—eccentric, sure, but not terrible.

Evelyn: If you’re in love, figure it out. Fate’s playing games with you.

Sophie: He wants me to meet someone important tomorrow but won’t say who. I’m freaking out!

Evelyn: Maybe it’s a surprise?

Sophie: Surprises are fine. Heart attacks are not. Anyway—your husband. Do you two share a room?

Evelyn’s cheeks burned as she typed: Guest bedroom. And no, we’re not discussing him. Drop it.

Sophie: Is he hot?

Evelyn hesitated, but Dominic’s sharp features flashed in her mind—those piercing eyes, that sculpted jawline—and before she could stop herself:

Evelyn: Yes.

Sophie: Damn, girl! You hit the jackpot! How old is he?

Evelyn: Ancient. Basically a fossil compared to us.

Sophie: Older men are better. Experienced. Know how to treat a woman right.

Evelyn: You’ve been binge-watching too many rom-coms.

Sophie: You said he’s hot. That’s all that matters. A gorgeous face cancels out every flaw.

The next morning at breakfast, Evelyn found herself studying Dominic longer than usual.

His dark brows, the smoldering intensity in his gaze, the way his lips curved just slightly when he sipped his coffee—

She swallowed hard.

Maybe Sophie had a point.

Dominic ignored her blatant staring. "Free tonight?"

Her pulse jumped.

Was he… asking her out?

"I think so," she murmured, lowering her eyes to her toast.

"I’ll have the car pick you up in the afternoon."

"Where are we going?"

"You’ll see."

At least this time he gave her warning—unlike that impromptu recital.

Progress.

That evening at 5 p.m., Adrian escorted Sophie into an upscale restaurant.

"Remember that friend I told you about?" Adrian laced his fingers with hers, as if afraid she’d slip away. "The one who got married out of nowhere?"

Sophie frowned, then it clicked.

"Oh—the shotgun wedding guy? The one who got pissed when you actually helped his wife?"