Chapter 100

The foreign expert halted abruptly, just as Dominic had anticipated. This confirmed Dominic's suspicions - he'd indeed located the right person.

"Mr. Dubois, I'm here to collect you. Dominic Reeves, CEO of DR Holdings. I believe Ms. Sinclair mentioned me?" Dominic flashed a practiced smile despite his labored breathing.

Vanessa stood beside Dominic, her gaze darting between her boyfriend and the mysterious foreigner. 'Who is this stranger?' she wondered silently.

Lucien Dubois assessed Dominic through his designer sunglasses. "Yes, she did mention you. Greetings." His tone remained icy, though he offered a polite nod.

"Wonderful to finally meet you!" Dominic extended his hand with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Lucien barely grazed Dominic's fingers before withdrawing. "Where's the vehicle?"

"Parked just outside! Please follow me." Dominic practically bounced as he led the way to the parking lot.

Vanessa studied the foreigner with undisguised curiosity. Lucien possessed striking Caucasian features - golden curls framing chiseled cheekbones that would make any modeling agency swoon.

Sensing her stare, Lucien turned abruptly. Vanessa blinked, then offered a tight-lipped smile. The afternoon sunlight glinted off his tinted lenses.

The trio settled into the luxury sedan - Vanessa riding shotgun while Dominic took the wheel. Though he maintained a personal driver, Dominic insisted on driving personally to demonstrate his commitment. His eyes kept flicking to the rearview mirror.

"Mr. Dubois, we'll proceed directly to The Chateau Royale so you may freshen up. I've arranged an intimate welcome dinner this evening."

"Acceptable," Lucien replied without inflection.

Undeterred by the lukewarm response, Dominic continued, "Your presence honors us. Ms. Sinclair speaks highly of your expertise. The challenges facing our company should prove trivial for someone of your caliber—"

"I require rest. Business discussions can wait." Lucien's interruption was final. He reclined his seat and closed his eyes, signaling the conversation's end.

Dominic's forced smile faltered momentarily. "Of course! Please relax. I'll alert you upon arrival."

Vanessa cringed at Dominic's fawning behavior. Through the mirror, she studied their aloof passenger. Whoever this man was, his manners left much to be desired. Yet Dominic behaved like a starstruck fan.

Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

Ms. Sinclair... The name triggered Vanessa's memory. Where had she heard it before?

She leaned toward Dominic, whispering, "Dominic, when you say Ms. Sinclair, do you mean—"

"Not now." Dominic's sharp headshake and meaningful glance toward the backseat silenced her. "Vanessa, you've been working tirelessly. Rest while you can. We'll properly welcome Mr. Dubois at dinner."

Vanessa pressed her lips together. The message was clear - explanations would come later.

"Drive carefully." She adjusted her seat and feigned sleep against the window.

In the backseat, Lucien's eyes slid open.