Chapter 108

The moment the words slipped out, Evelyn realized how ridiculous her question sounded. Of course Dominic would know.

Working at the same company as your husband was complicated enough—but when he was also your boss? That was a recipe for disaster. And if anything went sideways, he'd be the first to know.

She exhaled sharply, frustration tightening her features. "Since you're already aware, then you should also know this was the company's decision. As a junior employee, I don’t exactly have the luxury of refusing."

Dominic’s gaze darkened. "Why do I sense resentment in your tone? If you don’t want to go—"

Evelyn cut him off before he could finish. "Who said I don’t want to go? I just haven’t had the chance to tell you yet. That doesn’t mean I was hiding it."

"Silverpine Valley has drastic temperature shifts between day and night. Pack a jacket," he replied, deliberately steering the conversation away.

Evelyn blinked in surprise. She had braced herself for resistance, but he was letting it go far more easily than she’d anticipated.

Then again, if DR Holdings had arranged it, he must have known long before she did. How foolish of her to worry he’d object.

The fact that Alexander Kensington showed no unusual reaction to her business trip was a relief. With this kind of cooperation, navigating their professional and personal lives would be much smoother.

Her position might be stable, but fieldwork was still part of the job—scouting ingredients, seeking inspiration, attending industry seminars. If he had forbidden something as routine as a business trip, it would have set a dangerous precedent. His lack of restrictions only deepened her admiration for him.

"I forbid it!" Dominic’s voice was steel, his eyes locked straight ahead.

Vanessa, draped against his side, frowned. "Dom, don’t be unreasonable. This is an incredible opportunity. I haven’t participated in events like this in ages, and there’s a sampling session. Lucien Dubois is attending too—it’s a chance to network with—"

"I forbid it especially because he’s involved," Dominic snapped, cutting her off. "The answer is no."

Vanessa’s temper flared. "Then who will go? You? Who else understands the essential oils and foreign suppliers like I do? Unless…" Her voice turned sharp. "You’ve got someone new lined up? Someone you’d rather send in my place?" She jerked away, eyes blazing. "Is it that intern, Cassie? I saw the way you looked at her last week!"

Dominic’s jaw clenched. "Don’t be absurd. There’s no one else. I don’t even know who you’re talking about."

"Then why won’t you let me go?" Vanessa pouted, clinging to his arm and shaking it. "Dom, please. This isn’t just for me—it’s for DR Holdings. If we break into Silverpine Valley’s market, supply chains will streamline, sales channels will expand. And we’re short on talent—this trip could help us scout fresh recruits!"

When he turned to look at her, her wide, pleading eyes glistened. The sight softened him instantly.

Vanessa knew him too well. She had a way of dismantling his resistance without him even realizing it. His voice gentled. "V, it’s not that I don’t want you to go. If I could accompany you, we’d leave tomorrow. But I’m swamped, and the thought of you going alone—"

"Who said I’d be alone? Lucien Dubois is going as a VIP! Aligning with him would be strategic."

Dominic’s expression darkened again. "That’s exactly the problem." His voice dropped dangerously. "Vanessa, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how he looks at you."

She fell silent.

After a beat, she scoffed. "You’re imagining things. Your mother introduced us. He’s a professional—not some lovesick fool like you." She rolled her eyes. "Not every man is obsessed with me, Dom. You worry too much."