Chapter 121

Dominic noticed Evelyn's confused expression and immediately understood her thoughts. A smug grin spread across his face.

"You don't believe me?" He leaned forward, his voice dripping with condescension. "Go back to DR Holdings and ask around if you doubt me. Don’t be naive, Evelyn. You can’t win against someone with more power than you."

His tone sharpened. "What exactly has Evelyn ever done for you? Has she ever truly cared? Do you even know where she is right now? She boarded a first-class flight and was whisked away in a Rolls-Royce. Meanwhile, you’re stuck in some rundown apartment with your mother, throwing tantrums and skipping work."

Dominic scoffed. "How long will your savings last? A year? Maybe five months if you stretch it? Have you even thought about what comes after? Your contract expires in two years—until then, you’re mine. Resignation isn’t an option unless you can pay the penalty."

His smirk widened. "Do you really think you can challenge me, Evelyn?"

He reclined in his chair, radiating arrogance, as if victory was already his. Evelyn kept her head down, silent.

Dominic mistook her silence for surrender. His satisfaction deepened.

"I’ve been more than patient with you," he continued. "Think about all the trouble you’ve caused lately. Do you think any other employer would tolerate this? And why are you even interfering? My relationship with Evelyn is none of your concern. Stay in your lane."

With a dramatic flourish, he slid an envelope across the desk.

"Consider this a bonus for your recent efforts." His voice was laced with sarcasm. "Take it, clear your head, and get back to work. DR Holdings will move forward—grudges are beneath us."

Evelyn finally lifted her gaze. Her fingers pressed down on the envelope, but she didn’t take it.

"I’ll do my job," she said quietly. "But I won’t take your money."

She pushed it back. Dominic’s smile vanished. His brows furrowed. "What’s your game?"

Evelyn met his eyes. "Since you asked—fine, I’ll be blunt. You won’t let me leave, and I can’t afford the penalty, so I’ll stay. Yes, you have power and money. I can’t fight you on that. But I will work on my terms. And if you withhold my salary or try to sabotage me, I’ll sue you."

She stood, her voice steady. "If you want to play this game, Dominic, then let’s play."

She turned to leave.

Dominic shot to his feet. "Why are you doing this?!"

Evelyn paused but didn’t face him.

"How long have you even known Evelyn? What has she really done for you? Vanessa and I grew up with her. What loyalty do you owe her? What’s in it for you?"

His voice dripped with contempt.

Loyalty? Principles? Pathetic. In this world, only profit matters.

Evelyn finally turned back. "It doesn’t matter how she treated me. What matters is how you repaid her."

Her gaze hardened. "Everyone else might be blind, but I know the truth. Evelyn stood by you. She worked tirelessly for you. And what did she get in return? Betrayal. You threw her to the wolves and stole everything she built. Why would I ever respect someone like you?"

Dominic’s jaw clenched at the disdain in her eyes. It ignited his fury.

"Fine!" He shoved past her. "If you’re so determined to go down with Evelyn, then I’ll bury you both!"

He stormed out, leaving Evelyn gripping a chair for balance.

She had agreed to return to work for one reason: Dominic was right about one thing. She couldn’t afford to lose her job. If DR Holdings collapsed over the essential oil scandal, her contract would be void.

But Evelyn understood his game now.

The fact that he’d already resolved the crisis explained his arrogance.

This wasn’t over.