Chapter 141

Vanessa ignored Dominic’s relentless calls after hanging up. The persistent ringing grated on her nerves, and she finally switched off her phone. The disturbance left her restless, sleep eluding her completely.

She moved toward the small, square window—nothing like the grand floor-to-ceiling ones in the penthouse suites she had once known. This tiny frame held her entire world now, a stark contrast to the glittering cityscape she used to gaze upon.

Vanessa could already see her future laid out before her. She was trapped in this life, and Dominic could never give her what she truly wanted.

Self-reliance was the only certainty.

She had devoted years to him, but what had it earned her? She remembered how Evelyn had once been just as devoted, only to end up discarded and forgotten. If Vanessa stayed, she’d share the same fate—aging, unwanted, invisible.

Dominic probably already has someone else lined up to replace me.

The thought sent a chill through her, despite the closed window. She wrapped her arms around herself, staring at the ceiling as she bit her lip. A decision hardened in her heart.

After a long bath, she slipped into her most alluring silk pajamas, carefully applied her makeup, and draped a coat over herself.

A glance in the mirror confirmed what she already knew.

I still have this.

Her figure was flawless, her beauty undeniable.

She ordered a bottle of the finest red wine and took the elevator up, her keycard in hand. She knew exactly where to go—Lucien Dubois’s suite. A place she had once dreamed of staying in herself.

She hesitated only for a moment.

Lucien’s power had been undeniable tonight. The way the event organizers deferred to him, the way he had effortlessly shielded her from humiliation on stage—he was a man who commanded respect.

If she couldn’t have love, she would take power.

With Lucien, she could become the most renowned perfumer in the industry. Wealth, fame, influence—all within her grasp. And once she had those, love would follow. Any man she wanted would be hers.

The door swung open before she even finished knocking.

Lucien stood there, his robe loosely tied, his dark eyes burning with unmistakable hunger.

Vanessa didn’t shy away this time.

She lifted the bottle of wine, her lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.

"I’ve made up my mind."

Lucien’s answering grin was all the confirmation she needed.