Chapter 161

"Where have you been?" Dominic's voice was low, edged with something that sent a shiver down Vanessa's spine.

Guilt twisted inside her. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a smile. "I—I visited the nursery today! Learned so much, thanks to Lucien."

Her mind raced. Lying outright would only make things worse. Better to offer a half-truth, something believable enough to ease his suspicions.

"You two seem awfully close," he muttered, his tone darkening.

Vanessa swallowed. How much had he seen? How long had he been watching them?

But as long as she didn’t confess, he couldn’t possibly know the full truth.

Her arrangement with Lucien was purely transactional. He would never give her the love she craved, and she would never give up the security Dominic offered.

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his. Resting her head against his shoulder, she peered up at him through her lashes. "Are you jealous?"

He scoffed but didn’t deny it.

"I know you’re just worried," she murmured, pressing closer. "But this is strictly business. You couldn’t come with me, so now you’re sulking. Now that you’re here, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about."

She pinched his nose playfully, her expression softening into something sweet and obedient. The tension in his jaw eased slightly.

"Really?" His voice was rough. "Nothing between you two?"

"Oh, there is!" She grinned, mischief flashing in her eyes. "We did so much together. Go ahead, be mad!"

Before he could react, she slipped free and darted toward the elevator, laughter trailing behind her.

Dominic exhaled, the anger draining from him. Maybe he’d overreacted.

He’d rushed to Silverpine Valley the moment he’d wrapped things up in Veridian City, only to find Vanessa gone. His contact had mentioned she’d left with Lucien hours ago—without a company car.

That had set him on edge.

He’d waited at the hotel entrance, watching, calculating. When they finally returned, at least they hadn’t walked in together.

No lingering touches. No whispered words.

And now, her teasing reassurances made him feel foolish for doubting her.

He followed her upstairs, stepping into the room just as she closed the door behind her. Before she could turn, he caught her wrist, pressing her back against the wood.

"Vanessa," he murmured, lowering his head.

She stiffened, her hand flying up to block him.

His brows furrowed. "Vanessa?"

"I—I just got back from the nursery," she stammered, forcing a laugh. "I’m filthy. Let me shower first."

She ducked under his arm, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping past him. "You’re here now. It’s not like I can run."

The bathroom door clicked shut. Water rushed in the pipes.

Dominic exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

Something still didn’t feel right.