Chapter 168

Vanessa shook her head, "Perhaps it's just too stuffy in here. Let's take a walk and grab a bite outside?"

"Alright, let me change first. Anywhere specific in mind?" Dominic stood, smoothing his shirt.

"I'm still exhausted, so I don't want to go far. How about the hotel's restaurant?" Vanessa lowered her gaze, feigning weariness.

"Perfect." Dominic agreed without hesitation.

After changing, they made their way to the restaurant. Vanessa's mind was consumed with thoughts of Lucien, and the moment they stepped inside, her eyes immediately found his table. Her grip on Dominic's arm tightened as she forced a composed expression.

"A table for two," Dominic told the host.

They were led toward the back when Vanessa pretended to notice something. She nudged Dominic lightly. "Isn't that Mr. Dubois over there?"

Truthfully, Dominic wasn't thrilled about running into Lucien. But given their family ties and the fact that Lucien had helped resolve DR Holdings' crisis, ignoring him would be impolite.

Though he didn't particularly like Lucien, Dominic respected his expertise. If Lucien ever agreed to work for DR Holdings, their production line issues would vanish overnight.

Swallowing his pride, Dominic nodded. "Let's go say hello."

They approached Lucien's table.

"Mr. Dubois," Dominic greeted smoothly. "What a pleasant surprise."

Vanessa offered a polite nod.

Surprise? Lucien's lips curved into an amused smirk as his gaze flickered between them.

"Mr. Reeves," he remarked dryly. "Here to accompany your... girlfriend?"

Dominic slid Vanessa's hand from his arm, interlacing their fingers instead. "Naturally. Vanessa is stunning—this is her first extended trip away. How could I not worry?" He turned to her with a smile. "In fact, I'm here to propose. We're getting married soon."

Vanessa stiffened. Though they'd attended countless events together, Dominic had never publicly claimed her as his. This sudden declaration was nothing more than a power play. A flicker of warmth touched her heart, but it was quickly smothered by humiliation.

Dominic was oblivious. Lucien didn’t care who she belonged to—their arrangement was purely transactional. He had no intention of stealing her from Dominic, nor did he see her as anything more than a business asset. Dominic's display of dominance was laughable.

When Vanessa glanced at Lucien, his smirk confirmed her thoughts. He was utterly unfazed.

"Really? Then congratulations are in order." Lucien leaned back, swirling his wine. "Allow me to cover your dinner—consider it an engagement gift."

Dominic, mistaking his sincerity, nodded. "Why not?"

With that, he guided Vanessa into the seat opposite Lucien.