Chapter 171
Ignoring Dominic’s flustered expression, Lucien held up three fingers with a cold smirk. "Third," he said, his voice dripping with disdain, "I despise making friends."
With that, he straightened his jacket and rose from his seat. "I’ll settle the bill. Enjoy your meal."
The insult was deliberate, calculated.
Dominic had been hesitant earlier, trying to negotiate, but now fury burned through him. He had assumed their past connection would earn him some courtesy, but Lucien had dismissed him without a second thought.
Arrogant bastard.
Dominic downed his wine, the bitterness on his tongue matching his thoughts. He’s skilled, but he’s not the only master perfumer in the world. Far from it.
Glancing around to see if Lucien had truly left, his gaze landed on a familiar silhouette.
Evelyn?
He had nearly forgotten she was here. Vanessa had complained about her presence the moment she arrived.
Narrowing his eyes, Dominic studied Evelyn’s profile from his seat. She was alone, fingers tapping rapidly on her phone, absorbed in whatever conversation she was having.
A slow smirk curled his lips.
Before Vanessa could return from the restroom, he pushed back his chair and strode toward Evelyn.
Evelyn was mid-laugh, texting Alexander, when a shadow fell over her table.
"Fancy seeing you here," Dominic drawled, sliding into the seat across from her without invitation.
She startled, jerking back instinctively.
Dominic’s smirk deepened. Good. She still reacts to me.
If Evelyn knew what he was thinking, she’d have rolled her eyes. She wasn’t startled by him—just his sudden, unwelcome presence.
"What a surprise," she said flatly, her fingers tightening around her phone.
"Are you dining alone?" Dominic leaned forward, deliberately blocking her line of sight.
Evelyn’s jaw clenched. Now she understood Alexander’s cryptic text:
Beware of the dog. It might bite you.
She shot back a reply under the table.
You could’ve warned me sooner.
Alexander’s response was immediate, laced with amusement.
Did it bite already?