Chapter 179

Dominic had strictly forbidden Vanessa from returning to the lab after their trip to Silverpine Valley. The chemicals were far too hazardous for their unborn child, he insisted.

Lately, he had been nothing short of doting—attending to her every need, ensuring she rested, and keeping her comfortable. Lucien Dubois had parted ways with them for now, but before leaving, he had handed Vanessa two perfume formulas.

"A token of my latest research," he had said with a cryptic smile. "Consider it a reward."

Though Vanessa had initially hesitated, the moment the lab produced samples from those formulas, her doubts melted away. The scents were exquisite—far beyond her expectations. For the first time in weeks, she felt a flicker of satisfaction. All her efforts hadn’t been in vain.

But two formulas weren’t enough. She wanted more.

Just the thought of Lucien sent a shiver down her spine. A temporary separation was for the best—her body needed to recover, and she needed time to strategize.

"What’s on your mind?" Dominic’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as he approached with a steaming glass of milk. His care was relentless now, suffocating in its thoroughness.

She accepted the glass with a practiced smile. "Just thinking about the annual perfumery competition. If we launch these new scents in time, even placing second would give DR Holdings a significant boost."

Dominic’s grin was smug as he pinched her nose playfully. "Great minds think alike. I’ve already started preparations. Registration closes next month, so we need to move fast. The market response should be strong—I’ve tested them myself. They’re flawless."

Vanessa exhaled in relief. "Good. Maybe this will help offset some of the company’s losses. It’ll take some weight off your shoulders too."

His expression softened. "Vanessa… you’re still worrying about the company even now?"

She rolled her eyes. "Of course I am. You’ve treated me well, haven’t you? Besides, part of DR Holdings is mine too."

Dominic chuckled, nodding eagerly. "Exactly. The company is mine, which means it’s yours. And one day, it’ll belong to our children." His voice dropped, turning contemplative. "I’m so glad I chose you. If I had picked Evelyn instead—"

The name alone made Vanessa stiffen. "Don’t mention her. It makes me sick."

Dominic’s jaw tightened at the memory of Evelyn’s betrayal. Years together, and he’d never seen the depths of her ruthlessness. Tampering with formulas, turning vindictive when he tried to reconcile—did she really think the company would collapse without her?

Soon, she’d regret everything.

"Right, forget her," he muttered, shaking off the thought. "Drink your milk. I’ve got good news."

Vanessa downed the warm liquid, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. Dominic adjusted her pillows, tucking her in with meticulous care. "Remember when we talked about marriage?"

She blinked. "Of course."

"Well… I spoke to my mother. She wants to meet you."

Vanessa’s breath hitched. "Genevieve Sinclair?"

Dominic nodded, his smile widening. "Once that’s done, we can start planning the wedding. Unless you want to walk down the aisle with a massive belly?"

Her fingers tightened around the empty glass.

A meeting with Genevieve.

This changed everything.