Chapter 185

Vanessa was on edge. They had been waiting for what felt like hours, but Genevieve still hadn’t arrived.

“It’s fine,” Dominic murmured, trying to soothe her. “She must be delayed by something important.”

But even as he said it, doubt flickered in his eyes. He knew his mother had no desire to meet Vanessa. This entire arrangement had been his insistence, not hers.

Just as he reached for his phone to call her, the door swung open. Genevieve’s personal assistant stepped aside, allowing her to enter before discreetly closing the door behind her, standing guard outside.

Genevieve Sinclair was immaculate in a slate-gray Chanel ensemble, her freshly styled waves cascading over her shoulders. Vanessa’s gaze immediately caught the glint of her earrings and bracelet—both from this season’s most exclusive jewelry line. A pang of envy twisted in her chest.

Despite her age, Genevieve could have passed for thirty-five. Decades of meticulous skincare, disciplined fitness, and effortless elegance had preserved her like a timeless portrait. Vanessa couldn’t help but resent it.

If only Dominic were Genevieve’s legitimate heir—born within the sanctity of her current marriage—Vanessa wouldn’t be scrambling for alternatives. But no, he was the inconvenient reminder of a past union, a son she could never publicly claim. And that meant Vanessa had to hedge her bets elsewhere.

“Mom,” Dominic greeted, stepping forward to kiss her cheek before gesturing to Vanessa. “This is Vanessa. I’ve mentioned her before.” His arm slid possessively around Vanessa’s waist.

Genevieve’s eyes flicked over Vanessa with the barest acknowledgment before she removed her gloves and settled at the table. She picked up her utensils with practiced grace, sampling the dishes with quiet approval. This restaurant was her favorite—pristine service, impeccable flavors, and absolute discretion.

For years, their meetings had been just the two of them. Today was different.

“How have you been, Mom?” Dominic asked, taking his seat. His tone was careful, measured. “I heard about the latest acquisition. With Julian’s health declining, it must be exhausting.”

Genevieve dabbed her lips with a napkin before setting it aside. “You needn’t concern yourself with that.”

Dominic nodded stiffly. “Of course. I know you can handle anything. I just wanted to thank you for stepping in with DR Holdings. Without your guidance, I wouldn’t have resolved the issue.”

Vanessa’s fingers tightened around her glass. The formality between them was jarring. This wasn’t a mother and son—it was a business transaction.

Genevieve set down her fork with deliberate precision. “Dominic, you mishandled this situation.”

“I admit, I was careless,” he conceded quickly. “Evelyn exploited that oversight, and it nearly cost us—”

“No,” Genevieve interrupted, her voice cool. “I’m not referring to the paperwork. I’m talking about your personal affairs. You’ve mismanaged them entirely.”