Chapter 187

Dominic's face lit up with pure joy. He clutched the platinum credit card in one hand and Vanessa's delicate fingers in the other. "Vanessa, darling, we can finally have our dream wedding!"

Vanessa glanced at the gleaming card before coldly withdrawing her hand. "Is that so?"

The card's holographic security strip caught the light as Dominic continued eagerly. "This isn't just any card - it's Mother's blessing. She's accepted you as part of the Reeves family now." His voice softened. "I know her words earlier stung, but you must understand - she only wants what's best for me."

Vanessa's crimson nails tapped against her designer purse. "Oh, she certainly knows what's best for you. She's already picked out Evelyn Carter as your perfect bride." The memory of Genevieve Sinclair's condescending smile made Vanessa's blood boil.

'That woman kept praising Evelyn while I sat right there! As if some perfume-making nobody could compare to me!'

Dominic sighed, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. "You're still upset. Mother's opinions mean nothing - it's my heart that matters. And my heart has only ever belonged to you." He pressed the card into her palm. "From today, you'll control all our finances. Even I'll be under your command. Doesn't that prove my devotion?"

Vanessa examined the card's embossed lettering before meeting Dominic's earnest gaze. A slow smile curved her lips. "We'll see about that."

After dropping Vanessa at her penthouse, Dominic sped toward Phoenix Labs. Their new fragrance line was in its final development phase - too crucial for mistakes. As Vanessa often reminded him, these two perfumes would determine whether DR Holdings regained its former glory.

The lab hummed with activity. Recently hired perfumers - competent though not exceptional - worked diligently at their stations. Dominic surveyed their progress with satisfaction before noticing an empty workstation.

"Where's Isabella?" he snapped at the lab supervisor. "Playing hooky again?" His jaw tightened. 'That insolent girl can't even pretend to be professional for a full week.'

The supervisor paled. "Mr. Reeves, she... she resigned three days ago."

"Resigned?" Dominic's shout echoed through the lab. "Without my approval? Get her on the phone now!"

His assistant scrambled to comply, then looked up nervously. "The number's... disconnected, sir."

Dominic's fist slammed onto a stainless steel counter, sending glass vials rattling. "Find her! I won't tolerate this insubordination!"