Chapter 188

"Try harder! If you still can't reach her, go to her apartment and drag her here! How dare she skip work?" Dominic roared, but the words didn't fully capture his fury. After a brief pause, he snapped, "Forget it. I'll handle this myself!"

He stormed back to DR Holdings, heading straight for HR the moment he arrived. "Pull up Sophia Grant's file. She abandoned her position without approval from upper management. Have Legal draft the necessary penalties and compensation."

One of the HR executives hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Reeves, Sophia submitted her resignation over a month ago. According to labor regulations, she's free to leave after thirty days—approval or not."

"What kind of ridiculous law is that?" Dominic's jaw tightened. He had assumed she couldn’t leave unless he signed off on it. The realization that she had slipped through his fingers ignited fresh rage.

"That’s the law, sir," the executive murmured, shrinking under his glare.

Dominic clenched his fists. "So she just walks away? There’s nothing we can do?"

"She hasn’t collected last month’s salary or bonus," the executive offered, flipping through the documents.

"Withhold it," Dominic ordered without hesitation.

"Given her previous role’s sensitivity, we could enforce a non-compete clause."

Dominic’s eyes gleamed. "Perfect. Draft it immediately. Block her from working anywhere in this industry. If she violates it, sue her for damages."

He knew exactly why Sophia had left—she was joining Evelyn’s team. Well, he wouldn’t make it easy for her. If she wanted to walk away, fine. But she wouldn’t set foot in another company in this field for a year.

And if she dared? He’d drag her to court. Let Evelyn cover the fines. The thought soothed his temper slightly.

It was dangerous to tease a man who had just indulged in forbidden pleasures. Evelyn showered quickly, choosing a high-necked blouse and wrapping a silk scarf around her throat—just enough to hide the evidence of last night’s passion.

She rushed to Phoenix Labs, where she’d asked Sophia to meet her for orientation. But when she arrived, breathless, Sophia was already there, chatting animatedly with Victoria.

Evelyn wasn’t sure how long they’d been talking, but their easy rapport made it seem like they’d known each other for years.

Victoria turned at the sound of footsteps, smirking. "Well, well. The infamous workaholic is late today."