Chapter 196

"You...you can't prove anything!" Dominic's voice cracked as he scrambled for composure. His blood turned to ice as his mind reeled. How could Evelyn possibly know about his embezzlement from DR Holdings?

This was impossible. He'd been meticulous - not even Vanessa knew about the missing funds. Evelyn was supposed to be buried in her research, oblivious to corporate matters. Dominic gambled on a bluff. "These ridiculous accusations won't hold up in court. Where's your evidence? Keep this up and I'll sue for defamation!"

"Dominic Reeves," Evelyn's voice cut like steel, "do you really think you're untouchable? All these empty legal threats - filing lawsuits only to drop them. You're exhausting. Push me too far, and I guarantee when I press charges, there won't be any out-of-court settlements. You can't win against me. Get that through your thick skull. Do I look like someone who'd make accusations without proof?"

Dominic fell silent, fear creeping up his spine. If DR Holdings' board discovered his financial manipulations, his career would be over. Shareholders would withdraw funding, collapsing the company. For the first time, he saw the true Evelyn Carter - this woman he'd known for five years, dated for three, who'd helped build his empire. He'd never really known her at all.

Sweat slicked his palms as he swallowed hard. "Fine. Let's...negotiate. What do you want?"

"You already know," Evelyn replied icily.

"Sophia Grant? That's what this is about?" Dominic's brow furrowed. "What does she have on you? Why go to such lengths?"

"Someone like you could never understand," Evelyn said with disdain. "Remember - my patience has limits. Don't make me wait." The line went dead.

Alexander observed Evelyn's rigid posture before closing the distance. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You don't have to handle this alone. Give it to me - I'll make it disappear. No more wasting breath on that parasite."

Evelyn turned in his embrace, returning the hug fiercely. "I know exactly what you're capable of, Alexander. But this is personal. My mess. My responsibility. I protect what's mine."

Alexander released her with a playful smirk. "I'm starting to feel jealous of that dedication. I wonder if Mrs. Kensington would take care of me as thoroughly as she does Sophia Grant."

Evelyn laughed at his antics but answered with proud conviction, "Without question."