Chapter 209

Dominic wrapped his arms around Vanessa from behind, his voice thick with remorse. "Don't be mad, Vanessa. I was wrong—completely wrong."

His lips brushed the nape of her neck as he murmured, "I shouldn’t have yelled at you. It’s not just about the baby. It’s you. You’re everything to me."

Vanessa stiffened, but before she could pull away, Dominic reached into his pocket. He had planned something far more elaborate, but right now, all that mattered was seeing her smile again.

The velvet box snapped open, revealing a diamond so brilliant it stole her breath.

Her tears halted mid-fall.

Dominic dropped to one knee, his gaze unwavering. "I know I’ve put you through hell, Vanessa. I see how hard you’ve worked—for me, for us." He swallowed hard. "Let me make it up to you. Let me spend the rest of my life proving how much you mean to me."

The ring glinted under the light, its size bordering on obscene.

Vanessa’s fingers trembled as she extended her hand.

Dominic slid the ring onto her finger, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I love you."

She threw her arms around his neck. "I love you too."

For now, the question of the baby could wait.

Evelyn hadn’t slept properly in days.

The lab was her second home now, the scent of chemicals clinging to her clothes. This was the final stretch—the last hurdle before her perfume formula could be perfected.

If it passed inspection, it would be her greatest triumph.

If not…

She shoved the thought aside.

Sophia stifled a yawn beside her, rubbing her bleary eyes. "We’re almost there," Evelyn said gently. "Go rest. I’ll handle this."

Sophia shook her head stubbornly. "No way. You drilled it into me—never leave a reaction unattended."

Evelyn smiled despite herself.

Her notebook lay open, pages crammed with meticulous notes. Tiny, hidden smiley faces dotted the margins—her secret way of keeping morale up.

Midnight approached.

Somewhere in Crestview Heights, Alexander was probably asleep.

Or maybe not.

Evelyn exhaled, refocusing on the apparatus before her.

The night was far from over.