Chapter 22

"What would Dominic fear most if he wants me to confess that I lied during the petition in front of everyone?"

Seeing Evelyn's confused expression, Vanessa continued, "It's the witnesses and evidence that could expose him. Sure, he took the physical evidence, but the witness..."

"Me? Am I the witness?" Sophia pointed at herself, realization dawning. "I can be the witness!"

She crossed her arms, determination flashing in her eyes. "We can use this to reveal his true nature—show the world exactly what kind of man he really is!"

Vanessa smiled, shaking her head lightly. "No, you won’t need to testify. I just need you to take a short vacation over the next couple of days."

"A vacation?" Sophia blinked.

"Exactly." Vanessa’s tone was firm. "Dominic doesn’t want you as his witness. He just wants no one to testify for me. If you disappear now, it works in his favor."

Sophia bit her lip. At this critical moment, she knew Dominic—who obsessed over every tiny detail—would never let her resign without a fight. Faking an illness seemed like the safest option.

But guilt gnawed at her. "Vanessa, I should be here with you, especially now. Running away makes me feel like a coward—like a soldier deserting the battlefield."

Vanessa chuckled. "Silly, we’re not at war. And you’re no deserter." She squeezed Sophia’s hand. "Trust me. I know what I’m doing. Didn’t you say you wanted to leave with me? Consider this your chance to rest—because soon, you’ll be very busy."

Though uncertainty lingered, Sophia nodded. Years of partnership had taught her to trust Vanessa’s instincts. "Alright. I’ll do it."

After leaving the café, Evelyn headed toward Phoenix Labs. As she waited for a taxi, a sleek black Maybach pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Alexander Kensington’s striking profile.

"Get in," he said, his voice smooth.

Evelyn hesitated for only a second before sliding into the leather seat.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, curiosity prickling. How did he know where I was?

His lips quirked. "Do I need a reason to see my fiancée?"

The car accelerated, merging into traffic as Alexander turned to study her.

"Of course not." Evelyn laughed, looping her arm through his. "I just didn’t expect you."

"Consider it a surprise."

She grinned. "A good one. But where are we going? I was heading to Phoenix Labs—I still have paperwork to finalize."

Last night’s meeting with the director had been brief. She’d even needed to Google the address beforehand. Now, she wondered if she should discuss it with Alexander.

"Not today," he said casually. "Tomorrow."

"Why not?" Evelyn frowned. It’s barely afternoon. Does he have other plans?

Alexander didn’t answer. Instead, he tilted his chin toward the rearview mirror.

Evelyn glanced back. A line of unmarked cars trailed them, their presence suddenly ominous. Her pulse spiked. Dominic’s men?

"What do we—"

Before she could finish, Alexander’s arm wrapped around her shoulders as the Maybach surged forward, weaving through traffic with practiced precision.