Chapter 238

"What's that amazing smell?" Evelyn rubbed her nose, fighting back a sneeze. The sudden urge ruined the cozy moment between them.

"It's hangover soup," Dominic replied, releasing her from his embrace. He straightened up. "I'll get you a bowl."

By the time Evelyn sat up, Dominic had already returned with a steaming bowl in hand. "Drink it while it's hot," he instructed. "Then go take a bath and rest."

"I'm not tired," she murmured, stirring the soup with a spoon. "Are you sure this is hangover soup?" She had never tried it before, but she expected something bitter or medicinal. Instead, the aroma was rich and inviting—lotus seeds, walnuts, red dates, and plums blending into a fragrant, golden broth.

This is supposed to help with a hangover?

"I think so," Dominic said, unfazed. "It's my first time making it. I found the recipe online. Most versions sounded unappetizing, but this one seemed decent. Luckily, we had all the ingredients at home."

He leaned down, took a sip from her spoon, and straightened again, assessing the taste. "It's fine," he confirmed.

Evelyn's chest tightened with warmth.

He researched recipes, considered my taste, and even tasted it for me.

Without another word, she finished the entire bowl. The sweet-and-sour flavor was surprisingly pleasant, soothing her throbbing headache.

"Sorry," she said as she set the empty bowl aside.

"I thought you were going to thank me again," Dominic remarked, eyeing the clean bowl with satisfaction.

"I am thankful," she admitted. "But I also owe you an apology. I had no idea my alcohol tolerance was this bad. I swear, this is the first and last time I drink like this." She raised her hand as if taking an oath. "I didn’t mean to worry you."

Dominic’s gaze darkened. He lowered her hand and pressed it against his chest. "As long as you understand that you did worry me. Next time you drink, I’m going with you. If I’m not there, don’t touch a drop."

"Okay," she whispered, nestling closer.

"Go wash up and rest," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Evelyn clung to his neck, pouting. "No, I'm wide awake now. Dom, I have an idea I want to run by you."

"Hmm?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Last time, I experimented with mass-market perfumes—safe, crowd-pleasing scents. They sold well, but… I want to create something different."

The thought had been brewing in her mind for a while, but she hadn’t fully fleshed it out. Maybe it was the lingering buzz from the alcohol, or maybe she just trusted him enough to share her half-formed thoughts.

"You want to launch a luxury line?" Dominic guessed after a brief pause.

Evelyn straightened, impressed. Of course he’d understand immediately. As a titan in the fashion world, he had an instinct for these things.

"Yes," she said, nodding firmly. "Exactly that."