Chapter 245

Lucien’s grip tightened on Vanessa’s shoulders as he spun her around with a rough jerk.

“There are more interesting ways to assist me,” he murmured, his voice dripping with dark amusement.

Vanessa stiffened. “Interesting?”

The smirk on his face made her stomach churn. She knew exactly what he meant. The thought alone repulsed her, but she forced herself to stay calm.

“Lucien,” she said carefully, “if you could just wait a little longer, I’ll arrange someone stunning from the industry for you. What about your usual partners? I can even drive you there myself. With my morning sickness, this would just be—”

Before she could finish, Lucien yanked her hair back, forcing her to meet his cold gaze.

“Enough excuses,” he hissed. “What does your pregnancy have to do with me? Is the child mine?” His grip tightened. “Vanessa, you should know better than to play games with me. Don’t forget—you still need my help to win that year-end championship.” His lips curled into a cruel smile. “Consider it an honor that I’ve chosen you. Don’t make me angry.”

Fear coiled in her chest, but she forced a shaky smile. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just—”

“Just shut up and do as you’re told,” he snapped.

Neither of them noticed the door creaking open—until blinding light flooded the room.

Vanessa’s breath caught.

They had been careless. When they first entered, they had only turned on the dim side lamps, leaving the door slightly ajar. Vanessa had made sure no one would disturb them.

But now, standing in the doorway, was Dominic.

His face was a mask of horror, fury, and disgust. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. For a moment, he couldn’t even speak—as if an invisible hand had wrapped around his throat.

Vanessa scrambled to stand, her face burning with shame. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

She had known this moment would come eventually.

But not like this.

Not with him witnessing it.

Lucien, however, remained unfazed. He straightened his clothes lazily, meeting Dominic’s glare with a mocking smirk.

“Vanessa Blake!” Dominic’s voice was a raw, guttural roar.

The woman he had once loved—the woman he had trusted—was doing this.

Disgust churned in his gut.

Rage burned through him.

And worst of all—the crushing weight of betrayal.