Chapter 287

Dominic tossed the apple core into the trash bin with a flick of his wrist.

Vanessa studied his expression—cold, detached. Gone was the concern that once softened his features. He meant every word. This wasn't a bluff. He was ending things.

No point pretending anymore. She inhaled sharply. "Fine. I set her up. So what?"

Her fingers dug into the hospital sheets. "If she hadn't moved, I wouldn't have fallen. I wouldn't have lost the baby." Her voice cracked as she pressed a hand to her abdomen. "Even if it was my fault, that child didn't deserve this. It was yours."

Dominic shook his head. "I don't care whose it was. That child was innocent. But let's be honest—neither of us wanted it to begin with."

His gaze lifted to the ceiling, exhaling slowly. "Vanessa, you've crossed a line."

A chill slithered down her spine.

"I had your medical records pulled." His tone was clinical. "You scheduled an abortion weeks ago. If not for the infection delaying it, that pregnancy would've been terminated already, wouldn't it?"

Her breath hitched. How? She'd chosen a reputable hospital precisely to avoid this. Yet he'd uncovered everything.

"Since we were together, I'll be fair. Keep the penthouse. Take the severance. But you're done as Director at DR Holdings. Stay if you want—or don't. Chase your ambitions. I won't stand in your way."

Her pulse spiked. No. Without DR Holdings' backing, she'd lose her shot at the Perfumery Awards—her ticket to industry recognition.

"Nate—Dominic! You can't!" She ripped the IV from her arm, ignoring the sting. "I earned this product launch! Do you know what I sacrificed? At least let me stay through the awards!"

His eyes dropped to the blood beading on her hand. "I didn't say leave the company. But the Director role?" A humorless smile. "That was never yours to keep."

"Then what am I supposed to be?" Her laugh bordered on hysterical. "A laughingstock? How do I face the board? The judges? Anyone?"

"Be realistic." His voice turned weary. "You held that title because of us. What have you actually achieved? DR Holdings needs competence, not entitlement. I gave you every advantage. You squandered them. What else is there to say?"