Chapter 35

Dominic's breath caught in his throat. "What did you just say?"

"It's not that I never considered giving you another chance." Evelyn's voice dripped with frost. "But even now, you still expect me to take the fall for you."

She tilted her head, lips curling into a mocking smile. "Tell me, Dominic. Do I look that naive to you?"

An icy shiver ran down Dominic's spine. The woman standing before him felt like a complete stranger - not the devoted partner he'd known for years. This version of Evelyn was razor-sharp, unpredictable, and utterly beyond his control. "Evelyn, what's gotten into you? You don't trust me anymore?"

"I trusted you so blindly I don't even recognize myself anymore." Evelyn cut him off with a dismissive wave. "Thank God I never signed those contracts with DR Holdings. Consider our professional relationship terminated, effective immediately."

She emphasized the word "your" as she moved to walk past him.

Dominic's hand shot out, fingers digging into her forearm. He didn't fully grasp her meaning, but instinct screamed not to let her leave. "Is this about the unsigned contracts?" His voice took on a placating tone. "Evelyn, be reasonable. If that's what you wanted, you should have said something sooner. Why create drama now?"

"DR Holdings belongs to you." Evelyn winced at his tightening grip. "Or did you forget that little detail? You're the one backing everyone into a corner here."

Evelyn yanked her arm free with a glare. "Let. Me. Go."

"Not until you explain yourself." Dominic caught himself, softening his tone. He lowered his gaze, mind racing. A realization struck him, and when he looked up again, his expression had shifted to something almost tender. "Evelyn... are you jealous?"

The thought that Evelyn might have discovered his affair with Vanessa never crossed his mind. Evelyn had always dismissed such rumors, so devoted was her faith in him. A few sweet words had always been enough to reassure her.

Yet her recent behavior - especially around Vanessa - had been peculiar. Dominic decided to test his theory. "Is this about Vanessa?" He watched her face carefully for reactions.

Evelyn's stony silence only confirmed his suspicions.

"Evelyn, really?" Dominic released her arm with an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. "After all these years together, I thought our bond was unbreakable. That we could weather any storm. But for you to doubt me like this..."

"Whatever you think you saw or heard, it's not what it seems. The three of us have known each other forever! If I wanted something with Vanessa, it would have happened ages ago." He reached for her shoulders, voice dripping with sincerity. "Don't let petty gossip come between us, Evelyn. Those people just want to watch the world burn."

As he tried to pull her into an embrace, Evelyn stepped back sharply, evading his touch. "Is that so?" Her voice held dangerous calm.

Dominic doubled down on his act. "Of course! Remember our promise? If we won this competition, we'd get married." His eyes shone with feigned devotion. "If you don't believe me, let's do it now. Let's get married today!"