Chapter 381

The engine purred to life as Dominic finished his task and started the car. His wife, Evelyn, gave him a lingering look that made his fingers tighten around the steering wheel.

Instantly, he felt exposed.

"Cassandra's family and mine go way back," he explained quickly. "She's practically like a sister to me."

Evelyn arched a brow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "A sister?"

The word sounded strange even to his own ears.

Dominic cleared his throat. "Yes. There's nothing else between us."

"Nothing else?" she pressed, tilting her head.

He froze.

Evelyn hadn’t meant to tease him, but seeing the usually composed Dominic Reeves flustered was too entertaining to resist. The more he squirmed, the more she wanted to push.

She knew better than to worry. A man like him—wealthy, devastatingly handsome—had women throwing themselves at him daily. The fact that he even bothered to explain was telling.

"Evelyn," he sighed, exasperated.

She waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. Everyone has a past. I get it."

Her casual dismissal only deepened his frown.

"What past?"

"Just drive. No need to overthink it."

She leaned back, the picture of nonchalance, as if his explanation hadn’t affected her in the slightest.

Dominic’s jaw clenched.

"You’re not even a little jealous?"

"You said she’s like a sister. Why would I be?"

Her innocent blink only irritated him further.

Gritting his teeth, Dominic focused on the road, but the weight of her indifference settled heavily in his chest.

Beside him, Evelyn dozed off, her breathing steady.

She truly wasn’t jealous.

The woman’s voice on the phone had sparked a flicker of annoyance, but Dominic had shut it down so fast, his nervous explanation had erased any lingering doubt.

If there was something between them, he wouldn’t have hesitated to tell her.

Evelyn slept soundly, oblivious to the storm brewing beside her.

When the car rolled to a stop, she stirred awake, blinking at the hotel’s grand entrance.

"Your driving’s smooth. I barely felt a thing," she praised, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Dominic remained silent.

She really doesn’t care at all.

He didn’t know whether to admire her trust or resent her indifference.

Only when they reached their suite did Evelyn finally notice his mood.

Why does he seem upset? Was it the call earlier? Did he cut ties with Cassandra because of me?

She bit her lip. If he’d damaged a lifelong friendship over a misunderstanding, she needed to fix it.

"You shouldn’t have ended things so harshly with her," she said gently. "She might have needed you for something important. Now it’ll be awkward when you see her again."

Evelyn pulled out the Olivella Soap, turning it over in her hands. She needed to study its composition before she could innovate.

Dominic’s silence stretched.