Chapter 382

Dominic watched Evelyn's back with a raised brow, his voice icy as he demanded, "Do you honestly believe I should remove her from my blocked list?"

"Obviously!" Evelyn nodded emphatically, convinced it was the rational choice.

Her fingers traced the smooth surface of the Olivella soap as she continued working, her tone pragmatic. "You said your families have been close for decades. Cutting her off completely isn't realistic, is it? Even if you block her, what then? Avoid every family gathering? Never speak to her parents again? You should talk it out like adults. Blocking her is just..."

"Just what?" His voice dropped dangerously low as he pushed away from his desk and closed the distance between them.

"Nothing!"

Evelyn pressed her fingertip into the soap, testing its firmness before chuckling at the indentation left behind.

"I just think it's a bit... immature."

'She cried in front of him once, and he blocked her on everything? As if they won’t cross paths again at some society gala or family dinner? Please.' Having spent years navigating the intricate social webs of the Hawthorne family, Evelyn understood how these connections worked. Wealthy families like the Kensingtons and Winslows were bound by decades of shared investments, alliances, and obligations. Personal feelings couldn’t sever those ties so easily.

Especially over something as trivial as a tantrum.

Cassandra had acted out—nothing more.

Evelyn laid out her thoughts logically, unaware of the storm brewing in Dominic’s expression.

"You're calling me immature?"

The sudden proximity of his voice made her stiffen. She turned—and there he was, looming over her, his jaw tight, eyes dark.

'Oh. He’s furious.'

"I didn’t say you were immature," she backtracked hastily. "I meant the situation with Cassandra—"

Before she could finish, his hands seized her waist, yanking her against him. His mouth crashed down on hers, swallowing her words in a punishing kiss.

'Mmph—!'

Evelyn’s eyes flew wide.

'Weren’t we having a serious discussion? Why is he kissing me now? And why does he look like I’m the one who provoked him?'

When he finally pulled back, letting her gasp for air, she could only guess at the source of his anger.

"Are you... embarrassed because you blocked her first and now you can’t take it back?"

'Men and their pride. He probably regrets it but won’t admit it.'

Dominic’s expression darkened further—just as his phone rang. The sharp, insistent chime of a video call cut through the tension.

"You unblocked her already?" Evelyn arched a brow. 'Persistent, isn’t she?'

His frown deepened. He hadn’t unblocked anyone. But video calls were rare for him. With a terse exhale, he reached for his phone.