Chapter 403

The Chateau Royale was the most luxurious five-star hotel in Veridian City, towering sixty-six stories high with a breathtaking view of the entire skyline.

Despite his wealth, Dominic Reeves rarely visited. In fact, he had only been there twice before—both times at a client’s insistence.

Yet today, he had personally reserved a table for Evelyn Carter.

His fingers tapped nervously against the pristine tablecloth.

Will she give me another chance? Or is this just another test?

Dominic wasn’t sure what Evelyn was thinking, but he clung to hope. After all, they had shared years together. That had to count for something.

He had dressed carefully—not in the stark white suit from yesterday, but in an off-white ensemble that accentuated his refined demeanor. The tailored fit made him look effortlessly elegant, the kind of man who turned heads without trying.

He arrived early, ensuring everything was perfect. The restaurant prioritized privacy, and tonight, it was nearly empty.

Good. No distractions. Just us.

Yesterday’s plans had been ruined by unexpected interference. This time, he wouldn’t let anything disrupt their reunion.

Dominic checked his watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.

Then—footsteps.

The sharp click of heels against marble.

He looked up—and froze.

Evelyn stood before him, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

Her hair, usually tied back, cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders. A fitted knit dress hugged her curves, the neckline dipping just enough to be alluring without being indecent. A beige cashmere coat draped over her arm completed the look.

Dominic recognized the designer label instantly—this season’s most coveted collection.

But it wasn’t the clothes that stunned him.

It was her.

The pearls at her ears and throat glowed against her flawless skin, making her look almost ethereal.

He had known Evelyn for years, yet tonight, she was radiant in a way he’d never seen before.

“Y-You…” His voice faltered.

Evelyn reached for her chair, and he sprang up, hurrying to pull it out for her. He took her coat, hanging it carefully before returning to his seat.

“You look… incredible,” he managed.

A slow smile curved her lips. “Funny. I don’t recall you ever saying that before.”

Dominic winced. “I should have. I was blind.”

She tilted her head, watching him with amusement, as if he were a particularly entertaining spectacle.

He cleared his throat. “How have you been?”

“Perfectly fine,” she said, flicking an invisible speck off the table. “Aside from the occasional nuisance.”

Her gaze flicked to him pointedly.

Dominic swallowed the jab. He had expected this. If mockery was the price for her attention, he’d pay it gladly.

“I know I hurt you,” he said, voice low. “I was a fool. I let myself be deceived, and in doing so, I lost the best thing that ever happened to me.” He met her eyes. “I regret it every day.”

Evelyn’s expression remained unreadable.

Dominic leaned forward. “I mean it, Evelyn. I want to make things right.”

She studied him for a long moment before finally speaking.

“Prove it.”