Chapter 46

The threat meant nothing to Evelyn. She stopped mid-step and turned slowly, her lips curling into a smirk at the sight of Dominic’s furious expression.

"Do as you please, Mr. Reeves," she said, her voice dripping with defiance. "From now on, I decide when I work and when I arrive. If you want to punish me for being late—or for skipping altogether—go right ahead."

With that, she pushed open the door and strode out, leaving behind a stunned silence.

Vanessa gaped at the empty doorway before whirling toward Dominic. "You just let her walk out like that? She’s going to run straight to the press with those ridiculous accusations! How could you let her leave?"

Dominic’s jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening as he slammed a fist onto the desk. "What was I supposed to do? We’re in the middle of DR Holdings. Half the building saw her come in here. Did you expect me to lock her up?"

Vanessa bit her lip, anxiety gnawing at her. Her carefully crafted reputation was already under scrutiny, and Evelyn’s sudden rebellion threatened to destroy everything. The thought made her blood boil.

None of it made sense. Evelyn had been compliant for years—docile, even. What had changed?

Dominic exhaled sharply, his fingers curling into fists. Veins stood out along his wrists as he fought to control his temper.

"We need to strike first," he growled, slamming his palm against the desk. When he looked up, his eyes were cold with resolve. "Get our lawyers here immediately. I’m suing her. And contact our old university classmates—the ones we were closest to."

Vanessa blinked, confused. "What? Why would we need them now? Are you planning some kind of reunion?"

She scoffed, shaking her head. "Or do you think they can talk sense into her? Please. Evelyn barely tolerated half of them back then. What makes you think she’d listen to them now?"

Dominic shot her an exasperated look. "Just do it. Find their contact details—especially the ones we had strong ties with. Trust me, it’ll be useful. And hurry."

His mind was already racing. I can’t let this drag on. Evelyn, if you’re determined to burn everything down, don’t blame me for what comes next. You started this war.

"Achoo!"

The sunlight was blindingly bright. Evelyn wrinkled her nose as she sneezed, only for a tissue to appear in front of her.

Flushing, she reached for it, but Alexander was already dabbing at her nose with surprising gentleness. He crumpled the tissue and tossed it into the bin before she could protest.

She stared at him, speechless. Alexander Kensington—the ruthless CEO of Celestia Group, the man who commanded fear in every boardroom—had just helped her blow her nose.

Her cheeks burned as his arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. "So," he murmured, his voice low and amused, "how was your first day back at work?"