Chapter 181

The priority was clear—Sophia needed to be cured. Only then could Evelyn remain by Dominic's side for the long term.

Bianca's rage burned so fiercely that crimson veins spiderwebbed across her eyes, especially when Zoe dared to call Dominic her boyfriend. But what could Bianca do? In the end, she had no choice but to storm out.

Evelyn watched Bianca's retreating figure with a cold smirk. "Pathetic. She folded without me even lifting a finger."

Meanwhile, at Thornfield Industries, Evelyn was knee-deep in recruitment. Though most former employees had returned, the company's new direction demanded fresh expertise.

Mike was due to arrive today to assist. His presence would finally give Evelyn a moment to breathe.

"President Thorne, should we consider hiring a celebrity ambassador?" the marketing manager suggested during their strategy meeting.

Evelyn didn’t hesitate. "No."

"But influencer collaborations are the current trend—"

"We rely on the product alone," Evelyn cut in firmly.

The manager blinked. "So... no marketing at all?"

"That’s not what I said. Promotion is necessary—just not through celebrities or influencers."

"Then how?"

Evelyn set down her documents. "We bring in industry experts. If the product is flawless, the sales will follow."

The theory was sound, but with no tangible product yet, the manager couldn’t shake his unease.

"President Thorne... are you truly confident in this?"

A faint smile curled Evelyn’s lips. "I can’t explain it yet. You’ll understand when you see it for yourself."

A knock interrupted them.

"Come in."

The door swung open, revealing a strikingly handsome young man in avant-garde fashion.

The manager frowned. "Who are you? This is Thornfield Industries—"

Mike breezed past him and pulled Evelyn into an exuberant hug.

"Missed you like crazy, and it’s only been days!" he declared, grinning.

The manager stiffened, then hastily excused himself. Clearly, this was Evelyn’s... companion. Overseas living must’ve changed her tastes.

Outside, Evelyn’s secretary approached, poised to knock.

"Don’t!" The manager intercepted her. "President Thorne’s boyfriend is in there. Let’s... give them space."

The secretary bit her lip. "But Dominic Blackwood from Blackwood Group is here to see her. I can’t leave him waiting downstairs!"

The manager paled. After a steadying breath, he said, "I’ll handle it."

He marched to the elevator—just as the doors slid open.

Dominic stepped out, his presence icy and imposing. The manager’s breath hitched.

"President Blackwood! Let me escort you to President Thorne’s office." He scurried ahead, back slightly hunched in deference.

At the door, his courage faltered. Offending either of them was unthinkable.

"Here we are," he mumbled.

Dominic didn’t hesitate. He pushed the door open—and froze.

Evelyn sat in her chair, while Mike perched on her desk, idly twirling a lock of her hair. Their laughter was intimate, their closeness undeniable.

A deafening bang echoed as Dominic kicked the door wide open.