Chapter 242

Evelyn was rendered utterly speechless by Sophie's blunt remark.

This entire mess was entirely her own doing!

Why on earth had she accepted Dominic's extravagant gift?

None of this awkwardness would be happening if she'd simply refused it like she should have.

With an exasperated sigh, Evelyn ended the call with Sophie, then immediately dialed Vincent. "Don't you think it would've been courteous to consult me before planning some surprise birthday celebration?"

"And what if you'd said no?" Vincent countered, his tone dripping with familiarity. "I know you too well, Evelyn. By informing everyone else first, I've effectively trapped you into attending."

Evelyn let out a humorless chuckle.

"Then enjoy your little gathering without me! I won't be there!"

"I've already invited Dominic Blackwood! That arrogant bastard accepted immediately!" Vincent taunted. "Your ex-husband truly has no shame, Evelyn. What did you ever see in a man like him?"

Rubbing her temples, Evelyn disconnected the call without another word.

Sophie's call came through again within seconds.

"Dominic's actually coming to the party, Evelyn! I was certain someone with his pride would decline!" Sophie exclaimed. "I can never anticipate his reactions. Is this unpredictability some special quality all powerful men possess?"

"You couldn't predict a madman's actions either," Evelyn snapped. "Stop romanticizing his behavior, Sophie."

"Hah! You always get so defensive when we discuss him," Sophie observed slyly. "That's proof enough you still have feelings for him! Normal people don't react this strongly!"

Evelyn gulped down half a glass of water before fabricating an excuse to end the conversation.

She suddenly longed for the days when her schedule left no room for such complications.

After securing Dominic's attendance, Vincent retreated to the bathroom to collect himself.

Once sufficiently composed, he dialed Nathan's number - a sequence he'd somehow memorized despite deleting it months ago.

The line rang endlessly before finally connecting.

"I'm shocked you answered! Why didn't you respond to my text last week?"

Vincent had been forced to send an apology text under Evelyn's threats, but Nathan's silence had gnawed at him.

"You have every right to text me, just as I have every right not to respond," Nathan replied icily. "Don't disturb me during work hours without cause."

"I do have cause! Are you attending Evelyn's birthday this weekend?"

"That depends entirely on whether Mr. Blackwood attends."

"Well Dominic Blackwood confirmed he's coming!"

"Then I'll be accompanying him," Nathan stated before adding curtly, "I'm currently occupied. Refrain from calling during business hours."

The line went dead.

White-hot rage surged through Vincent.

Who did this insignificant assistant think he was?

What could possibly be keeping him so busy?

Dominic hadn't dismissed him so rudely!

As second-in-command at Thornfield Industries, Vincent never claimed to be too busy for anyone!

Moments later, Vincent created a new group chat with several department heads.

The chat title - "Operation: Blackwood Downfall" - immediately caused panic among the recipients, with none daring to respond initially.

Vincent: (We're taking down Dominic Blackwood at Saturday's party! Who's with me?!)

After an agonizing pause, one manager tentatively replied: (How exactly?)

Vincent: (Alcohol, obviously! What else would work?)

The tension in the group immediately dissipated.