Chapter 41

Perhaps it was because Dominic Blackwood had never shown favor to many people in his life that when he displayed even the slightest hint of emotion toward someone, everyone assumed he was in love.

The kind of love Evelyn Thorne dreamed of was built on mutual respect—not one where power and control were entirely in one person’s hands.

When the car pulled up to the Blackwood mansion, the bodyguard stepped out and approached Dominic immediately.

"Miss Thorne mentioned in the car that what she said last night was just to test the lie detector," the bodyguard explained, likely fearing Dominic’s temper.

Evelyn lingered at the front door, slipping into her house slippers with deliberate slowness. Her ears were sharp, catching every word.

"She also said she never intended to anger you," the bodyguard added.

"Does she not have a mouth of her own? Why are you speaking for her?" Dominic snapped.

The bodyguard quickly retreated, but not before shooting Evelyn a warning glare—as if to say her days were numbered if she didn’t fix this.

Evelyn sauntered over to Dominic, her steps unhurried.

She settled onto the couch across from him, gathering her courage before speaking.

But Dominic beat her to it.

"Did you attend a singles party?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

Evelyn blinked. "Was that what it was? I had no idea. I only went because I heard there would be wealthy investors."

Dominic’s brows drew together. "And did you find any?"

"No," she admitted. "I was barely there ten minutes before your bodyguard called me."

"Are you blaming me?" His tone was dangerously soft.

Evelyn reached for an apple from the fruit bowl, taking a slow bite. "If I did blame you, would you give me the money?"

"In your dreams," he scoffed.

She chuckled. "Exactly why I won’t let you ruin my good mood."

"Ah, yes. The good mood from firing your vice president and two key researchers?"

Evelyn froze mid-bite.

Her almond-shaped eyes locked onto his. "Dominic, are you in love with me?"

If he wasn’t, why would he bother digging into every detail of her life?

The air between them thickened, time seeming to slow.

Evelyn shoved the apple back into her mouth, suddenly needing the distraction.

Dominic’s gaze burned into her, so intense she felt he might devour her whole.

Then, after a beat, he spoke.

"And you?"

Was he asking if she loved him?

Her pulse spiked, heat rushing to her cheeks.

"I wouldn’t say I’m in love with you," she stammered, "but I wouldn’t say I’m not either. I just… don’t have the courage to be."

The words tumbled out, messy and uncertain. She wasn’t even sure what she meant—only that she hoped he understood.

Fury flickered in his eyes, but his voice remained eerily calm.

"I’m not the monster you think I am, Evelyn. You don’t have to understand me, but you don’t need to fight me either."

"I’m not fighting you," she said, clearing her throat. "I just want to live my life my way."

A life that, clearly, didn’t include him.

Dominic lifted his coffee cup, taking a slow sip before changing the subject.

"Adrian Vaughn’s offer isn’t insignificant. If you sell at that price, you’d still have funds left after clearing the debt."

It took Evelyn a moment to realize he was talking about Thornfield Industries.

"My father wouldn’t have wanted it sold."

"Bankruptcy isn’t much different. Just a faster way to lose everything."

She exhaled sharply. "I appreciate the advice, but I’ll handle this my way."

Dominic laughed—a rare, low sound.

It was the first time she’d ever heard it.

And it was mesmerizing.

The only other time she’d seen him smile like that was in a photo—his arms wrapped around another woman, his expression tender.