Chapter 53
"Perhaps it's destiny," Nathan murmured.
"My poor sister deserves better," Tristan countered coldly.
"Forgive my bluntness, Mr. Chamberlain," Nathan continued. "Bianca is extraordinary, yet after all these years by Mr. Blackwood's side, his heart remains untouched. Even if she dedicates another twenty, thirty years... His affection will never be hers."
A dangerous glint flashed in Tristan's eyes as he replied, "How... enlightening."
That night, Dominic hosted a dinner for Blackwood Group's executives.
Afterwards, Lucas insisted they continue drinking elsewhere.
The entire room sensed Dominic's dark mood, though none dared ask why.
Which explained why they unanimously decided to get him thoroughly drunk.
When Dominic's gaze grew unfocused, Lucas discreetly replaced his whiskey with orange juice.
"Bottling things up isn't healthy," Lucas remarked, watching Dominic rub his temples. "Talk to me."
Dominic's long fingers pressed against his forehead as he confessed in a husky voice, "Evelyn wants a divorce. Am I truly so... inadequate?"
The room plunged into shocked silence.
Inadequate? Their billionaire CEO?
Had Evelyn Thorne lost her mind?
Dominic Blackwood wasn't just wealthy - he was a business prodigy, a man women would cross continents for!
Who did she think she was, wounding him like this?
"What's your take on Miss Thorne, Lucas?" Nathan inquired.
"Just some college girl," Lucas shrugged, then reconsidered. "Actually no - she's stunning. If Bianca's beauty is lethal, Evelyn's is... comforting. Like sunshine."
"I've never met her! Should we invite her?" someone suggested.
Lucas glanced at Dominic's pained expression and reached for his phone.
"Let's have Evelyn take you home," Lucas declared.
Dominic's breathing hitched.
Taking his silence as consent, Lucas made the call.
At Mooncrest Manor, Evelyn was editing her thesis when Dominic's name flashed on her screen.
The unfamiliar voice made her stomach clench.
"Miss Thorne? Are you free tonight?"
"This is...?"
"Dominic's had too much to drink. We need you to collect him."
"Where's his security detail? Surely they're sober?"
The men exchanged startled looks.
"No bodyguard tonight," Lucas replied. "Will you come?"
Evelyn grabbed her coat. "Send the address."
Forty minutes later, Evelyn arrived at Villa Serenade to find a group of executives clustered at the entrance.
Their collective stare made her cheeks burn as she burrowed deeper into her coat.
Lucas propelled Dominic toward her. "Even if you don't love him," he said pointedly, "don't you dare break him."
Evelyn nearly dropped the staggering billionaire. "Break him?" she scoffed. "If only I could! The man's unbreakable."
Dominic's eyes flew open. In one fluid motion, he spun her against the car, his breath hot against her lips.