Chapter 81

Sophie was desperately trying to catch Evelyn's attention with frantic eye signals, but Evelyn's mind was entirely consumed by one thought—the connection between Dominic and Adrian.

"Miss Thorne, the reason I never mentioned knowing Dominic was to spare you any unnecessary distress," Adrian began, his smile smooth and practiced. "Given your… complicated history, I didn’t want to add to your burdens. I wasn’t trying to deceive you—I genuinely want to acquire Thornfield Industries."

Beneath the table, Sophie’s fingers flew across her phone screen.

Sophie: (Don’t believe him, Evelyn! Dominic Blackwood is the one behind this! It’s him!)

Evelyn glanced at her phone, the notification lighting up the screen.

She read the message, then leveled a frosty stare at Adrian. "Did you discuss this with Dominic?" she demanded.

Adrian’s smile didn’t waver. "I did. He thought it was a worthwhile investment. As I’ve told you before, I’ve been searching for opportunities since I finished university."

Another text buzzed in.

Sophie: (He’s lying! He’s just Dominic’s puppet!)

Evelyn’s chest tightened. She pressed further.

"Did your father really provide the funds? Can I meet him tomorrow?"

Adrian’s expression faltered. "Actually… I borrowed the money. I didn’t mention it because I was embarrassed."

"Who lent it to you?" Evelyn pressed.

Dominic, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

"I did."

Sophie’s next message came in a flash.

Sophie: (They’re both lying! Dominic is Mr. X! Adrian admitted it to me earlier! Call them out!)

Evelyn’s grip on her phone turned white-knuckled. Her other hand clenched around her water glass.

Her face drained of color, lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line.

Dominic was Mr. X.

He had been using Adrian as a front to take over Thornfield Industries.

Whatever his reasons, the deception left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Why not approach her directly?

Did he think so little of her company?

Or was this just another way to humiliate her?

The memory of her first meeting with Mr. X resurfaced—Dominic’s fury when she’d gone to meet a stranger, the way he’d punished her that night.

Did he think she was a fool?

Did he enjoy manipulating her like this?

If they had been alone, she would have slapped him.

But what would that accomplish?

Evelyn downed the rest of her water in one sharp motion, then stood abruptly.

"Wait!" Sophie called, scrambling after her.

Adrian’s mouth fell open in shock.

What just happened?

Did they know each other?

"Dominic… I’m sorry. I had no idea they were friends!"

His face burned with humiliation.

He’d ruined everything.

Dominic’s expression was ice. His fingers curled into a fist.

"Your girlfriend looked familiar when you sent me her photo. Then I remembered seeing her at the concert hall with Evelyn. She mentioned having friends there."

Adrian blinked. "So… you brought Evelyn because you knew they were close?" His voice was thick with disbelief. "Why take the risk? Why let her find out?"

"Did you tell Sophie anything?" Dominic asked, voice low.

Adrian hesitated. "Just enough to make conversation easier before you arrived… Why is Evelyn so upset? Even if you’re the one behind the acquisition, it’s a massive deal. No one else would offer that kind of money for Thornfield Industries."

"She can’t accept that I’m Mr. X," Dominic replied, his voice rough.