"What are you thinking about?"

    "Nothing!"

    Like he''d tell the truth if she asked. Men, those shameless creatures, never admitted to that kind of thing.

    Vespera stomped a few steps toward the door, fuming. But she couldn''t hold back, she spun around again.

    "Can''t you at least lock the damn door? Don''t you know men need to protect themselves, too? I saw this post online that some hot guy didn''t lock his door and ended up getting assaulted by this greasy old man. Guys like you are especially high-risk!"

    Dominic didn''t respond.

    He just stared at her for a few seconds, then loosened his tie again with his fingers. "Fine,e here. You do it. Come check for yourself."

    Vespera huffed.

    Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

    She rushed over, quickly fixed his tie properly, and then opened it.

    By the time the senior executives walked in, Dominic was already seated behind

    his desk, lookingposed andpletely serious.

    Vespera quietly stepped out and closed the door behind her.

    After work, she sent Dominic a message saying she was heading over to Reba''s to drop off the dress. She didn''t even wait for his reply.

    Vespera went to Reba''s apartment.

    Dominic, meanwhile, returned to the Reid residence.

    Just as he parked, Nancy''s car pulled in beside his.

    "Dominic, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have acted like that at lunch. Please don''t kick me

    out," she said, stepping out of the car and reaching for his arm.

    Dominic yanked his arm away coldly and strode straight into the house.

    Before arriving, he''d called ahead to say he''d be home for dinner. Fawn had sounded anxious on the phone.

    Clearly, her precious goddaughter had already filled her in on what happened.

    Now, with Dominic and Nancy walking in one after the other, Fawn''s heart started to pound.

    She had told Nancy not to rush things, but of course, she didn''t listen.

    Samuel, on the other hand, still wore that calm, unbothered expression, smiling faintly as he tried to soothe Fawn''s nerves.

    "So, howe you two came back together?" Fawn asked, forcing a light tone as she watched them enter side by side.

    Dominic pulled out a chair and sat down.

    Nancy sat too, her face pale as a sheet.

    Dominic''s expression was stone-cold, no hint of a smile. That chilling look shut everyone up. No one dared speak or even breathe too loudly.

    Samuel had considered smoothing things over with a few words, but the moment

    he saw Dominic''s face, frozen like a cier, he dropped the idea.

    Truth be told, he wasn''t brave enough to cross this kid either.

    Fawn had never been on the receiving end of Dominic''s "attitude" before. Under

    the table, she nudged Samuel''s leg with her foot.

    Samuel quietly moved his foot away.

    The room''s atmosphere plummeted to freezing.

    "Mom," Dominic finally spoke.

    up,

    Fawn flinched and quickly looked jumping in, "Don''t be mad at Nancy.

    She''s just having a hard time letting

    go. Give her a bit more time, dll talk to her."

    Dominic replied, "I was very clear with her before she came back. I told her not to

    stir up drama. You remember that, don''t you?"

    "Yes, I remember. You said not to let

    ?

    her bother Ms. Gildon. I''ve already talked to her. She hasn''t caused any trouble with Ms. Gildon. From what I''ve heard, they''re getting along well," Fawn said.

    "Whether she bothered Vespera or not isn''t the point right now. She bothered me," Dominic said tly.

    He turned to Nancy. "Want me to get into details?"

    Nancy''s face flushed bright red.

    Dominic looked back at Fawn.

    "Messing with me and upsetting my

    girlfriend still counts as drama Don''t think switching tactics any better.

    "So, now there are two choices, either Nancy leaves Halewick, or... I bring

    Vespera home, and you can help settle her nerves."

    All three at the table whipped their heads toward him, stunned.