Chapter 159

Dominic Kingsley strode toward Evelyn Sinclair with barely contained excitement. His entire demeanor radiated triumph.

"Evelyn, we're holding a press conference tomorrow to announce our breakthrough—we're leading the world in medical innovation!"

Evelyn had already considered this, not wanting competitors to steal their thunder.

She smiled, amused by Dominic's enthusiasm. If she had overheard his earlier exchange with Nathan Blackwood, she gave no indication.

"Perfect. I'll be there." She turned to Donovan Sterling. "Want to come?"

Dominic's eyes gleamed with anticipation. Having Donovan's name attached would elevate the project even further.

Donovan shook his head.

His refusal was firm. Dominic's shoulders slumped slightly, but he knew better than to push the genius scientist.

Nathan's dark gaze lingered on Evelyn's injured arm.

For once, he wasn't seething with irritation. But Evelyn paid him no mind.

"How's your wound? Should we delay the press conference?" Nathan's voice was uncharacteristically measured.

Evelyn arched a brow, her lips curling into a cold smirk. "I won't die from it."

She didn't bother hiding her sarcasm. "Thanks for the concern, Mr. Blackwood. Spare me the act."

Then she blinked up at Donovan. "Ready to go home?"

Donovan nodded, draping his coat over her shoulders before meticulously fastening each button.

The oversized coat swallowed Evelyn's frame, making her look adorably small. Dominic gaped.

The man who revolutionizes science is buttoning her coat like a doting husband?!

Nathan's jaw tightened at Evelyn's sharp dismissal. The chill in her voice cut deeper than he expected.

Then she said home—with him.

His chest constricted.

"Do you need a ride?" Nathan bit out abruptly.

Dominic's eyebrows shot up. Nathan Blackwood offering to chauffeur someone?

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "We're not headed the same way."

We. She'd drawn a line between them so clearly it might as well have been a wall.

Nathan's expression darkened.

Without another word, Evelyn and Donovan walked away. Nathan watched until they disappeared, his fists clenched.

Dominic smirked. "Well, that answers my earlier question." He couldn't resist adding, "Seems they're living together, huh?"

Nathan's glare could have frozen lava. He stormed off without another word.

Exhausted from the night's events, Evelyn collapsed into bed the moment they returned.

Morning light streamed through the sheer curtains, but she burrowed deeper under the covers—until her phone blared incessantly.

Natalie Beaumont's name flashed on the screen.

Evelyn groaned. "Can't my friends let me sleep?"

She answered, voice rough with sleep. "Nat, what's so urgent?"

"You're trending as Julian Moreau's sugar mommy, and you're still asleep?"

Evelyn bolted upright. "What? I just met him yesterday!"

Natalie laughed. "Someone edited footage from his speech and dragged Lucas into it. Your love triangle's practically a bestselling plot now."

"Let me guess—Cassandra Delacroix?"

"Bingo!"

Evelyn threw off the covers, seething. "Today's supposed to be my payday, and she pulls this?"

Her eyes flashed dangerously.

"Anyone who messes with my money will regret it."