Chapter 92
:
“Please escort these visitors to the exit,” Dominic instructed, his tone polite but firm.
“You can’t just throw us out!” Jason protested, looking around wildly as if seeking support from the onlookers.
63
Dominic’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not throwing you out. I’m ensuring my employee can return to her work without further disruption.” He turned to address the gathering of employees who had stopped to watch the drama unfold. “The show is over, everyone. Please return to your duties.”
The effect was immediate. People scattered, returning to their tasks with remarkable speed. No one wanted to risk the CEO’s displeasure.
The security guards approached my mother and brother with professional courtesy. “This way, please.”
I became acutely aware of Dominic standing beside me, his presence both reassuring and intimidating. Without looking at me, he spoke quietly.
“Come to my office.”
It wasn’t a request. I nodded mutely and followed him toward the executive elevator.
The moment the elevator doors closed, enclosing us in private silence, I felt my composure begin to crumble. My eyes burned, vision blurring as I took a deep, shuddering breath.
“I’m sorry you had to see that,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “That was… not how I wanted my first day to go.” I pressed my back against the cool elevator wall, needing its solidity to ground me.
Dominic stood quietly beside me, his eyes fixed on the elevator display as we ascended. Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pristine handkerchief, offering it to me.
I took it gratefully, our fingers brushing. That brief contact sent a current through my body, momentarily distracting me from my humiliation. I pressed the handkerchief briefly against my eyes to absorb the moisture gathering there. “Thank you.”
“You handled yourself well,” he said after a moment, his voice calm and measured. “Setting boundaries with family is often the hardest thing to do.”
I looked up at him, surprised by his understanding. “I’ve never stood up to them like that before. I’ve always just… given in.” My voice cracked slightly on the last words.
A faint smile touched his lips. “Perhaps it’s time they learned you have strength they never acknowledged.”
Despite everything, I found myself responding to his words. The elevator pinged softly as we reached the top floor,
1/2
12:14 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 92
and the doors slid open to reveal a hushed, elegant reception area that led to Dominic’s executive suite,
460
As we walked through, I took in my surroundings with wide eyes. This was my first time seeing Dominic’s office, and the space was impressive–grand without being ostentatious, powerful without trying too hard. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city below, and the furnishings were all dark wood and rich leather. On one wall hung a silver emblem that I recognized as the Sterling family crest–a wolf with a crown, surrounded by intricate knotwork.
Dominic led me to a seating area with a plush leather sofa and gestured for me to sit. “Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee?”
I shook my head, sinking into the soft leather. “No, thank you. I… I just want to say thank you for intervening down there. But really, I can handle my family on my own.” I twisted the handkerchief between my fingers, the fine fabric growing damp with my nervous perspiration.
Dominic took a seat across from me, his eyes studying my face carefully. I felt naked under his scrutiny, as though he could see past my carefully constructed defenses.
“I have no doubt you can. But you shouldn’t have to face such confrontations alone, especially not at work.”
1 fidgeted with the handkerchief still clutched in my hand. “My father’s medical bills are my responsibility, not yours. I don’t want you to think I’m looking for financial help or special treatment.”
“Is that what concerns you?” Dominic leaned forward slightly.
When he put it so bluntly, it sounded ridiculous, but that was exactly what worried me. “I just… I don’t want anyone to think that’s why I’m with you. Especially not you.” My voice softened to almost a whisper on the last words.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
Write Comments
SHARE
2/2
12:14 Mon, Sep 22
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
