Kathy cast a subtle, ambiguous smile at Dominic before nodding graciously. Rising to his feet with a warm expression, Dominic offered Kathy the seat beside the window. Once settled, Kathy turned to Carissa who had a look of surprise on her face. "Miss Carissa, why are you still here? Would you care to join us for dinner?" Her invitation to Carissa was genuine and heartfelt, as the dinner with Dominic felt slightly awkward. Kathy had come to Downtown Bistro not for Dominic's company, but for the food and the assistance he offered her with work, culminating in the dinner invitation. With Carissa's presence, Dominic's attention was divided, allowing Kathy to enjoy her meal more comfortably.Despite Kathy's lingering disbelief that Dominic would suddenly be so kind as to help her with her work and invite her to dinner, her words unintentionally came across as provocative to Carissa and Dominic. "Dominic, I can't believe you brought Kathy to Downtown Bistro! This is where we always used
Witnessing Dominic and Kathy sharing intimate whispers, Carissa was consumed by a deep sense of betrayal. Her love for Dominic had always been steadfast, but everything had changed since he returned from abroad. How could he treat her this way? It had to be Kathy's influence!Carissa, typically a diligent and rational individual, found herself succumbing to irrational thoughts and emotions in the presence of Kathy. Despite her usual excellence as a student and worker, she was now caught in the throes of emotional turmoil.As the waiters emerged from the kitchen carrying trays of food for Dominic and Kathy, Carissa approached one of them. "Excuse me, is there anything I can help with?" The waiter recognized Carissa and had some inkling of the situation between the three of them. However, maintaining professionalism, the waiter refrained from making judgments and responded with respect and politeness, offering a slight bow.Carissa wore her most genuine smile and gestured towards Kathy
Inhaling the unique and pleasant fragrance wafting from Dominic's body, Kathy finally succeeded in calming herself. If Dominic hadn't pulled her away, the plate would have struck her head, posing a serious risk due to her petite stature and recent illness. The thought of losing her memory and returning to the harsh reality she came from filled her with dread.Lost in her apprehensions, Kathy's expression turned somber, betraying her fear. Dominic, holding the fragile figure in his arms, discarded his facade, revealing himself as a gentle white flower, overwhelmed with sorrow and a surge of anger."Kathy, everything is fine now. You have nothing to fear. I am here for you." He gently patted Kathy's back and reassured her in a soft, soothing tone.Dominic's voice snapped Kathy back to reality. She regained her composure and studied Dominic carefully, realizing he might have assumed she was startled by the falling plate. However, her concern lay elsewhere—what would happen if she time-tr
Upon reaching DTB, Parker was taken aback to find Dominic seated nearby, casually dining with a girl. His disbelief grew as he wondered about the abandoned attack plan. Dominic gestured towards Carissa, who was sprawled on the ground."I don’t have proof of her actions, but you can review the surveillance footage." He casually remarked."Isn't that Carissa?" Giving Dominic a dubious look, Parker discreetly questioned."Yes.” Dominic acknowledged."Did she assault your girlfriend?" Parker's astonishment was palpable.Could this situation be the unfolding of a love triangle saga, culminating in one person harming another's significant other due to unrequited affection?Observing the shift in Parker's expression, Dominic sensed his overly imaginative friend delving into forbidden thoughts and promptly delivered a light punch to his chest."Don't overthink it. My girlfriend is right there watching us," he cautioned.Having only caught glimpses of Kathy in the media, Parker lacked a substa
The following morning, Kathy awoke before her alarm sounded. Previously, she only rose early when preoccupied with something, yet as she lay in bed, she felt bewildered. Was there an important event scheduled for today? After pondering and sifting through her recollections, Kathy recalled something out of the ordinary. She had agreed to carpool with Dominic today. It had been quite a while since they had commuted to work together following their falling out. However, was it truly something she was eagerly anticipating? Thoughts of Dominic's handsome visage, his calm yet profound voice, his slightly furrowed brow when upset, and how he had come to her aid the previous night flooded Kathy's mind. Her face flushed crimson, and in an impulse, she clutched her blanket, wrapping herself up tightly in it, curling into a ball."Kathy! You're behaving so embarrassingly! You must maintain control! Remember, Dominic has a manipulative side! His kindness is merely a facade!"After calming hersel
Even though she knew that Abigail meant no harm, the way she affectionately called her "a little flower" seemed overly casual to Kathy. Despite wanting to speak up, Kathy remained silent."Kathy, I'm about to head out. I still have two cases to attend to," Abigail said before giving Kathy's shoulder a reassuring pat, then left, leaving Kathy feeling perplexed.Now alone in the spacious office, Kathy felt a sudden wave of emptiness wash over her.Kathy was taken aback by her realization! How could she perceive the office as empty? Wasn't she supposed to be fully immersed in her work?"Kathy! What about your aspirations in this lifetime? If Dominic doesn't assign you tasks, won't you seek opportunities for yourself?" Remembering the pledge she made when starting anew, Kathy's presence exuded newfound strength.With a determined gleam in her eyes, Kathy's gaze lit up with resolve as she reached for Ian's phone number and dialed it."Hello?" Ian answered the call with a hint of uncertaint
"Carissa departed."After completing his sentence, Dominic, without waiting for Kathy's response, grabbed his lunch and took a seat beside her. Kathy straightened up and absentmindedly nodded, "Certainly, given her role as the executive director of Perotone, she could easily explain that she didn't hold the plate steadily."Observing Kathy's lack of negative emotions, Dominic nodded and ceased discussing Carissa. "At the perfect timing, Mr. President, I have something to share with you," Kathy exclaimed suddenly, struck by inspiration. Even if Dominic hadn't approached her today, she would have sought him out.Furrowing his handsome brow, Dominic remarked, "If it pertains to work, come to my office after lunch. If it's personal, feel free to share now."Kathy promptly closed her mouth, pondering the issue and eager to finish lunch swiftly so she could whisk Dominic back to the CEO's office.Noticing the silence from the person beside him."Kathy, why the quietness?" Dominic asked.Hi
Dominic smiled as he set down his glass."Since you're late, you'll have to drink as a penalty, even though today was supposed to be my treat."Ian and Carlisle applauded spontaneously, praising Dominic for his straightforwardness, while Kathy found the situation somewhat amusing.Dominic's acting was so convincing that it seemed almost real. The size and worth of Henderson Corp far surpassed that of Ian and Dan. It was already a privilege for Dominic to personally engage in conversation with the two of them.In contrast to Carissa, who held the title of executive officer based on personal connections with little influence on the company's operations, Dominic was the true CEO of Henderson Corp, making their statuses incomparable.While dining with Dominic, Ian, and Carlisle seemed to have a touch of flattery in their motives, despite having recently established Henderson Corp."Do you both already understand why you were invited here today?" Dominic inquired with a smile directed at I