“Do you really think that, with your family’s standing and your own reputation, you and Nick could ever end up together? Stop daydreaming.”
Viola fixed Cynthia with a piercing stare, searching her face for any trace of hurt or disappointment.
But there was nothing.
Cynthia stood calmly across from her, her expression unchanged, as if Viola’s words had bounced right off.
“I never even thought about ending up with him.”
It was like punching a pillow—Viola’s anger landed with no effect, leaving her feeling strangely powerless.
“At least you know your place. Since you understand that you and Nick are never going to happen, why don’t you just leave him alone?”
Cynthia shook her head. “I can’t do that.”
The Tremaines might have weathered the worst for now, but they weren’t out of trouble. Turning Dominic against her would only make things worse for her family.
Viola hadn’t expected Cynthia to be so shameless.
“So you refuse to let go of Nick? What, are you planning to hang around even after he gets married—become his mistress or something?”
Cynthia paused for a moment. The truth was, her relationship with Dominic hardly even qualified as an affair. Still, seeing Viola getting so worked up, chest heaving with fury, gave Cynthia a quiet thrill. She smiled and replied, “Well, I suppose that’s not entirely out of the question.”
That was the last straw for Viola.


Viola knew Cynthia had been thrown out by Dominic, and she was obviously trying to get under her skin.
Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Without answering, Viola stormed inside, her face like thunder, and stabbed the “close” button.

As the elevator doors closed, Viola shot her a murderous glare—if looks could kill, Cynthia would have been finished on the spot.
Seeing Viola fuming but powerless, Cynthia’s mood lifted. She turned around and found Dominic standing in his office doorway, watching her, though she had no idea how long he’d been there.

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