Crushed Affections

For some reason, Dominic suddenly felt that the way Gloriana was acting now reminded him of Bella in the past. Perhaps he instinctively wanted to make a change because of how bad things were right now so without thinking, he agreed to her invitation. "Send me the

address."

After hanging up the phone, he hurried back to his car, walking briskly through the rain.

Once he received the address from Gloriana, he casually lit a cigarette, pondering her motives. He wondered if she was trying to find a way to use him as a stepping stone to help the Klein family rise again.

He felt that it was almost laughable if that were the case. After all, he and the Sawyer family had already dealt with the Klein family. It was impossible for them to make a comeback. Whatever Gloriana tried to do was bound to be futile.

Finishing his cigarette, Dominic nonchalantly started driving toward the location. The place was drastically different from the suburban villa from before. This time, it was a much more romantic and appealing seaside villa. Naturally, its charm was all just for rich people to have some fun.

Gloriana greeted him at the door when he arrived. Noticing that his coat was slightly damp, she took the initiative to help him take it off. "Let me handle your coat. It's a bit cold with the rain. You don't want to catch a cold."

Dominic responded indifferently, his gaze briefly scanning Gloriana's carefully made-up face. She was undoubtedly an elegant and beautiful woman, but she wasn't stunning enough to captivate him.

That day, Gloriana wore a relatively conservative white evening gown, the kind with a deliberate design that accentuated her figure. The gown outlined her curves, and the only exposed parts were her arms and the heart-shaped neckline of the dress, with a faint hint of cleavage.

After entering, Dominic didn't see lan. He frowned slightly. "Where's lan?"

A brief flash of panic crossed Gloriana's eyes. "He... He just left before you arrived. It seemed like he had something urgent to attend to."

Dominic didn't bother calling lan to verify. He could already guess the truth. He had never been to this place. Gloriana had made up the story to lure him here.

Perhaps due to the rain, but thereConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

weren't many people at the gathering this time. Most of the

guests were familiar faces from Joville, and Dominic didn't want to make a scene. He found a secluded corner to sit, away from the prying eyes of others.

After handing his coat over to one of the household staff, Gloriana obediently sat beside him and poured him a drink. "Mr. Miller... They say you never used to come to places like this. Why do you seem to have changed recently?"

Dominic gave her a mocking glance. "Isn't that what you wanted? I don't like beating around the bush. If you couldn't win over lan, that's your problem. Of course, you won't win me over either. You won't get anything from me."

Gloriana boldly placed her hand on

his, which was resting on the edge of the table. She leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Why are you so sure? If you weren't even slightly interested, why would you come here? And why would you stay? Mr. Miller, I've admired you for a long time..."

Dominic calmly withdrew his hand, subtly turning his body away from her intimate gesture. He then sarcastically said, "Admire me? Do you admire a man who personally destroyed the Klein family? You must have a heart of stone."

For a brief moment, Gloriana

appeared embarrassed, but it

quickly faded, and she regained her

composure. Even if you hadn't gotten involved, my sister would've still taken down the Klein family with her big mouth, thanks to the Sawyers. You can't blame yourself for that. But this has nothing to do with me liking you. The whole police station mess was also because of my sister was arrogant enough to go after Bella. She's always like that, and it messes things up for everyone..."