Chapter 29

A moment ago, Tina seemed sincerely remorseful. But now, her sobs and whimpers abruptly stopped. Vespera’s words stripped away her mask of repentance, like old paint peeling off a wall, exposing the dark and twisted core beneath.

Luke’s eyes gleamed at her statement. He stepped towards her and asked, “Really? Are you serious?”

Vespera didn’t bat an eye. But as soon as Tina saw his reaction, something in her snapped.

“This is impossible! That hotel is famous for its discretion! The room was in an isolated corner; no one could have gotten there! Who could’ve saved you? Who was it? An angel?” she screeched, her voice as sharp as stone.

“Well, he did look like an angel.” She recalled his warm touch and gentle demeanor as he assured her she was safe. At that moment, he looked like an angel sent to her from above—tall, handsome, a presence that radiated boundless charm.

“I don’t believe you. That person doesn’t exist. You just didn’t want Luke to think that you’re damaged goods.”

“I don’t care what he thinks. Even if I was assaulted, the shame of that crime wouldn’t fall on me. It falls on you and those people you gave orders to!” Vespera said, letting out a cold scoff.

“Enough with your bullshit! Since you claim that he exists, why don’t you call him? Come on, summon your angel! Let everyone here take a good look at this so-called savior of yours!” Tina snapped, her face contorted in rage.

Vespera fell silent at Tiria’s request. She needed to keep Dominic a secret. After everything he had done for her, she wouldn’t repay him by dragging someone of his stature into this ridiculous spectacle.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? I knew you were lying!” Tina sneered as she watched her fall silent.

The hope in Luke’s eyes flickered, dimming fast. He didn’t stop Tina’s interrogation because he wanted an answer too.

“It’s too much to call me an angel, but yes, I was the one who saved her.”

Everyone turned at the same time upon hearing a resonant voice from the far end of the hall. Only then did they notice the incredibly attractive man with undeniable charisma and a sculpted physique.

Someone recognized him and murmured, “It’s Dominic Reid!”

“Which Dominic Reid?”

“How many Dominic Reids do you think exist in Halewick? It’s THE Dominic Reid, you idiot!”

“Holy shit, it’s the one from the Reid family! Why is he here? Wait, what did he just say?”

The banquet hall was in an uproar. It was impossible that Dominic had chosen to attend the event. The Munoz family lacked the status to invite him, yet here he was. Everyone held their breath as they pieced together his earlier words—he was the so-called angel who had saved Vespera. It dawned on them all at once that he had come for her. Vespera seemed to have an innate talent for attracting wealthy men.

The Munoz and Sowle families were just as bewildered as their expressions suggested. Luke stared at Dominic as he approached them, his dark, brooding eyes brimming with hostility. At this moment, he instinctively knew that a rival had appeared.

Tina had never seen Dominic in person, but she knew of the Reid family. She was fully aware of his importance. Jealousy burned in her eyes as she glared at Vespera; she couldn’t believe how quickly Vespera had found another powerful man to latch onto. The imbalance gnawed at her heart.

“Mr. Reid,” Vespera said, a hint of confusion in her voice.

“I happened to be dining in this hotel. It sounded lively in here, so I came to have a look,” Dominic said casually, as if he had merely wandered in after his meal. He scanned the place as he finished speaking. His unnervingly composed demeanor cast an oppressive air over the banquet hall, making the other guests feel the weight of his presence.