Chapter 44

Just then, Dominic’s arm shot out, blocking Nancy from collapsing onto him.

“Nancy, cut the act. I know you’re not drunk,” Dominic’s patience had officially run out.

Nancy opened her eyes, her gaze steady but filled with quiet sorrow. “Does it really have to be like this?”

Dominic’s voice hardened, carrying a chilling authority. “That’s what I should be asking. Either sit properly or get out.” He was undeniably angry now.

The driver in the front seat held his breath, not daring to make a sound.

Unable to resist, Vespa stole a quick glance in the rearview mirror. Nancy’s misty eyes widened, desperately fighting back tears.

“Stop the car!” she suddenly yelled.

The driver didn’t react. His orders came from Dominik.

Worried Nancy might do something reckless, Vesper quickly had the driver lock the doors. Sure enough, Nancy reached for the handle the moment she could, but it was already locked.

“If you want to jump, I won’t stop you,” Dominic didn’t even flinch—his gaze remained cold and unyielding, as if silently telling her, “if you want to.”

“Do you really hate me this much?”

That was when Nancy finally broke. She buried her face in her knees, overwhelmed by a wave of despair.

Hearing Nancy’s quiet sobs, Vespera couldn’t help but think of her own past heartbreak. With a soft sigh, she quietly pulled out a tissue and extended her hand toward the backseat.

Dominic’s sharp voice sliced through the air, his brow furrowing as he shot her a glance.

Vespera quickly retracted her hand, pressing her lips together.

Men—if they weren’t unfaithful during a relationship, they were indifferent once it ended.

Noticing the flicker of annoyance on her face, Dominic let out a mocking chuckle.

The car pulled up to the hotel, and Dominic stepped out, striding toward the lobby.

Was he really leaving everything to Vespera?

Left with no choice, Vespera turned to Nancy, who was still sitting motionless in the backseat. “Ms. Acosta, I’ll book a room for you.”

Nancy sat rigidly, her gaze cold and distant. After a long silence, she finally said, “It’s okay. I’ll just stay in your room…”

“Floor with me.”

The suite had an extra bed, after all.

Without saying another word, the two of them walked into the hotel together.

Despite having been too drunk to stand just moments ago, Nancy was now walking perfectly fine. So, she had been faking it… Vespera let out a quiet sigh.

As soon as they entered the hotel room, Nancy insisted on taking a bath.

“You’ve been drinking. A hot bath isn’t a good idea right now. Let me get you some honey tonic instead,” Vespera suggested.

Nancy ignored her, heading straight for the bathroom. Without a second thought, Vespera stepped in front of her, blocking the doorway.

“If something happens to you, how am I supposed to explain it to Mr. Reid? I refuse to believe you don’t know alcohol and hot baths don’t mix. You’re being reckless!”

Nancy’s eyes started to well up with tears. Taking advantage of the moment, Vespera gently guided her back to the couch.

Though Nancy fought to maintain her composed, distant facade, it was clear she was emotionally unraveling.

Vespera quickly dialed the hotel concierge, requesting a glass of honey tonic to be sent up. Just as she finished the call, her phone rang once more.