Chapter 114

Heads down. Vanderbilt Group HQ buzzed with tension. Mr. Vanderbilt was in a terrible mood. The news rippled through company chats within minutes.

Senior executives were most worried. Unlike lower-level employees, they dealt directly with Dominick. A bad day meant more than embarrassment; it meant losing their jobs. His last outburst—sixteen rejections of Felix’s proposal—had left the department reeling for weeks. This felt worse. No one knew who'd be the fall guy.

Inside his office, the secretary nervously presented Dominick's schedule, her eyes darting to his face, terrified of incurring his wrath.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, your schedule,” she whispered, her heart pounding as he remained silent.

Julian entered, saw her distress, and waved her away. “You can go.”

She practically fled.

Dominick sat motionless, replaying Paisley's rejection from the hospital. A dull ache, a slow, agonizing rip, clawed at his heart.

Julian watched, frustration simmering in his eyes. “Mr. Vanderbilt, the meeting…”

“Okay,” Dominick replied flatly.

Julian opened the door. “I asked you to investigate Paisley’s activities since she returned to Harrowfell,” Dominick said, stopping him. “How’s that going?”

Julian froze. He hadn’t investigated. He’d been surprised to learn she was the Ancient Medical Arts heir and had saved Paul, but his opinion hadn't changed. “I didn’t look into it,” he admitted.

“Why not?” Dominick’s voice was sharp.

“Dominick,” Julian began, “this is for your own good. We’ve been friends since high school, and I don’t want that woman influencing you. She’s manipulative. You have Marissa. Why are you—”

“Julian,” Dominick’s cold voice cut him off. “You’ve crossed a line.”

Julian stared, stunned by the icy look.

“If you won’t do as I asked, handle other tasks. Liam will assist me. That’s all. You can leave.”

Panic seized Julian. He’d always believed his years of friendship gave him influence. He was wrong. Dominick was his friend, but also his boss.

Dominick didn’t look back. He donned his coat and walked alone to the conference room. News of Julian’s downfall spread through the company chats like wildfire. No one expected Julian, second in command, to be the one to fall.