Chapter 290

Evelyn tightened her grip on Dominic's hand, raising her voice with deliberate emphasis. "Let me introduce someone special. This is my new partner, Dominic Laurent, a noble from Westhaven. I believe the Kensington family has business interests there as well, isn't that right, Mr. Kensington? I thought you might appreciate making his acquaintance."

Her words dripped with smug satisfaction as she shot Olivia a triumphant glance.

Olivia barely suppressed her amusement, stepping back to observe the unfolding spectacle with quiet amusement.

Alistair studied Evelyn with growing bewilderment.

Blind to his reaction, Evelyn continued her self-important speech. "Establishing connections with Westhaven's aristocracy could prove advantageous for the Kensington family's ventures. There's no need for pretense, Mr. Kensington. While I may have grievances with Olivia regarding past... misunderstandings, I still respect her enough to extend this opportunity. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."

With a subtle tug on Dominic's hand, Evelyn signaled for him to make his presence known.

To everyone's astonishment, Dominic stepped forward and executed a formal bow toward Alistair, greeting him in perfect Westhaven dialect. "Good evening, Mr. Kensington."

At this display of respect, Alistair finally acknowledged him with a slight nod, his expression unreadable.

Nearby, Evelyn's face froze in shock, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere. Dominic's unexpectedly deferential attitude toward Alistair only fueled her growing irritation.

Pulling Dominic aside, Evelyn hissed through clenched teeth, "I told you to command respect, not grovel. You're nobility! Alistair's just a merchant who happens to do business in Eldermere. Why show him such deference? You should be demonstrating your superiority."

To her utter shock, Dominic violently wrenched his hand away. "Have you gone completely mad? You expected me to disrespect Mr. Kensington? Are you out of your mind or do you think I am?"

Evelyn gaped at Dominic, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Why are you acting so... servile? You're aristocracy! What could possibly make you fear him?"

Dominic's finger jabbed toward Evelyn in furious accusation.

"I initially found you charming and intriguing, but now I see you for what you truly are - shallow and foolish. Alistair wields more influence in Westhaven than my entire family. As nobility, we must maintain good relations with him."

"He's your countryman who's achieved remarkable success abroad. Alienating him risks diplomatic tensions between our nations. Do you take me for an idiot? Are you truly this stupid? You'd sacrifice your own people's interests for petty personal rivalries. You're contemptible!"

Dominic's scathing words left Evelyn trembling with humiliation and fear.

Though Dominic lacked Liam's charisma and power, his noble status had still held undeniable appeal.

Now Evelyn realized her miscalculation with devastating clarity. "I... I didn't mean..." she stammered, tears welling in her eyes.

Evelyn couldn't comprehend how her attempt to one-up Olivia had backfired so spectacularly. She refused to accept that Olivia might genuinely hold higher status. It had to be some elaborate deception.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Evelyn reached for Dominic's hand again, but he brushed her off with visible disgust and stormed away.

The entire exchange had drawn an audience, and now muffled laughter and pointed whispers followed Evelyn as she stood alone in the center of the room.