?Chapter 106:


    But Dominic cut through her suggestion, his tone sharp. “I don’t drink coffee.” His eyes never wavered. “If you have business, get to it.”


    A faint crack appeared in Lauretta’s cheerful facade as she carefully ced her cup back on the table. Taking a steady breath, she said, “Alright, I’ll be direct… I’ve heard you have Woodfort. Is that true?”


    The question drew a frown from Dominic. So this was the real reason for her invitation—a request for Woodfort, not some discussion about old ties. Though the matter itself wasn’t significant, slight displeasure prickled at him. Until now, he’d thought she’d called him here to revisit their long-canceled engagement.


    His voice held a chill. “Suppose I am. What of it?”


    Hope surged inside Lauretta, lighting up her expression. Dominic’s reply left no doubt—he did have what she needed. Doing her best to mask her excitement, she leaned forward. “Would you consider selling it to me? I’d like to buy it.”


    “I have no intention of selling it,” Dominic said, his voice growing even colder.


    Awkwardness crept in, but Lauretta held her ground. “Is this about my calling off the engagement? If you’re still upset about how things ended five years ago, I’ll apologize. I mean it—I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you…”


    Dominic didn’t so much as blink. “And what exactly could you offer to make it up to me?” His face betrayed nothing.


    Feeling hopeful, Lauretta responded, “Name your terms, and I’ll do my best. Anything within reason and my principles, I’ll agree to.”


    He shut down her offer with chilling finality. “However you want to make up for the past, that’s your concern. I’m not selling Woodfort.”


    The abruptness of his answer left Lauretta momentarily stunned. “So there’s really nothing I could do to convince you?”


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    “That’s right,” Dominic answered, gaze unwavering and cold as stone.


    Her frustration built, but she pressed forward, desperation creeping into her smile. “Please reconsider. Someone’s life hangs in the bnce. Could you just sell me Woodfort for the sake of—”


    Indifference colored Dominic’s reply. “Why should that concern me?”


    Exasperation welled up inside her, and she bit down on her lower lip. “It involves the Scott family. Would you at least consider—”


    He cut her off, his voice t. “No.”


    Without warning, Dominic rose to his feet, his features set in unyielding frost. “If we’re finished here, Ms. Gomez, I’ll be on my way.” Pivoting on his heel, he strode off, the matter closed in his mind.


    A wave of panic swept over Lauretta, and she scrambled to her feet, desperate to catch up. But in her rush, she lost her bnce, stumbling forward awkwardly.


    A startled yelp slipped from her lips. “Ah!”


    Just then, Dominic turned around, catching sight of her fall—and on pure reflex, he lunged, steadying her before she hit the floor.


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