Chapter 116

EVELYN’S POV This was it. The moment I had been planning for days, maybe even longer—mentally rehearsed every word, every gesture, every sigh. The lighting was low, warm and golden. The bottle of wine—his favorite, laced with just the right amount—sat open on the table. I had dressed carefully, in a robe that whispered seduction with every step, loose enough to slide off my shoulder with a single breath. Dominic had softened, just a little. The apology, the remorse—it had worked. He had taken the wine. And now… now I watched as it began to take hold. He leaned back against the couch, his powerful shoulders relaxing, his jaw slackening. His eyes were heavy-lidded, dazed. His breathing slowed, deepened. He looked so breakable, so within reach. I felt hope stir like wildfire in my chest. This is what I was waiting for. He took the bait. He drank it willingly. Now all I needed to do… was wait for the vial to work. I took a deep breath and crossed the space between us slowly, each step deli