Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 181

Cynthia could feel the steady warmth of Dominic's hand pressed against her waist, radiating through the fabric and setting her own body temperature a few notches higher. Her cheeks and ears burned, the heat almost dizzying. Her fingers trembled just slightly as she held her breath, hurrying to finish knotting his tie.

Dominic was still talking on the phone, occasionally glancing down at her with those unreadable eyes.

As soon as she finished, Cynthia quickly let go and stepped back, putting a little distance between them. Dominic's hand slipped naturally from her waist, and he ended his call, tucking his phone away. His gaze flicked briefly to the tie she'd just fastened—and his brow furrowed immediately.

The tie was crooked, twisted awkwardly beneath his collar.

"Again," he said, his tone cool and commanding.

Cynthia managed an embarrassed smile. "Mr. Holloway, I'm afraid this is about as good as I—"

He cut her off, not even bothering to look up. "When you get it right, we'll leave for Tremaine Manor."

He knew exactly how to get under her skin. Cynthia swallowed every excuse she'd prepared, lips pressed into a thin line, and forced a wry smile. "I'll try again, sir."

Dominic arched an eyebrow and took a step closer, closing the gap she'd just put between them.

Cynthia took a deep, steadying breath, focusing all her attention on fixing the tie. This time, Dominic made it easier for her, bending slightly and leaning in so she didn't have to reach up on tiptoe.

But the closer he got, the more overwhelming his clean, subtle scent became—some blend of aftershave and soap that seemed to wrap around her, filling her senses. It felt as though his presence seeped into every inch of her space, her heart pounding in response.

The more she tried to get the knot right, the worse it seemed to go. Twice she had to start over, each time at Dominic's quiet, insistent demand.

By the third attempt, Cynthia's resolve crumbled. She looked up at him, her expression pleading. "Mr. Holloway, this is really the best I can do."

Dominic didn't answer immediately, just lowered his gaze to inspect the tie as if seriously considering whether or not to let it slide.

Cynthia took a discreet breath and decided to bargain. "How about this? I promise I'll practice when I get home, and next time, I'll make sure it's perfect for you."

"I've heard the Tremaines are back in business with the Holloways, but I don't see anyone from the Holloway family here tonight," one woman remarked.

"When Cynthia left the city, she broke off her engagement with the Holloways, didn't she? It caused quite a scandal. The Holloways have never forgiven the Tremaines for that, and they haven't done business together since. I'd bet anything this talk of a renewed partnership is just Juliet's way of keeping up appearances," another replied.

"Everyone knows the real state of the Tremaines these days," said a third, lowering her voice.

"I doubt Holloway Enterprises would ever choose to work with Tremaine Holdings again—unless..."

He trailed off, letting the suspense build until all eyes turned to him.

"Unless what?" someone finally asked, voice dropping even lower, curiosity mingling with unease as if afraid that the Tremaines might actually have found a way to turn things around.

The man grinned, clearly enjoying the attention, and responded with a teasing shrug, "Unless Juliet's got some kind of miracle up her sleeve."