Chapter 13
At Dominic Lloyd’s mansion, Roman stood outside for three solid hours before security finally let him in.
Dominic was pruning rose bushes in his garden with a pair of scissors.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Winters,” he drawled. “Not hovering over your crazy mistress today? What brings you to my doorstep?”
He glanced up briefly, his tone dripping with disdain.
“Surely you’re not here begging me to give your position back?”
Roman took a deep breath, suppressing his humiliation. He’d anticipated Dominic’s mockery today.
The scandal from the reception had spread like wildfire. Countless people online were condemning him, the company’s stock was plummeting, the board was furious with him, and all his duties had been transferred to Dominic.
Just a few days, he’d fallen from the pinnacle of success to rock bottom…
“I am here to ask for your help,” Roman said solemnly. “But not about the company, I want to know where Hazel has gone…”
Before he could finish, Dominic burst out laughing.
“Is this how the great Roman Winters begs for favors? Anyone watching would think you’re about to punch me, not ask for help!”
Roman clenched his jaw, a vein throbbing in his forehead.
Throughout his life, people had always pursued and praised him. Except for Hazel, he’d never had to humble himself before anyone.
But now, to learn the whereabouts of the woman he loved, he bowed his head and spoke earnestly:
“Please. Tell me where Hazel is.”
Dominic watched this display with fascination for a moment.
Then he shook his head. “Why don’t you get on your knees and beg? Maybe if I’m in a good mood, I’ll tell you where she is.”
Roman’s face instantly darkened. “Dominic Lloyd, don’t push it too far!”
At this, Dominic’s amusement vanished. He tossed his pruning shears onto the table with a clatter and sneered.
“Since you’re not serious about this, just get out. Guards! Show him the door!”
The next moment, Roman dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.
“Please tell me where Hazel is. I’m begging you.”
All his pride and arrogance crumbled in that moment. Right now, all he wanted was to find the woman he loved.
Dominic hadn’t expected him to actually kneel. After a moment of surprise, he recovered his casual demeanor.
“Roman Winters, I only said I’d consider it. I never promised that kneeling would guarantee information about her.”
The atmosphere around them seemed to freeze.
Now Roman understood-Dominic had been toying with him all along, never intending to reveal Hazel’s whereabouts.
Rage burned through whatever remained of his restraint. Roman lunged at Dominic, but was caught off guard when Dominic flipped him onto the ground and landed several hard punches.
“Coming here playing the devoted husband? Weren’t you the one who cheated? You couldn’t keep it in your pants, and now after getting your thrills, you want Hazel to forgive you? Who the hell do you think you are?”
With that, he summoned his security guards who forcibly escorted Roman off the property.
“Useless piece of shit,” Dominic muttered with contempt.
Then he casually picked up his phone from nearby, raised an eyebrow at the screen, and reverted to his carefree demeanor.
“Well, Miss Bennett? Didn’t I promise you’d enjoy the show today?”
Since divorcing Roman and going abroad, Hazel had been traveling the world alone. Concerned about potential issues with the share transfer, she’d given Dominic her new contact information.
But for some inexplicable reason, he kept reaching out for casual conversation.
Today, while Hazel was watching the sunset in Serbia, she’d received a call from Dominic promising to show her “something entertaining.”
Assuming he was just being his usual frivolous self, she’d set her phone aside to fully appreciate the sunset. She hadn’t expected to witness such a “show”…
Hazel could tell he was deliberately antagonizing Roman, but…
“What grudge do you have against him?”
Dominic paused at her question. He straightened, his playful expression vanishing as he gazed at her seriously.
“Because… I like you.”
“I’ve always been jealous that Roman married you, which is why I constantly created problems for him.”
