Ch. Called Off the Wedding 31 Called Off the Wedding 31

Chapter 31 

Dominic reached over and took the phone from her hand. His long, elegant fingers brushed lightly across her palm, leaving a tingle in their wake. 

He quickly withdrew, his expression unreadable as he glanced down at the screen. Under the words “Game Over,” he tapped confirm and exited the app. 

Cynthia pressed her lips together, hesitating for a moment before speaking softly. 

“If you want, I could show you how to play.” 

Dominic raised an eyebrow. “Show me?” 

There was doubt in his voice. 

Those deep, narrowed eyes never left her, as if he was sizing up her abilities.8 

Something about his gaze sparked her competitive streak. Cynthia grabbed her phone, determined to prove herself & 

*Tm a great strategist–got top rankings with several champions,” she announced, unlocking her phone and searching for the game to back up her claim.§ 

But as she scrolled through her apps, she realized she’d deleted the game a while ago 8 

Dominic’s gaze was still burning on the top of her head. When she failed to find the app, he let out a short, low laugh.8 

It wasn’t mocking, but it still stung. 

Cynthia took a steadying breath and opened the app store to re–download the game.l 

“It’s just a game. Downloading again won’t take long,” she said, trying to sound casual despite her embarrassment 

But Dominic’s expression darkened as he put away her phone R 

“If you’ve already quit, there’s no need to force yourself to pick it up again,” he said, “I know Miss Tremaine isn’t one to do things she doesn’t want to.” 

Cynthia blinked, caught off guard. She was about to protest that she didn’t feel forced, but before she could speak, Dominic looked away. He plucked a cigarette from the pack on the table, stood, and walked out onto the balcony & 

She pressed her lips together again, finally remembering why she’d come here in the first place!! 

Watching his silhouette framed against the sunlight, Cynthia forced herself to speak, her tone formal and restrained 

“Mr. Holloway, I heard you’re interested in acquiring shares of VistaSphere Group. I’m here today because I’d like to sell you mine. 

She finally got to the point, and Dominic paused, turning to face her 8 

“Heard?” 

Cynthia nodded. “Yes. I have fifty–one percent of VistaSphere Group. I’m willing to sell all of my shares to you, on one condition.” 

Dominic held the unlit cigarette between his fingers, a faint hint of a smile on his lips 

“Given our history, Miss Tremaine, what makes you think I’d want to do business with you?” 

Cloudcrest City was just easing into early summer. Even at noon, the sunlight was gentle, the heat barely noticeable 

He stood at a distance, his attitude cool and unmistakably detached. 

Cynthia felt a cold knot tighten in her chest as the real meaning of Dominic’s words sank in. 

Years ago, she’d insisted on staying in Cloudcrest City–going so far as to sever ties with her family and choose Benedict over the Tremaines. She’d swom she’d never force herself to do anything she didn’t want. 

Dominic had always been groomed by the Holloways as their heir, raised in privilege, surrounded by admiration. To be rejected by a fiancée he’d never even met was probably the first real defeat he’d ever experienced. 

Cynthia could still remember, after the Tremaines and the Holloways called off the engagement, her sister’s warning–she’d humiliated the Holloway family, and as a result, they cut all business ties with the Tremalnes. 

Given their history, it was true–they weren’t exactly ideal business partners. 

Cynthia looked down, silently berating herself for being so rash today. 

She should have confirmed whether Dominic was truly interested in acquiring VistaSphere Group before coming, or better yet, let her sister handle the sale. That would have been much easier.