Page 150 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

She laughs softly, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“No,” I say, lowering my voice. “I’m just in awe of the woman who helped make tonight possible.”

Her smile softens, vulnerability flickering briefly in her expression. “Dominic, we did this together. Every step of the way.”

I reach for her hand, brushing my fingers against hers. It’s a fleeting connection before another guest claims her attention, but it’s enough. Tonight, more than ever, I’m reminded of how much she’s given me—not just strength, but hope.

The evening continues with an effortless rhythm of polished speeches and well-orchestrated toasts. Near the bar, Adrian approaches, his typically stoic face relaxed for once.

“Quite the event,” he remarks, lifting his drink in a mock toast.

“Hard-earned,” I reply, scanning the room until my gaze lands on Eva. She’s speaking with a group of investors, her confidence unwavering.

Adrian follows my line of sight, his lips quirking in the faintest of smiles. “She’s been good for you.”

I glance at him, raising a brow. “You’re not usually one for sentiment.”

He shrugs. “It’s just an observation. You’ve always been focused, but with her… you’re different. More grounded.”

“She challenges me,” I admit, my tone quieter. “She doesn’t let me take the easy way out.”

Adrian nods, his expression thoughtful. “That’s rare. Hold onto her, Dominic. She’s one of a kind.”

Before I can reply, Eva approaches with a striking, dark-haired woman by her side. Her demeanor is polished yet approachable, but there’s a guardedness in her eyes that catches my attention.

“Dominic, I’d like you to meet Lena Torres,” Eva says warmly. “She’s one of my closest friends.”

Lena extends her hand, her grip firm. “Dominic Kane. Eva’s told me a lot about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” I say, returning her handshake.

She smirks faintly. “Mostly.”

Eva laughs, the sound easing the tension between us. “Lena recently took over her late grandmother’s clinic. She’s been working tirelessly to keep it running.”

Lena’s expression softens at the mention of her grandmother, but there’s a flicker of something darker—something unsaid. “The clinic’s my family’s legacy,” she explains. “Keeping it alive isn’t just a choice—it’s a responsibility.”

There’s steel in her voice, but her eyes betray her weariness. I file the observation away, certain there’s more to her story than she’s sharing.

Throughout the night, I catch glimpses of Eva and Lena in deep conversation. Their expressions shift from concern to determination, though neither reveals much when I join them later.

“What’s on your mind?” I ask Eva as we step away from the crowd.

“Lena mentioned some trouble at the clinic,” she says, her voice careful. “Funding issues, strange investors taking an interest in her town. She didn’t say much, but I can tell it’s weighing on her.”

My instincts sharpen. “Do you think it’s connected to Reyes?”

“I don’t know,” she admits. “But if it is, we need to act fast. Lena’s already dealing with enough. She doesn’t need Reyes adding to her problems.”

I nod, my jaw tightening. “We’ll look into it. If Reyes is involved, we’ll shut it down.”

Eva smiles faintly, but the worry in her eyes lingers.

As the night winds down, I notice Lena step out onto the balcony, her phone pressed to her ear. From across the room, I see her shoulders sag, the tension momentarily slipping from her frame.

Eva follows my gaze, her own expression tinged with concern. “She’s been through so much,” she murmurs. “I just hope she’ll let us help her.”

When Lena returns, her composed mask is back in place. She says her goodbyes with practiced poise, but I can’t shake the feeling that she’s holding something back.

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