Chapter 218

A neatly printed list of potential suitors. Harrison smirked with satisfaction.

Gasps echoed around the breakfast table.

Arabella, usually the epitome of elegance, was so stunned her fork clattered onto the marble floor.

Dominic choked on his coffee, coughing violently until his face turned scarlet.

"Harrison!"

Evelyn shot up from her seat, eyes blazing. "Is this your petty revenge? How childish can you be?"

"A true strategist must be ruthless."

Harrison took a leisurely sip of his espresso. "Besides, you're my daughter. Why would I seek revenge? You're divorced now, and no matter how discreet you are, word will spread. Nathan is already parading his new fiancée while you're left humiliated. As your father, I refuse to let that bastard outshine you."

"So if he jumps off a cliff, should I follow?" Evelyn scoffed, seething.

"Regardless, my decision is final." Harrison slid the document across the table. "Quentin compiled this last night—every eligible bachelor in the country, all from prestigious families, unmarried, and within your age range. Starting next month, you'll meet at least five per week. Weekends are your reprieve." His tone left no room for argument.

Evelyn nearly overturned the table. "Absolutely not! I won't go!"

"Fine. Then consider your position at Monarch Group forfeited."

Her jaw clenched. Damn this manipulative old fox—blackmailing me with my career!

"You promised me the CEO role in exchange for revamping Monarch Grand Hotel!" she hissed, cheeks flushed. "Breaking your word will curse you to an early grave!"

"If my demise secures your lifelong happiness, then it's a worthy sacrifice." Harrison folded his hands, the picture of paternal devotion.

"I refuse to be paraded like some prize mare!"

"Then shall I handpick your successor as well?" His sharp gaze pinned her. "Never forget—I still hold the final say."

Breakfast concluded in icy silence.

Evelyn stormed out, fists trembling. She felt like she'd swallowed gunpowder, ready to detonate.

Since childhood, her sanctuary had been the hidden grotto in the estate gardens. At twenty-four, she still retreated there to curse or cry in private.

Predictably, Dominic found her minutes later, ducking inside with a grin. "Knew you'd be here, little stormcloud."

"Tell me honestly—is this Harrison's twisted payback for taking his chair?" she demanded.

"Not entirely." He stretched his legs. "He’s trying to help you move on. A fresh start."

"By auctioning me off? Why can't I just be happily single?"

She hurled a pebble across the pond. "Men are deadweight! Let him go on those dates—maybe wife number five will finally stick!"

Dominic chuckled. "You know how he is—vindictive and sore loser." Leaning in, he whispered, "But if you defy him, he will strip your CEO title."

A flicker of fear crossed her face. "Dom… what do I do?"

"Simple." He winked. "Give me that list."

Her eyes lit up. "You'll eliminate them for me?"

"I'll vet them first. Pick the hottest one—keep him as a plaything." He dodged her swinging fist, laughing.

Her phone rang abruptly.

Nathan Blackwood glared from the screen.

Fury reignited. She answered with a snarl. "What the hell do you want at this ungodly hour? Lost all shame?"

"Are you leaving soon?" His calm voice grated.

"No!"

"Come out now." A pause. "I'm at your gates."