Drunk and Daring I Kissed a Tycoon novel Chapter 399

"I see."

Vespera's expression softened, a flicker of understanding crossing her face.

"All men's words are just empty promises. How could you not realize it was me who sent the message? If I trusted you, I might as well start believing in fairy tales," she thought to herself.

Sensing her doubt, Dominic continued, "As for everything that happened after, I won't make excuses. I was preoccupied with my mother.

"Once I heard you were safe, I finally felt a sense of relief… If you think I'm unworthy of your affection, I understand. It's true, I didn't handle things as I should have."

He met her eyes, searching for any hint of sincerity.

Vespera smiled. "What's with all this 'worthy' talk? I like you because you're handsome and exactly my type. It's not because you're some kind of hero.

"If my mom fell into the river, I'd probably forget you even existed, Mr. Reid. At least you remembered to have Calvert pick me up, right? It's fine, really. There's nothing to worry about. Let's just leave it at that. You don't need to bring it up again."

Dominic fell silent.

A knot formed in his chest.

He wanted to say something, but the words never came.

Instead, he simply watched her, captivated by her radiant smile and carefree demeanor.

This was both the image Vespera portrayed and the stark reality of who she truly was.

It was the same stance she took when passing judgment on others.

…

Dominic and Vespera returned to their original seats at the front of the cabin.

They remained quiet, the uncomfortable tension that had clung to them from the apartment to the plane finally dissipating.

Gerard was still caught up in his card game when Dominic called him over.

There was a conference call scheduled around this time.

"Mr. Reid, do you want to rest a bit? I went ahead and delayed the meeting by three hours."

"It's fine. We'll begin in ten minutes."

"…Oh. Okay then."

Gerard quickly nodded and went off to update the meeting notice.

Once her tasks were finished, she ate, slept, and rested whenever it suited her.

If Dominic dared to complain even a little, she was ready to walk away without hesitation.

Gerard, however, wasn't quite as bold.

That said, he had grown used to it. But by the final two hours, the fatigue became nearly unbearable.

Seeing Vespera sleep so peacefully, Gerard considered closing his eyes, allowing himself to drift into a deep rest.

The cabin grew still.

A moment later, the sound of a blanket slipping to the floor broke the quiet.

Dominic glanced over—Vespera had shifted in her sleep, and the blanket had slipped off her.

He stood and moved to pick it up, but as he bent to cover her, fatigue began to catch up with him. His vision blurred, and for a brief moment, he felt unsteady on his feet.

In his dazed state, his lips brushed against her cheek.

Vespera stirred, her eyes fluttering open.