Dominic exhaled, gave a slight nod, and was about to step out the door.

"Wait a second," Katherine said suddenly.

He stopped and turned. "What is it?"

Katherine was a year older than Isabella but younger than Dominic. As his sister-in-law, he always addressed her formally, never by her family's endearments.

The Sinclair sisters were both striking. Katherine resembled Isabella enough that people often noticed it—about 80% alike, though Katherine carried her own radiant beauty. Tonight she wore a silk camisole nightdress, the fabric clinging in a way designed to catch attention.

Dominic barely registered it. His mind was too heavy.

Katherine frowned. "Where are you going in the middle of the night? And where's Bella?"

"She's out having dinner. I'm going to bring her home." Dominic's tone was calm, but his expression gave no hint of a husband simply going to fetch his wife.

Katherine studied him for a moment before stepping aside. "Fine. Go then."

Dominic stepped outside. As he drove out of the garage, his expression hardened. A fire burned within him. The image of his wife linking arms with another man for a toast refused to leave his mind. Suspicion was solidifying into a grim certainty: Isabella was having an affair.

His cheek twitched, and his knuckles turned white around the steering wheel.

The short video had revealed the dinner's location. Almost before he realized it, he had arrived.

The Grand Skyline Hotel loomed ahead, one of the city's most luxurious venues. A single dinner there could cost up to 9,000 dollars.

Lighting a cigarette, Dominic walked in with heavy, deliberate steps. Hesitation had no place now. Whatever the truth, he had to face it.

He asked a server, who told him all the banquet rooms were on the second floor. Dominic went up, and as soon as he reached the first private room, he heard Isabella's voice.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without all of you. I'll drink to your tireless efforts!" Her voice was bright and charming. It was hard to believe that she was the mother of a six-year-old.

"You've worked the hardest, Ms. Sinclair!"

"We should all toast to you!"

"And besides Ms. Sinclair, let's not forget Mr. Grant. Without him, there wouldn't even be a celebration tonight, haha!"

The lively, cheerful atmosphere was clear. Dominic took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Silence fell instantly, and every guest turned toward him.

His eyes locked on Isabella. She wore a black dress that revealed her smooth, pale shoulders. Her collarbone rose elegantly above her full curves, and her narrow waist accentuated the lift of her hips.

She held a wine glass and froze at the sight of him. Shock flashed across her face, but as a CEO, she quickly restored a composed smile. "Honey, did you come to pick me up? Have you eaten? Do you want to sit down and have something to eat?"

Her cheeks were flushed from drink, giving her an alluring glow.

'So this was Ms. Sinclair's husband.' Several people in the room recognized him at once. Some eyes drifted to the young man seated beside Isabella, their expressions knowing.

The man was handsome, nearly matching Dominic. He sat close to Isabella, and for an instant, his smile stiffened before he masked it with a warm grin.

"Ah, this must be Dominic. Come on over! Sit here next to me!" He began to rise.

Isabella waved him back casually. "Just stay seated, Alex. My husband can sit anywhere he wants. We're almost done anyway. No need to make a fuss."

Alexander sat down again, laughing. "Alright, thank you, Bella."

He glanced at Dominic, and his eyes betrayed a hint of challenge.

Dominic laughed coldly. "Fine. I'll sit for a while."

He pulled out a chair, lit a cigarette, and sat without touching the cutlery. He watched quietly, his calm yet sharp gaze charging the room with subtle tension.

Isabella frowned, cast him a disapproving look, then smiled at the others. "Alright, everyone, carry on! Eat and drink as you like."

Dominic's mood was heavy. Through the haze of smoke, his gaze remained sharp.

Alexander broke the silence. "Bella, the foie gras is really good. You should have more!"

He maintained his smile and placed some on her plate with the communal spoon.

Isabella hesitated, then returned his smile. "Thanks, Alex."

She took a bite and said with admiration, "You've worked hard these past weeks with no days off, helping the company land two major projects. Tell me, what kind of reward do you want? Should I give you a long vacation?"

Alexander shook his head and looked at her warmly. "I don't want time off, Bella. You've treated me so well. Of course I need to work harder to repay your trust."

Isabella laughed. "I knew I wasn't wrong about you, Alex. Whatever you want, just say it. I'll take care of it."

Alexander's gaze deepened. "What I want is to always stay by your side. To see you rise to the very top—"

Suddenly, applause broke out.

Everyone turned toward Dominic, who clapped with a calm expression.

Isabella frowned.

Dominic's eyes moved between her and Alexander, and he smirked faintly. "Such a touching scene. Since you've both said so much, shouldn't you seal it with a hug?"

Isabella's face darkened, and she snapped, "What are you saying, Dominic? What's with the sarcasm?"

Dominic sneered, "Sarcasm? Why don't we let everyone here judge just how disgusting you two looked just now?"

Isabella stared at him in disbelief. "Disgusting?"

Was this the same gentle husband she knew? How could his words be so cutting?

Dominic's tone sharpened. "Heh. I've got harsher things to say, if you'd like to hear them."

Isabella's pupils contracted as her anger flared. 'So what if I didn't spend your birthday with you?'

She drew a cold breath. "Stop making a scene. Whatever it is, we'll talk at home. If you don't want to wait for me, then go home first. Staying here is only ruining the celebration for everyone."

Dominic's smirk turned cold. "Ruining it?"

He stood, gripped the edge of the table, and with a sharp heave, overturned it. "Then nobody eats!"

Gasps filled the room as the table overturned, food and wine spilling across the floor. Plates shattered, dishes clattered, and several guests were left soaked and disheveled.

Isabella staggered back and collapsed onto the floor, trembling as she shouted, "What's gotten into you, Dominic? So what if I didn't come home for your birthday? You're a grown man. When did you become so petty?"

Alexander had been splashed as well, his suit stained with soup and wine. He hurried to Isabella's side, his voice full of concern. "Bella, are you alright?"

Bracing herself against a nearby cabinet, Isabella steadied her breathing and rose to her feet. She ignored Alexander completely, her gaze locked on Dominic.

Alexander turned on Dominic, his expression hardening. "You scared her half to death. Apologize to her right now!"

Dominic laughed coldly. "What, does it hurt to see her upset?"

Alexander snorted. "Of course it hurts. She's my sister. Why wouldn't I care? You're the one with the filthy mind. You twist everything into something dirty."

"Filthy?" Dominic's pupils narrowed. Without another word, he strode forward and slapped Alexander's face.

The sound echoed.

Alexander was stunned. He couldn't believe that Dominic had dared to hit him.

The rest of the guests stared in silence.

Dominic's fury flared, his eyes blazing red. That single slap was only the beginning. He lunged at Alexander with fists and kicks, each blow fueled by rage.

The memory of the crossed-arm toast, the moment Alexander placed food on Isabella's plate, the way they spoke to each other—it was intimate, ambiguous. Every detail fanned the flames consuming him.

"Ahh!" Alexander screamed.

Dominic's tall, broad frame and raw strength left the delicate young man defenseless. Alexander curled on the floor and cried out in pain, powerless to resist.

The room erupted with shouts.

Isabella stood frozen for a few seconds before rushing forward. She wrapped her arms around Dominic's waist and pulled with all her strength. "Stop it! Please, stop!"

Only after a long struggle did Dominic finally relent. Alexander lay bloodied and groaning.

Isabella flung herself between them and shielded Alexander with her body as she glared at her husband and growled, "Are you insane? Haven't you made enough of a spectacle?"

She could not fathom it. How could he explode like this, just because she hadn't come home for his birthday?

Dominic gritted his teeth. "Who's making a spectacle, Isabella? If you don't want this marriage, say it. Stop parading this filth around. What's the matter? You can't breathe unless you humiliate me and cheat behind my back?"

His words stunned her. It took a moment before she screamed in return, "Dominic! You bastard! What are you saying? When have I ever betrayed you? Alex is like a brother to me. Brother! You'd better apologize, or I'll never forgive you!"

"Brother?" Dominic sneered. He pulled out his phone, opened a photo, and tossed it at her feet.

"Sworn brother, right? Stop kidding yourself." His voice dropped low, thick with contempt.

A jolt shot through Isabella. She bent down, picked up the phone, and her face went pale. A startled cry left her lips as the phone slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor.

Dominic's cold laugh sliced through the silence. "What now? Drinking crossed-arm toasts with your sworn brother? If I hadn't shown up tonight, what would've come next? Would you be in bed with him?"

Isabella's face drained of color, her lips trembling. "Dom… this isn't what it looks like. Please, let me explain—"

"Explain, my ass!" Dominic jabbed a finger at Alexander. "If you want to keep up this little charade of pretend siblings, fine. But don't take me for a fool."

"I-I didn't!" Isabella clutched at his shirt, desperate to explain.

But Dominic no longer cared to listen. Every moment from the evening—the toast, the glances, the twisting pain in his chest—fed his anger. He scoffed, shook off her hand, and stormed out.

Isabella panicked and moved to follow him.

Then Alexander's broken voice rose from the floor. "Bella… it hurts. I… I can't see. I can't see anything…"

She froze. Blood smeared his eyes, and his face was twisted in agony.

Isabella's expression wavered. At last she bit her lip and said, "I'll take you to the hospital."

She ordered two male employees to lift him up. Just as they were about to leave, Isabella remembered the phone. She stooped to retrieve it, then fixed her gaze on a petite young woman in the crowd.

Her voice turned cold. "Did you post this video, Vivian?"

Vivian Hale jolted, panic flooding her face. She was new to the company and hadn't realized Isabella had a husband. "Ms. Sinclair, I didn't know you were married—"

Isabella cut her off, "No need to explain. You're fired. Report to HR tomorrow and sign your termination papers."

Vivian's face collapsed in despair. "Ms. Sinclair, please…"

Isabella ignored her. She gave one last indifferent glance before walking out with Alexander.

…

Dominic sat in his car downstairs, smoking in silence. When Isabella never appeared, he shook his head, started the engine, and drove home.

'She has chosen Alexander again. No, even that isn't right. If a choice between me and another man exists at all, then I've already lost.' A bitter smile tugged at his lips. 'Seven years of marriage—is it truly ending?'

He had never imagined divorce with Isabella, but it seemed inevitable now. The only question was Lilith. He was a man and could walk away. But for the girl, what kind of scar would a divorce leave?

He let out a long, weary sigh.

…

Dominic could not remember how he made it home. When he opened the door, the apartment lay in silence. He pushed open the door to Lilith's room and saw Katherine curled on the bed, holding Lilith as they slept. Their breathing was soft and even.

Half the blanket had slipped to the floor, leaving most of Katherine's body uncovered. Her silk camisole had ridden up, the pale curve of her hip catching the dim light.

Dominic hesitated, then crossed the room quietly. He lifted the blanket and drew it over her before stepping out and closing the door.

…

Past midnight, the front door opened. Isabella slipped inside, her face drawn with exhaustion. The sharp stench of smoke hit her nose and sent her into a coughing fit.

The lights were off, but she could just make out a man's silhouette on the sofa.

Her chest tightened, yet she drew a steady breath and said softly, "Honey… happy birthday."

She flicked on the light and saw the coffee table's ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts.

"Save it. My birthday's already over." Dominic's voice was low, his expression unreadable.

Isabella instinctively checked her phone. It was past midnight. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. "Honey, I bought you a gift. It's the watch you liked last time. Try it on."

She held out a small bag containing a box.

Dominic glanced at it and casually set it on the coffee table. "No need. I'm not used to wearing expensive things like this."

Isabella's expression soured instantly. "Do you have to be so sarcastic? You went way too far just now. You beat Alex half to death, and I had to talk him down from calling the police. You owe him an apology!"

Dominic let out a bitter laugh. "Apologize to him? What I did was nothing. If I see him again, I'll beat him worse. Just get him to call the police!"

Isabella's anger flared. "H-How can you be like this?"

Dominic waved her off. "Save your words. We've been together for seven years. We had good times, sure, but people change. If you've fallen for someone else, just say so. I can let go. But drinking, arms crossed with another man? That's making me a cuckold. I won't stand for it."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Isabella protested. "After all these years, you still don't trust me? Making you a cuckold? How disgusting. He's like a brother to me. That's all. About the toast, you've got it wrong. I can explain…"

Dominic looked at her steadily. "Go ahead."

Isabella bit her lip. "Honey, it was a celebration dinner. Everyone was drinking. The toast was just the crowd egging us on. I only meant to raise my glass to him, but then he slipped his arm across mine… I didn't do it on purpose—"

"So you still drank it, right?" Dominic cut her off.

Isabella's face tightened, but she nodded. "I'd already had some to drink. I wasn't thinking. I just went along. But I swear, it's only a brother-sister bond. Nothing else. I'm your wife. You should trust me."

Her explanation did nothing to ease him. In fact, it sounded even more absurd.

"So you did drink it. My beloved wife, clinking glasses with your so-called sworn brother…" A mirthless laugh escaped him. "What a joke."

Isabella paled. She moved closer, sat beside him, and gently wrapped her arms around his. "Honey, don't say that. I've never betrayed you. I only love you."

Dominic shook his head, pulled his arm free, and met her gaze. "Until now, I trusted you unconditionally. Don't you see we already have a problem?"

Isabella froze. Fights between a husband and a wife were normal to her. They'd quarrel today and make up tomorrow. It was nothing serious.

"What problem? There's no problem," she said hurriedly.

"Fire him. Cut ties with him. Can you do that?" Dominic's voice was flat.

Isabella stared in disbelief. "Why drag him into this? I already explained. He's just a brother to me!"

Dominic rubbed his temples, suppressing his fury. "How many times has this happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"How many fights have we had because of him?" Dominic pressed. "Last weekend, we were supposed to take Lily to the amusement park. Then he called, and you ran to the office. Who's the boss? Him or you?"

Isabella tried to explain, "He was working late. I needed to help him handle some things—"

"And when he was looking for an apartment, what did that have to do with you? We were finally at the movies, and you left me alone to go house-hunting with him?" Dominic demanded.

Isabella's face tightened again. "He's young, new to the city. I didn't want him to be scammed."

Dominic scoffed. "And when he called, you ran to his place to cook for him. Was that to prevent a scam too?"

"I didn't…" Isabella scrambled. "He had a high fever. He couldn't even move. I'm his sworn sister. What's wrong with making soup for him? Honey, stop being petty. He's just a kid. I only helped within reason…"

Those words snapped Dominic's restraint. He shot to his feet, his voice shaking with fury. "So if he wanted you, you'd give him that too?"

The air went still.

Isabella was stunned. After a moment, she stood, blazing with rage. "Are you out of your mind, Dominic? How could you even say that? You've disappointed me more than I can say."

"I'm going insane because of you," Dominic roared, eyes bloodshot. "You know damn well his presence is wrecking our marriage, yet you keep doing whatever you please. Fine. Keep it up. But hear me—if you don't cut things off with him, there's only one solution. Divorce."

Isabella was bewildered. "Over something like this? You'd divorce me?"

"Something like this?" Dominic laughed coldly. "I've said what I needed to. If you still care about this family, about me and Lily, you know what to do."

Isabella's anger intensified, and her expression hardened. "Maybe you're the one who needs to calm down. I haven't done anything wrong. Why should I change?"

That was her nature—unyielding, domineering.

Dominic held her gaze, unflinching. "Suit yourself."

He walked into the guest room.

Isabella collapsed onto the sofa, heart in turmoil. She grabbed Dominic's cigarette pack and lit one with unsteady hands.

A sleepy voice called out, "What are you two fighting about in the middle of the night?"

Katherine emerged from Lilith's room, rubbing her eyes.

Isabella glanced at her without surprise. "You're here."

Katherine nodded and sat beside her. "What happened now?"

Although she didn't like Dominic, she didn't want to see her sister's marriage fall apart. If they fought, the one who would suffer most was the little girl.

Isabella pouted angrily. "He's out of his mind. Talking about divorce."

Katherine's eyes widened. "He'd really divorce you?"

"He wouldn't dare," Isabella said with certainty. "He's just mad. By tomorrow, it'll blow over."