Chapter 572
“Good morning, Dad,” Dominick said into the phone as he gazed out the window. Overnight, the land had been blanketed in yet another layer of snow, the world outside muted and still.
“I was informed about your progress,” Raidan’s steady voice replied. “You solved the case sooner than either of us expected p>
“Dad, it wouldn’t have been possible without someone else’s help. I was just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time,” Dominick admitted. The cold air brushed against his face, yet he remained by the window. “How is everything at the palace? And Casaio and Zilia, are they well p>
“They’re doing well,” Raidan answered. “So, when do you plan on returning p>
“Not yet,” Dominick said after a brief pause. “There’s still a lot that needs to be done here. I want to make things better before I leave p>
“Then make sure you finish your work soon,” Raidan said firmly. “Your mother is still worried about you p>
A faint smile touched Dominick’s lips. “Please tell Mom not to worry anymore. I’m doing much better now p>
Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door. Dominick turned his head and saw Kavin pushing it open slightly.
“Very well,” Raidan said, and the call ended.
Dominick lowered his phone and glanced at the darkened screen before setting it aside.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Kavin greeted politely as he entered, followed by a maid. “It’s quite cold this morning, so I’ve brought you some herbal tea p>
Dominick turned toward them as the maid carefully placed the cup and saucer on the nearby table.
“Is Evan awake?” he asked.
“Yes, my lord,” Kavin replied. “He rose early. I believe work was on his mind p>
The maid quietly exited the room while Dominick settled into the armchair. He lifted the cup, the warmth seeping into his hands, and took a slow sip.
“And Jeniva?” he asked.
“Miss Jeniva is still resting,” Kavin said. “After everything she’s been through, it’s no surprise. She’s remarkably strong, especially for an omega.” He smiled softly. “She reminds me of my own daughter p>
Dominick looked up thoughtfully. “Why don’t you take a few days off? Go home and spend time with your family. The maids can handle the daily duties p>
“Your Highness,” Kavin said gently, “I was on leave for two months not long ago. I only returned a month back. Besides, serving you is my responsibility p>
“At least consider going home for Christmas,” Dominick suggested. “I’ll be returning to the palace around that time as well p>
Kavin inclined his head. “As you wish p>
Once Dominick finished his tea, Kavin collected the cup and saucer and left the room. Silence settled in, broken only by the distant hush of winter outside.
Dominick glanced around the room for a brief moment before rising from his seat. Deciding it was time to begin the day properly, he made his way toward the bath.
As the warm water cascaded over him, his thoughts drifted back to the memories he had once shared with Juniper. Moments filled with warmth and laughter resurfaced. His jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists beneath the spray. With a swift movement, he turned off the warm tap and let the cold water rush over him instead.
The sudden chill made him shiver only slightly, but it cleared his head. The ache in his chest dulled, replaced by a sense of control he had been desperately seeking.
After some time, he stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel securely around his waist. Standing before the sink, he brushed his teeth, staring at his reflection longer than necessary. Once finished, he dried his hair and finally left the washroom.
“What are you doing here p>
Dominick halted mid-step, his gaze falling on Jeniva, who stood quietly near the chair.
“Your Highness, I was p>
At the sound of his voice, Jeniva turned abruptly, only to freeze when she realized he was standing there wrapped in nothing but a towel. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she quickly lowered her gaze. Without comment, Dominick crossed the room to the cupboard.
“Speak,” he said curtly.
“I’m returning today,” Jeniva replied softly. “I wanted to inform you p>
“Good,” Dominick said, turning back to face her. “You’ll be promoted. Somehow, your mission was accomplished p>
Jeniva remained silent. She had hoped to continue working alongside him, to stay longer, yet his tone was sharp, edged with something dangerously close to anger.
Jeniva bowed silently and left the room without another word.
“Why is she throwing a tantrum?” Dominick chuckled to himself. He quickly locked the door, dressed, and spritzed a light cologne over his collar before stepping out to begin his day.
As he descended the stairs, the house was already alive with movement. Maids busied themselves with cleaning, their soft footsteps echoing through the halls as Dominick headed toward the dining room.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Evan said, stopping him midway. “All the arrests have been carried out p>
Dominick paused, satisfaction flickering across his face. “Excellent. Let’s have breakfast first, then we’ll discuss the details p>
Evan nodded, and together they entered the dining room.
Once seated, Evan glanced around and asked, “Where’s Jeniva? Isn’t she joining us for breakfast p>
“Oh, Miss Jeniva has already left,” Kavin replied. “I asked her to stay for breakfast, but she refused, saying—” He hesitated and cast a quick glance at Dominick, leaving the sentence unfinished.
“What did she say?” Evan pressed.
Dominick lifted his gaze. “You seem rather interested in Jeniva p>
Evan laughed lightly. “Not at all, Prince p>
“Then don’t concern yourself with her,” Dominick said, picking up his fork and knife as if the matter were closed.
“Nick,” Evan began in an informal tone this time, “I think you were a bit harsh on Jeniva. She’s not a bad person. And she’s genuinely trying to be of help. I admire the way she has rose to ranks despite being an omega. We have always considered them negligible in strength, but she was remarkable in her job p>
Dominick hummed, agreeing with her. “Evan, I don’t have any problem with her work. However, I don’t want her around p>