Chapter 232: My son is finally becoming useful

"H-How did she even know what I was up to?"

Alex had always believed Clara was stupidly and hopelessly in love with him. But the woman standing before him now was nothing like the Clara he knew.

A sudden fear crept into his heart, and he quickly shook his head.

"No, Clara. You’ve got it all wrong. Why would I even think about doing that? I truly loved you."

Alex desperately tried to convince her, but Clara had been done with him a long time ago.

If she had still been the foolish woman she was in her past life, she might have believed him. But she had learned from her mistakes, and she had no intention of repeating them.

Just because Alex and Julianna had failed to reach the point they did in her past life didn’t mean Clara was going to forgive Alex for everything he had done before.

"We’re done, Alex. So stop lying, or I might forget that I ever loved you."

There was not a trace of empathy in Clara’s voice. It was a warning. If Alex continued throwing around the word love, she might genuinely forget that she had ever cared about him and knock out a few of his teeth.

Taking one last glance at him, Clara turned to leave with Toto.

But Alex wasn’t finished.

Despite her warning, he suddenly lunged forward, reaching for her hand.

Before he could touch her, a swift force sent him crashing onto his back.

"AH!"

Clara stopped and turned at the sound, only to freeze when she saw Dominic standing tall over Alex, who was groaning in pain.

"She said let go," Dominic said coldly.

Alex stared at him, stunned.

Toto, who recognized Dominic, immediately barked.

Alex might have been brave enough to stalk Clara, but standing face-to-face with Dominic made the color drain from his face.

Back then, Alex had believed he still had the upper hand. He had thought manipulating Clara’s emotions and making her hate him would make everything easier.

But after witnessing what had happened to the Hayes family, he finally understood one thing.

If Dominic decided to come after him, Alex feared that soon, no one would even remember he had ever existed.

Dominic gave Alex one final glance before turning on his heels and walking toward Clara.

"Did he cause you any trouble?" he asked, his voice noticeably softer as he carefully took Toto from Clara’s arms.

The moment Toto was in his father’s embrace, the little puppy wriggled happily, seemingly forgetting everything that had just happened.

Clara watched them, a sense of relief washing over her.

Usually, Clara wouldn’t have minded dealing with Alex herself. The man was as harmless as a plastic bag in her eyes. One good shove, and she could probably send him flying.

Still, seeing Dominic immediately come to check on her made her heart warm.

"He did," Clara replied, glancing at Alex, who was still groaning on the ground. "But you handled it."

She then looked at Alex again and chuckled.

"And judging by the way he landed, I doubt he’ll be getting off the ground anytime soon."

Dominic followed her gaze, but instead of laughing, his eyes returned to Clara.

He quietly scanned her from head to toe, making sure she hadn’t been hurt. Only after confirming that she was perfectly fine did the tension in his expression finally ease.

Then he reached for her hand.

"Come on. Let’s go home."

Clara smiled and willingly slipped her hand into his.

"Okay."

With Toto comfortably nestled in Dominic’s arms, the couple walked toward the car together.

Behind them, Alex remained sprawled on the ground, staring after them with a mixture of humiliation and disbelief.

Clara didn’t spare him another glance.

For once, she had no interest in looking back.

Her hand was securely held in Dominic’s, and somehow, that was all the reassurance she needed.

As they reached the car, Toto gave a happy little bark from Dominic’s arms.

Clara laughed softly.

"Looks like someone is quite pleased with himself."

Dominic glanced down at the puppy.

"He should be. He got to witness me beating up your ex."

"Dominic!" Clara immediately protested, though the smile on her lips betrayed her.

"What?" Dominic asked innocently.

Clara rolled her eyes before getting into the car, while Dominic followed with Toto.

For the first time that day, everything finally felt peaceful.

***

The car moved at a steady speed, with Toto now sleeping peacefully on Dominic’s lap as he gently stroked the puppy’s head.

Clara couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

It was nice seeing Dominic finally showing some affection toward Toto. He could still be strict when it came to the puppy’s training, but apart from that, the two were slowly getting along.

Clara finally felt like she could relax.

Unfortunately, Dominic’s thoughts were heading in an entirely different direction.

[That rat. I should have stepped on the hand he tried to use to touch my wife. A few broken bones might have reminded him that Clara is completely out of his league.]

Clara’s lips parted slightly, and she blinked.

She had almost forgotten that she could hear his thoughts.

[If I hadn’t arrived, his filthy hands would have touched my wife. Just thinking about it makes me angry.]

Dominic’s expression darkened for a moment before he glanced down at the sleeping Toto.

[But I’m glad I got there before he could touch her.]

His expression suddenly softened.

[Good boy. You protected your mother very well and kept that rat away from her.]

Clara stared at him. Then she looked at Toto.

The puppy was fast asleep, completely unaware that Dominic had just promoted him to the position of Clara’s personal bodyguard.

She covered her mouth to hide a laugh.

Dominic glanced at her.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Nothing."

[She must be happy that I protected her.]

Clara almost laughed again. Apparently, her husband had no idea how ridiculous his thoughts sounded.

She then reached over and gently patted Toto’s head.

"Good boy."

Dominic nodded seriously. "Exactly. He deserves a reward."

Clara raised an eyebrow. "For sleeping?"

"For protecting you."

She bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

[My son is finally becoming useful.]

Clara nearly choked.

This man was unbelievable.