Chapter 103

"My son has never endured such harsh conditions since birth... Never! What kind of cruel fate is this? It's all my fault! Why did I arrange for Evelyn to marry him? There were countless women to choose from, yet I picked this scheming vixen!"

In the dimly lit room, Dominic's breathing slowly steadied. Evelyn reached out, her fingers brushing against his forehead. Though he was still unconscious, his temperature felt normal. Worried he might wake up thirsty, she slipped out of bed and poured a glass of water, placing it carefully on the nightstand.

When dawn broke, Evelyn found the space beside her empty. She grabbed her phone to check the time—8:17 AM.

A message from Dominic glowed on her screen, sent at 6:03 AM: Slept better last night than I have in months. Had to leave early for a meeting.

Heat rushed to Evelyn's cheeks. Why did a simple text make her feel like this? She quickly turned off the heater with the remote. After freshening up, she joined Clara in the kitchen for breakfast.

"So," Clara slid a plate of scrambled eggs toward her, "what's really going on between you two now?"

Evelyn feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"

Clara leveled her with a look. "Don't play dumb. You’ve been talking about divorce, yet here he is, sleeping under your roof. That man isn’t letting you go anytime soon. And if you ask me? He’s utterly smitten."

Evelyn stabbed a fork into her toast. "Mom, his feelings don’t define my worth."

Clara sighed. "Then what’s your plan if he refuses to sign the papers?"

"I’ll leave. Study abroad if I have to."

"Good!"

"Let’s just eat. The eggs are getting cold."

Dominic emerged from his shower, a towel slung low around his hips. He dressed swiftly in his walk-in closet before heading downstairs.

Mrs. Wilkins paused mid-step when she noticed his lighter attire. "Master Dominic, aren’t you freezing?"

"Never felt better," he replied, pouring himself coffee.

The housekeeper gaped. Yesterday, he’d looked like death warmed over. Now? Vibrant. Had all those medications been less effective than a single night near Evelyn?

At Blackwood Group, whispers trailed Dominic to his office. Executives hovered at his door.

"Mr. Blackwood, you’re... recovered?"

Nathan intercepted their stares. "A minor cold, gentlemen. Hardly worth the dramatics."

Dominic ignored them. "Get Bianca here."

The moment Nathan dialed, the crowd dispersed.

Bianca arrived breathless. "Dominic, you shouldn’t be here! What if you relapse?"

"Your father’s birthday is this weekend, correct?"

Her eyes lit up. "You remembered? I didn’t mention it because—"

"I’ll attend."

Her smile faltered as he continued, "Because your brother invited my wife. Let’s be clear, Bianca—this changes nothing between us."

The words hung like a guillotine.