Chapter 106

Dominic was intercepted by the Chamberlain family's security team as he approached the southern wing of Mooncrest Manor.

"Access is restricted, Mr. Blackwood."

"Move aside!" Dominic's voice was a thunderous growl, his eyes blazing with barely restrained fury. "My wife is in there!"

"You mean Miss Thorne?" The guard hesitated before adding, "She left for a hike with Mr. Chamberlain just moments ago."

Dominic's jaw tightened, his gaze turning glacial—colder than the darkest depths of winter.

The guard gestured toward a nearby hillside. "They went that way, but it's already dark, and the terrain is treacherous. If you're unfamiliar with the path, I'd advise waiting inside. They should return shortly."

Dominic's fists clenched. Without another word, he turned and stalked toward the hill.

Inside the south wing's grand living room, Evelyn had just endured two excruciating hours of Tristan Chamberlain's father recounting the founding of Veritas Capital and his unsolicited opinions on Thornfield Industries. She was desperate for an escape.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Chamberlain," she said, forcing a polite smile. "Since tonight is your celebration, I'll discuss business matters with Tristan another day."

Had the elder Chamberlain not been the guest of honor, she doubted she could have tolerated his rambling any longer.

Tristan checked his watch and smoothly intervened. "Father, you should rest. Evelyn and I are going to grab a bite."

As they stepped outside, Evelyn inhaled the crisp night air—but instead of relief, an unsettling weight settled in her chest.

The unfamiliar estate stretched endlessly around her, its sprawling grounds amplifying her unease.

"Tristan," she finally said, steeling herself, "I can't accept your investment."

He halted mid-step, his charming demeanor slipping. "Why not? Give me one good reason."

"Because you're Bianca's brother," Evelyn stated plainly. "I can't separate business from personal history."

"Did Dominic Blackwood influence this decision?" Tristan's voice sharpened. "Are you taking his money instead?"

Though he'd anticipated her refusal, the rejection still stung.

"I won't be accepting his investment either," Evelyn replied, her tone resolute. "I need to catch the last train home, so I'll have to skip dinner."

She'd come solely to deliver her answer.

Now that it was done, there was no reason to stay.

Tristan hadn't expected such cold finality.

Her bluntness reminded him painfully of Dominic.

Was that why they were drawn to each other?

He seized her wrist. "At least stay for dinner. Dominic's here—he can drive you back. I won't let you leave alone this late."

Evelyn pulled free. "I already called a cab. It'll be here soon."

"Evelyn." His voice turned uncharacteristically harsh. "Just because we're not business partners doesn't mean we're enemies. Stay."

She exhaled slowly.

She hadn't intended to burn bridges.

Friendship was impossible, but she didn't need more adversaries.

When Tristan guided her back to the banquet hall, Bianca stormed toward them, eyes blazing.

Without a word, she yanked Tristan outside.

Their abrupt exit killed Evelyn's appetite.

Bianca's expression had been unnervingly venomous—like storm clouds before a lightning strike.

Evelyn scanned the room nervously.

No one else seemed to notice the siblings' tension.

Tristan had mentioned Dominic was present... so where was he?

Outside, Bianca whirled on her brother. "Where is he, Tristan? Where the hell is Dominic?!"