Chapter 109

A faint shimmer in the distance suddenly caught Evelyn's eye.

She raised her phone, directing its beam toward the mysterious glint.

There, at the base of the steep ravine, lay the unmistakable outline of a motionless figure.

"Dominic!"

Evelyn's piercing scream echoed through the night as she dropped to her knees, scrambling toward the edge.

"I'm coming, Dominic! Hold on! You're going to be alright... Just stay with me!"

Her desperate cries alerted the security detail. "Did you locate him?" shouted one guard from above.

"Yes! He's down there! Bleeding badly!" Evelyn choked back a sob as she shouted. "Hurry!"

Without hesitation, she leaped into the ravine.

Her ankle twisted upon landing, sending sharp pain shooting up her leg.

Brushing away tears, she crawled toward Dominic's prone form and gathered him into her arms.

"Dominic! Open your eyes! Don't you dare close them!"

His skin felt like ice against her fingertips. She pressed her warm cheek against his, breathing warmth onto his face.

The mountaintop offered no cell reception.

No possibility of calling reinforcements.

As the Blackwood family guard hoisted Dominic onto his back, Evelyn limped behind, using a broken branch as a crutch. Silent tears carved paths through the dirt on her face.

How had things gone so wrong?

Who had told Dominic she was on this godforsaken mountain?

This wasn't an accident - it was premeditated murder!

Had Dominic fallen into one of the deeper crevices, no one would have found him before hypothermia set in.

The realization that she'd nearly lost him - because of her - made fresh tears burn her eyes.

After Dominic's rescue, two Veritas Capital security personnel entered Tristan's suite at Mooncrest Manor.

"We waited at the summit as instructed," reported one guard. "But he collapsed before reaching us."

Tristan slammed his fist against the antique desk. "Pathetic! Can't even climb a fucking hill! Why couldn't he just die in that ravine?!"

"Pure luck, sir. We checked the drop zone - had it been one of the narrower ravines, his body might never have been recovered."

Rubbing his temples, Tristan growled, "What happens on this mountain stays on this mountain. Now get out!"

Once alone, Tristan retrieved his key and entered Bianca's locked chambers.

Bianca's swollen, bloodshot eyes burned with hatred.

"You murdered him, didn't you? Is this your idea of setting me free?" Her voice cracked. "Did you think for one second I wouldn't follow him into death?"

A kitchen knife trembled in her white-knuckled grip.

One word confirming Dominic's death, and that blade would find her own heart.

"He lives. Against all odds." Tristan's expression darkened. "When he wakes, I'll be his first target. You need to leave, Bianca."

The knife clattered to the floor.

"Why couldn't you stop? Listen to me, Tristan - you'll never win against Dominic Blackwood. Some battles aren't meant to be fought."

With a bitter laugh, Bianca snatched her purse and stormed out.

One week later, Thornfield Industries officially declared bankruptcy, commencing liquidation proceedings.

Having never accepted her father's inheritance, Evelyn remained untouched by Richard's debts.

When the news broke, Vincent's text arrived: [Rot in hell for this.]

She powered off her phone without responding.

Some battles weren't worth fighting.

She had neither the time nor energy for petty vengeance.

Dominic's leg injuries proved severe.

Doctors confirmed he'd require the wheelchair again after discharge.

Evelyn never visited.

Not by choice - the Blackwood security detail barred all visitors at his hospital door.

Updates came only through Mrs. Wilkins, who reported Dominic's worsening temperament upon waking.

He refused all conversation and visitors.

All Evelyn could do was wait - wait for the day he'd be ready to see her again.