Chapter 114

Dominic was clearly lying, yet Lucas had no rebuttal.

In all their years of acquaintance, Lucas had never once witnessed Dominic wearing a knitted sweater.

Though perhaps a sweater handcrafted by Evelyn carried far more sentimental value than any store-bought luxury.

"Your mother called," Lucas mentioned casually. "She said your nephew was released from St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She's expecting you for dinner tonight."

"She could've told me herself," Dominic replied tersely.

"Did something happen between you two? She sounded unusually cautious earlier." Lucas studied his friend's stony expression. "Don't be too hard on Eleanor, Dominic. A mother's love is irreplaceable."

"Enough."

Lucas chuckled at his friend's irritation.

"Shall I inform Evelyn about dinner at Mooncrest Manor?"

Dominic considered this briefly. "Didn't you say she's preoccupied with her knitting project?"

"Right! Only seven days left now. I wonder how that sweater's coming along."

When Dominic arrived at the family estate that evening, Eleanor practically glowed with delight.

The other occupants, however, wore varying degrees of wariness.

Dominic's icy stare landed squarely on Victoria.

"This is Evelyn's sister, Victoria Thorne," Eleanor hastily explained under her son's piercing gaze. "I wasn't fond of her initially, but she's been tending to Julian since his injury..."

Victoria squirmed beneath Dominic's unrelenting scrutiny.

Summoning courage, she offered a tentative smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blackwood. I'm Evelyn's half-sister. I assumed you'd bring her tonight."

Dominic ignored her completely, shifting his attention to Julian's gaunt, lethargic features.

His hospital stay had clearly been torturous.

"I ended things with Evelyn six months ago, Uncle Dominic," Julian rushed to explain. "She despises me after discovering my relationship with Victoria. I'd never scheme to manipulate her into staying with you."

"Obviously," Dominic replied dryly. After a beat, he added, "You lack the capability to control Evelyn Thorne."

Evelyn's fiercely independent nature made her ungovernable by anyone.

"Mock me all you like. Whatever makes you happy," Julian said meekly.

"I'd be happier if you stopped speaking," Dominic retorted.

Julian fell silent.

Though his finger reattachment surgery succeeded, full recovery remained distant. He still required Victoria's assistance to eat.

The dinner progressed with palpable tension.

Attempting to diffuse the atmosphere, Victoria ventured, "We once consulted a renowned fortune teller about Evelyn's future. They predicted she'd bring misfortune to her husband... Your recent accident was probably—"

Dominic's glacial glare cut through her words like shards of ice.

"I possess some divination skills myself," he said softly. "Allow me to predict your future... It will be brief."

Victoria's fork clattered against the fine china.

Recognizing her son's dangerous mood, Eleanor summoned security. "Remove her from the premises!"

Julian protested his companion's ejection. "Grandmother—"

"Quiet! Feed yourself or go hungry! I never approved of that girl! She'll only bring you ruin!"

Julian wordlessly struggled with his injured hand to grasp his utensils.

Dominic produced a check from his jacket, sliding it across the table to Gregory. "For Mother's expenses."

Since Eleanor resided with Gregory, Dominic regularly provided financial support.

Gregory hesitated.

While needing the funds, accepting them stung his pride. Caring for their mother should be duty, not transaction.