Chapter 127

If Dominic had been killed last night, would justice truly be served?

Even if the murderer faced punishment, would it bring him back?

No.

Never.

"I'm not blaming you, Dominic… I just need time to process everything," Evelyn murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to accept it," he replied, his tone firm yet gentle. "But you should know—I would never harm an innocent person."

"Okay."

"Rest now," Dominic said, his fingers tracing soothing circles along her back until she finally drifted off.

Enveloped in his warmth, surrounded by the familiar scent of sandalwood and spice, Evelyn fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

At five in the evening, her phone buzzed violently on the nightstand.

The police station.

They needed her—immediately.

Without waking Dominic, she slipped out of bed, dressed quickly, and left.

When she arrived, the first thing she saw was Margaret Thorne's bloodshot eyes—filled with hatred the moment they landed on her.

The officer led them into a private room.

"The DNA results confirm the victim was Victoria Thorne."

Margaret let out a choked sob.

"My daughter was murdered! She was bright, full of life—how could this happen?!"

"From our investigation, Victoria was responsible for the car crash on Hawthorne Avenue last night," the officer stated. "She also orchestrated the assassination attempt on Dominic Blackwood. Here's the evidence."

A stack of documents and a phone slid across the table.

Evelyn barely glanced at them.

"Lies!" Margaret shrieked, slamming her hands on the table. "She was just a college student! She would never do something like this!"

"She hired a hitman," the officer countered. "If Mr. Blackwood’s security hadn’t acted fast, he’d be dead. Given his contributions to Ravenswood, this was a serious crime. If she hadn’t taken her own life, she would’ve faced severe consequences."

"You're saying she killed herself?!"

Margaret looked like she was about to collapse.

"Yes. Surveillance footage shows her jumping from the hotel window—no one forced her."

The officer played the video.

Even in the dim lighting, the terror on Victoria’s face was unmistakable as she ran—then leaped.

The entire ordeal lasted less than ten minutes.

"This is bullshit!" Margaret screamed. "She was scared! Someone made her do it!"

"Our investigation found that the hotel staff opened the door. The hitman admitted Victoria hired him. When Mr. Blackwood’s men confronted her, she couldn’t handle the guilt and jumped."

"It was Dominic Blackwood!" Margaret snarled. "He killed my baby!"

The officer sighed. "Your daughter hired an assassin. That kind of behavior reflects poorly on her upbringing."

"Shut your mouth!" Margaret lunged forward, but the officer held her back. "You’re protecting a murderer! I won’t let this go!"

With that, she stormed out.

Evelyn stayed to sign the paperwork.

The case was closed.

Outside, Evelyn barely had time to hail a cab before Margaret grabbed her arm, nails digging into her skin.

"I know it was you and Dominic! You killed Victoria to punish me!" Her voice was raw with fury. "You heartless witch, Evelyn Thorne! Your father would be disgusted by what you’ve become!"

If she’d had a weapon, Evelyn had no doubt Margaret would have used it.

Then—

A sharp honk cut through the air.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce screeched to a halt inches from them.