Chapter 142

The sleek black Rolls-Royce glided to a halt before the wrought iron gates of Willowbrook Academy, its engine purring softly as it waited for entry.

Evelyn instinctively tightened her grip on little Henry's hand, pivoting them both away from the approaching vehicle.

Within moments, the luxury car disappeared down the tree-lined avenue in a whisper of polished steel.

Henry glanced up at his mother's suddenly pale face, curiosity sparking in his intelligent eyes.

He'd never seen fear flicker across his mother's features before - not like this. Whoever occupied that car clearly held significance.

As they stepped through the academy's arched entrance, a welcoming committee greeted them with warm smiles.

Willowbrook Academy lived up to its reputation as Ravenswood's premier institution for special needs education.

The sprawling campus boasted state-of-the-art facilities, from sensory gardens to cutting-edge therapy rooms, all staffed by world-renowned specialists.

Though the tuition made Evelyn's breath catch, she couldn't deny the exceptional quality of care offered.

Kneeling to meet Henry at eye level, she asked softly, "What do you think, sweetheart? Would you like to try coming here? I'll bring you every morning and pick you up each afternoon."

Her heart pounded as she waited, prepared to walk away if Henry showed the slightest hesitation.

Her son's differences didn't diminish his perfection in her eyes - she'd happily devote her life to his care.

Which made his firm nod all the more astonishing.

Evelyn's hands trembled as she repeated, "You're certain, darling?"

Henry's crystalline gaze held hers unwaveringly as he nodded again with deliberate emphasis.

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes as she gathered her son close, breathing in his familiar scent of sunshine and innocence.

This small gesture represented a seismic shift in their journey together.

Meanwhile, at precisely 10:03 AM, Mr. Thornton finally succeeded in reaching Dominic Blackwood after seventeen failed attempts.

"Mr. Blackwood, this is Evelyn Thorne's legal representative," the lawyer rushed out, anticipating the imminent disconnection. "I'm contacting you regarding Ms. Thorne's return to the country and her continued insistence on divorce proceedings."

The line remained ominously silent.

Mr. Thornton barreled forward, "My client demands you sign the papers immediately or she'll have no choice but to pursue litigation."

A sharp intake of breath crackled through the receiver.

"Sir, I must confess I don't understand your resistance," Thornton pressed. "Ms. Thorne isn't seeking alimony or assets. She simply wants dissolution of the marriage. You stand to lose nothing."

Dominic's voice emerged like tempered steel. "Tell her I'll consider it when she has the courage to ask me in person." The line went dead with surgical precision.

When Thornton relayed this response, Evelyn's lips thinned.

"Why not simply meet with him?" the lawyer urged. "He's practically handing you the divorce on a silver platter!"

Evelyn tapped a manicured nail against her phone case. "Legally speaking, what are the implications if we remain married?"

Thornton blinked. "Well, all income becomes marital property for starters—"

"He earns twenty times my salary," Evelyn interrupted with a dry laugh. "If he's not worried, why should I be?"

"Without a prenup, you're entitled to—"

"Let him try claiming a penny," she challenged, eyes flashing. "I'd like to see him explain that to the press."

Thornton adjusted his glasses. "Forgive me, but your relationship seems... complicated."

"Dead," Evelyn corrected. "Our relationship is dead."

The lawyer sighed. "Very well. Litigation remains an option, though considerably more tedious than a simple meeting."

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped brow. "I'll consider it."

"Best of luck with your... situation," Thornton offered awkwardly before adding, "Most women would kill to be in your position. Dominic Blackwood is—"

"A chapter I've closed," Evelyn finished, ending the call with a decisive tap. The beginnings of a tension headache pulsed at her temples.