Chapter 180

Dominic had arrived at the administrative office of Willowbrook Academy. His fingers trembled slightly as he flipped through the file he'd requested.

Name: Henry Thorne

Mother: Evelyn Thorne

Age: Four years and four months

The moment Dominic saw Evelyn's name, his breath hitched.

The boy who'd stepped on his polished shoes was Evelyn's son. And the child was already four years old.

Four years. Exactly how long it had been since Evelyn disappeared from his life. If Henry was hers, that meant she'd been carrying his child when she left.

A cold sweat broke across Dominic's forehead as the realization struck him.

"Is there a problem with this student, Mr. Blackwood?" The administrator fidgeted nervously, observing Dominic's sudden pallor.

Dominic's throat tightened. "Take me to him."

"I'm afraid Henry isn't in school today," the administrator stammered. "Shall I call his mother for you?"

"That won't be necessary."

Clutching the file, Dominic stormed out. He needed answers—and he would get them directly from Evelyn herself.

Meanwhile, in the rose garden of Mooncrest Manor, Bianca Chamberlain's manicured nails dug into her palms. She'd never anticipated that Zoe Montgomery would prove to be such a viper.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go. Bianca had introduced Zoe to Dominic hoping to regain his favor. Instead, the neurosurgeon had slithered her way into Dominic's bed.

Bianca had gravely underestimated her opponent.

"Tell me, Doctor Montgomery," Bianca forced a smile, though her voice quivered with suppressed rage, "are you really willing to throw away your prestigious career for this?"

Zoe examined her perfect manicure. "Jobs are replaceable. Opportunities like this aren't."

The blatant dismissal made Bianca's vision swim with red spots. If not for Dominic's protection, she'd have already slapped that smug face.

"So you're determined to steal him from me." Bianca's words came out through clenched teeth.

Zoe finally met her gaze. "Miss Chamberlain, must every woman mourn the man you can't have?" A cruel smile played on her lips. "Here's some free advice—either improve your worth or accept reality. Dominic Blackwood doesn't settle for mediocre women."

Bianca's ears rang as if struck. Mediorce? Her? The heiress to Veritas Capital? The insult burned worse than acid.

"Careful, Doctor," Bianca hissed, stepping closer. "Even peacocks can be plucked bare."

Zoe simply glanced over Bianca's shoulder at the two hulking bodyguards shadowing her every move.

"Shall we test that theory?" Zoe's voice dripped honeyed venom. "One scream and they'll break your pretty fingers before you can touch me. Or should I call Dominic right now?" She tilted her head. "Are you certain you want to play this game, Bianca?"

Zoe had no desire for enemies. But she'd learned long ago—sometimes you had to bare your fangs to keep what was yours.