Chapter 219

That evening, Lucas handed Dominic a photo of Evelyn and Wesley together.

"Evelyn's new man."

Dominic glanced at the picture, his expression darkening instantly. "Isn't that Professor Whitmore's assistant?"

He snatched Lucas' phone and zoomed in, his jaw tightening.

"You know him?" Lucas asked, intrigued. "Rumors say Evelyn gave him a full tour of Thornfield Industries today. They were inseparable—laughing, chatting, looking awfully cozy."

Dominic tossed the phone back. "I know him."

Lucas smirked. "Honestly, they make a striking pair. Him with that scholarly charm, her with that effortless grace."

Dominic's icy glare could have frozen the room.

"Must you always provoke me?"

"Me? Provoke?" Lucas feigned innocence. "I'm just pointing out the obvious. That brooch you picked for Evelyn? Massive diamond, right over the heart. The jeweler joked it could stop a bullet."

Dominic's mood soured further.

"Is this a birthday gift or a guilt offering?" Lucas pressed. "Think she'll even accept something that extravagant?"

"Then forget it," Dominic snapped, pushing his plate away. His appetite was gone.

Lucas sighed. "Not what I meant. Nathan told me you gave Zoe a designer bag worth a few grand for her birthday. How’s she going to feel when she finds out you gifted Evelyn a diamond that could fund a small country?"

"Nathan chose it. I didn’t check the price."

"You approved it without looking?"

Dominic didn’t answer.

Lucas rolled his eyes. "If you’re not serious about Dr. Montgomery, end it. There’s got to be another specialist who can treat Sophia."

Dominic rubbed his temples. "That’s the problem. No one else has made progress with her. Zoe’s the only one who has."

If not for Sophia’s condition, Zoe’s threats would mean nothing.

"Wasn’t Evelyn also Professor Whitmore’s student?" Lucas asked.

"She was. But she left academia for Apex Innovations," Dominic said flatly. "She’s a CEO now."

Lucas shook his head. "Wouldn’t it be perfect if Evelyn could help Sophia?"

Dominic’s chest tightened.

Perfect? Nothing in his life had ever been perfect.

A week later, Zoe called Evelyn, demanding a meeting.

"No, thanks," Evelyn refused instantly.

She’d seen Zoe’s true colors—manipulative, ruthless. She wasn’t walking into that trap again.

Zoe’s laugh was cold. "Fine. Then let’s talk now. You claimed you adopted those children. But my people checked every orphanage in Ravenswood. No records. They’re yours, aren’t they? Your real children."