Chapter 220

Evelyn's breath hitched as Zoe's words struck like a dagger.

"If I'm correct, those children belong to you and Dominic," Zoe purred, her voice dripping with venom through the phone.

A shiver raced down Evelyn's spine.

"Adoption records are sealed for a reason!" she snapped, her nails digging into her palms.

"Of course they are," Zoe laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "But my father isn't just anyone. His connections in Ravenswood confirmed your little lie. And Dominic—oh, he despises children, doesn't he? Imagine his reaction when he learns the truth."

"Zoe Montgomery, you're crossing a line!" Evelyn hissed.

"Am I? Or are you?" Zoe's voice turned shrill. "Dominic is mine now. You're his ex-wife. Stay in your lane."

"Here's my offer—I'll keep your secret if you swear never to see him again."

Zoe's confidence was suffocating. She knew Evelyn's weakness.

Those children were her heart.

And Zoe expected her to crumble.

But Evelyn refused.

She had done nothing wrong. Why should she bow to this cruelty?

"Let's meet," Evelyn said, her voice steady. "Same restaurant as last time."

"Fine."

Thirty minutes later, they faced each other across the same table.

Evelyn smirked as she sat. "No hot water today, Miss Montgomery."

Zoe's cheeks flushed.

Without hesitation, Evelyn activated her phone's recorder and slid it between them. "Feel free to turn yours on too. Let's make sure we capture everything."

Zoe's lips parted in shock.

The audacity.

How could Evelyn act so boldly when she held all the power?

Evelyn flipped open the menu, ordered juice and dessert, then passed it to Zoe.

Zoe requested a drink and dismissed the waiter.

Once alone, she leaned forward. "Pathetic, really. Most women gain status by bearing a man's children. But you? You're just a cautionary tale."

Evelyn's smile didn't waver. "Funny. I don't measure my worth by a man's approval. My children are mine. I didn't have them for Dominic—or any man. Shocking, isn't it? For someone so educated, you think like a medieval broodmare."

Zoe's hands trembled, but she couldn't retaliate.

"So you're not afraid of Dominic finding out?" she sneered. "Good. Then he can meet his precious family sooner than expected."

Evelyn laughed. "Oh, Zoe. I only agreed to meet to watch your face twist while you threatened me. And look—you delivered."

Zoe's fingers twitched toward the table, but the memory of her burns stopped her.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

"Tell me," Evelyn mused, "how does it feel knowing you blackmailed Dominic into dating you with lies about Sophia's treatment?"

Zoe stiffened.

"Do you wake up in a cold sweat?" Evelyn tilted her head. "After all, you weren't the surgeon."

Zoe's face went deathly pale.