Chapter 230
Could there possibly be another child in the mansion?!
Dominic drew a sharp, icy breath!
He stepped out of the room and spotted Lily's tiny frame shaking with sobs at the staircase landing.
It was Evelyn's daughter!
How absurd!
When had she slipped into his home?
How had his state-of-the-art security system failed to detect her?
Dominic suddenly recalled they'd only restored the mansion's security systems two hours prior.
Lily clutched a plush bunny in one hand while gripping the banister with the other, her bunny-shaped backpack bouncing as she descended the stairs between sobs.
She remained oblivious to Dominic shadowing her steps.
Servants gathered below, gaping at the apparition-like child who'd materialized in their midst.
"Mommy... Mommy's gone... I cried so loud... She didn't come... Waaah!"
Lily's wails came in rhythmic waves, like a sputtering motor.
"Aren't you Evelyn Thorne's little girl, sweetheart?"
Mrs. Wilkins approached and lifted Lily down the remaining steps.
Pouting through tears, Lily whimpered, "Did Mommy and Henry leave without me?"
"Hours ago, dear. However did you get inside? We never saw you arrive." Mrs. Wilkins settled Lily on the sofa, dabbing her cheeks with a tissue.
The child was exquisite - a miniature replica of Evelyn.
Anyone could see she was Evelyn's flesh and blood.
Though Mrs. Wilkins burned with curiosity about the father, she held her tongue.
That was Dominic's business to investigate.
"I sneaked in when nobody looked... Been hiding forever... Just wanted Mommy!" Lily sniffled. "Why didn't they call me? Uncle Mike knew I was here..."
Dominic loomed over her, studying the tear-streaked face.
"Don't stare at me!" Lily suddenly glared, turning her back on him with a huff.
Dominic's temper flared.
The audacity of this trespassing brat to treat him with such contempt!
This was Evelyn's parenting at work.
Just then, Sophia emerged from her room.
Spotting Lily, she brightened and hurried over.
Sophia recognized the child, though the name escaped her.
She extended her hand toward Lily.
Lily's gaze lifted, then immediately scrunched in displeasure as she glared at Sophia.
Not satisfied, the little girl tilted her chin up and snorted disdainfully.
Rather than deterred, Sophia clasped Lily's hand more firmly.
Dominic massaged his temples.
Why did Sophia gravitate toward Evelyn and her offspring?
Had they met before? Formed some bond?
Why else would she persistently seek their touch?
It made no sense!
"Go away!" Lily yanked her hand back violently. "I won't play with you!"
Sophia froze, eyes welling with hurt.
Dominic's chest constricted.
Not only were Evelyn's children ill-mannered, but downright vicious!
What kind of twisted joke was this?
"Lily Thorne! Remember whose roof you're under!" Dominic thundered. "Didn't your mother teach you basic manners? And furthermore..."