Chapter 234
Henry watched his sister's innocent little face, then crushed her fragile hope with brutal honesty.
"A scoundrel remains a scoundrel because he's capable of loving multiple women simultaneously. Don't be deceived by Dominic Blackwood's charms."
Lily's heart sank.
She couldn't bring herself to confess that despite Dominic being undeniably despicable, an inexplicable pull toward him lingered in her chest.
After dinner, Evelyn summoned Henry to her room for a private discussion.
"Do you understand why I called you here, Henry?"
Henry kept his gaze fixed on the floor, silent.
"You made me a promise—never to provoke Dominic again. Yet today, you broke that vow." Evelyn's voice trembled with concealed anxiety. "I know you acted out of protectiveness, but this isn't the way—"
"Forgive me, Mother." Henry finally met her eyes. "It won't happen again."
"You mustn't make an enemy of him, Henry. Our divorce is finalized. If you anger him beyond reason someday, and he chooses to disregard our shared history..." Evelyn's fingers twisted in her lap. "I only want you, Lily, and Grandma to live undisturbed."
"Understood." Henry's shoulders slumped in resignation.
"Bring me your laptop."
Henry retrieved the device from his room and placed it in Evelyn's waiting hands.
"Now fetch your Uncle Lucas for me," she instructed, setting the laptop aside.
Lucas arrived moments later, attempting nonchalance as he perched on the edge of her bed.
"Color me surprised—Evelyn Thorne inviting me into her private quarters!" His forced chuckle couldn't mask the tension in his jaw.
Evelyn's eyes traced the fresh bruises across his cheekbones. "Another brawl with Nathan Cross? And you smashed his glasses?" Her lips thinned. "Impressive work."
Lucas raised defensive palms. "He grabbed my tie first—a gift from my ex-lover—"
"Let me guess," Evelyn cut in sharply. "Dominic?"
She'd spoken deliberately, ensuring Evelyn absorbed every syllable. This was her calculated move—to make certain Evelyn knew Dominic was dining with another woman tonight.