Chapter 247

Dominic tore open the package, his fingers brushing against the crisp fabric of the shirt and the cold stack of bills inside.

"Pathetic," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening.

With a swift motion, he flung the bag across the room. It hit the floor with a dull thud.

"Burn it," Dominic commanded, his voice icy.

Nathan nodded, scooping up the discarded items. "Right away, sir."

Meanwhile, at the bustling shopping district of Ravenshore, Adrian was on a mission.

"Come on, Evelyn, you can't judge a dress by just looking at it," Adrian insisted, piling another armful of outfits into her arms.

Before she could protest, he nudged her toward the fitting room.

"Your boyfriend is so thoughtful," the sales associate gushed, flashing Evelyn an approving smile. "Need any help with those?"

Evelyn shook her head quickly. "I've got it, thanks."

By the time they finished, the afternoon sun had dipped low in the sky. The trunk of Adrian's car was overflowing with shopping bags—new outfits for Evelyn, Lily, Henry, Clara, and even himself.

This was the first time Evelyn had ever indulged in a shopping spree with Adrian. Exhausted, she slumped into a chair at the nearest café, craving nothing more than to go home.

"Eat up," Adrian said, scrolling through his phone. "We're hitting the salon next."

Evelyn groaned. "I'm wiped."

"You can relax there," he countered, flashing her a photo. "Look at this guy from Eldermere. Wealthy, tall, gorgeous—miles ahead of that scumbag Dominic. This is the kind of man you should be aiming for."

Evelyn blinked, her appetite vanishing.

"You really think a new hairstyle and wardrobe will make a man like that notice me?"

"Not on their own," Adrian admitted. "But we’re laying the groundwork. Baby steps."

Evelyn set down her fork, dabbing her lips with a napkin.

"Done? Perfect. Salon time." Adrian whisked her away before she could argue.

The night of Evelyn’s birthday arrived in a whirl of glittering lights.

The grand ballroom of the Oceanview Grand Hotel was alive with chatter and laughter. Clara had opted to stay home with the kids, who weren’t fond of large crowds.

Adrian and Evelyn arrived at four, finding the venue already half-filled with guests.

Evelyn had left her hair loose, the natural waves cascading down her back. Her cream-colored dress, adorned with delicate sequins that shimmered like starlight, hugged her curves perfectly.

Every head turned as she glided into the room.

Lucas and Nathan approached, each holding a gift.

"Happy birthday, Miss Thorne," Lucas said warmly, handing her an elegantly wrapped box. "You look stunning tonight."

Nathan followed suit. "Mr. Blackwood sends his regrets—he had a prior engagement."

Evelyn smiled politely. "Thank you both."

Just then, Adrian gasped, grabbing Nathan’s arm. "Holy hell—isn’t that your boss?"

The entire room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the entrance.

There, framed in the doorway, stood Dominic—impeccably dressed, his presence commanding the room like a storm.