Chapter 258

"Dominic, hurry! Don't let them get away!" Clara's voice was sharp with urgency.

Dominic blinked, snapping out of his momentary hesitation before flooring the accelerator.

Clara exhaled, relief washing over her.

"Grandma, is Mommy going to be okay? I'm scared!" Lily's small fingers clutched at Clara's sleeve, her eyes brimming with tears.

Clara lifted her into her arms. "Sweetheart, your mom just has a fever. The doctors will take good care of her, and she'll be fine once the fever breaks."

"But... why was Dominic here?" Lily frowned, a knot of unease tightening in her chest.

Clara's expression darkened. "I don't know, but I doubt he'd try anything while she's sick."

Despite her deep-seated distrust of Dominic, she couldn't deny the way he had carefully wrapped Evelyn in a blanket before carrying her out.

The smallest gestures often revealed the truth. No matter how many women he had in his life, his concern for Evelyn was undeniable.

At least for now, Evelyn was safe with him.

The emergency room was chaotic when they arrived.

Dominic carried Evelyn inside, his grip firm yet gentle. By the time Julian caught up, Evelyn was already hooked to an IV.

"Dominic Blackwood! You move like a damn cheetah!" Julian panted, glaring. "Give her back!"

The emergency room had no available beds, so Dominic kept Evelyn cradled in his arms. He shot Julian an icy look. "Get out of my way."

"Your way? If you hadn’t shoved me aside, I would’ve brought her here!" Julian planted his hands on his hips, defiance flashing in his eyes.

The surrounding patients turned to stare.

"Trying to make the front page tomorrow?" Dominic hissed. "Shut up."

Julian glanced around, reluctantly lowering his voice before slumping into the seat beside Dominic.

"Why is everyone around you so damn violent?" Julian gingerly touched the bruise at his mouth. "I was drunk last night, and someone threw me in a room with Nathan. Like it was my fault."

Dominic gave him a sidelong glance. Julian’s fair skin made the bruise stand out starkly.

"Why didn’t you fight back?" Dominic asked dryly.

"Two against one? Seriously?"

"Ever heard of calling the police?"

Julian groaned. "Ugh, Evelyn said the same thing."

"It’s not even that bad," Julian muttered. "But Nathan? That snake better hope I don’t catch him alone."

Dominic’s eyes narrowed. "Stay away from Nathan."

Julian scoffed. "Oh, I’m the problem? You’re the one juggling three women at once! Compared to you, I’m practically a saint!"

His voice rose again, drawing more stares.

Dominic’s jaw tightened. With a single glance, his bodyguard hauled Julian out of the room.

Silence settled at last.

Soon, a nurse guided Dominic to a private room. He laid Evelyn down, brushing a hand over her forehead.

Her fever was easing.

His frown deepened as he studied her pale face. After a moment, he stepped onto the balcony and dialed a number.

Zoe Montgomery barely paused when she got home.

Straight to the study—she had work to do. Finding Sophia’s former doctor was priority one, but so was researching potential treatments.

A knock interrupted her.

"Come in," she called.

At home, only her bodyguard and housekeeper ever disturbed her.

The bodyguard entered, his expression grim as he approached.