Chapter 271

Dominic didn't appreciate unannounced visitors, especially when they were strangers to Sophia. He knew how easily she could get frightened.

Eleanor stood at the forefront, her eyes lighting up the moment she spotted Sophia. She couldn't resist moving closer.

Dominic stepped protectively in front of his sister. "Mother, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"It's your birthday... I brought a cake." Eleanor lowered her gaze, murmuring, "I know I should have called first, but I just couldn't wait..."

Her longing to see Sophia had been unbearable.

Sophia peeked at Eleanor from behind Dominic, her doe-like eyes filled with equal parts curiosity and anxiety.

"Sophia, you're not afraid of me, are you?" Eleanor asked hopefully.

Sophia immediately ducked her head again, her fingers tightening around Dominic's shirt.

Dominic reached back and gently squeezed her hand.

"Mother, please go home. We already celebrated at Willowbrook," he said firmly. "Take your cake with you."

Eleanor sighed deeply.

Though disappointed, she felt content seeing her daughter looking well.

The group soon departed, and Dominic led Sophia back inside.

"Madame Eleanor arrived suddenly and insisted I not inform you," Mrs. Wilkins apologized.

Dominic's gaze shifted to Zoe, who stood nearby.

"I've been here since six," Zoe explained quickly. "If you've already had cake, I'll take mine back."

She held a homemade cake in her hands.

Noticing how nervous she appeared, Dominic frowned.

Was he really that intimidating?

"Dr. Montgomery, any progress on Sophia's treatment?" Dominic studied her face intently.

Zoe met his gaze. "The earliest we can proceed is next spring. She needs time to recover after the first surgery. The longer the recovery period, the better."

Dominic nodded. "I expect good results."

"I'll do my best," Zoe promised.

With that, she left with her cake, lost in thought. Eleanor's reaction to Sophia had been unusual. It was Dominic's birthday, yet Eleanor couldn't take her eyes off Sophia.

Her mind racing, Zoe texted Julian.

(Doesn't your grandmother know Sophia? She seemed overly excited.)

Julian replied: (Dr. Montgomery, I can't discuss this. My father would kill me.)

Zoe's curiosity grew. (I'll kill you too if you don't tell me. Which death do you prefer - metaphorical or literal?)

"...What a ruthless woman!" Julian thought.

When he didn't respond immediately, Zoe sent another message. (Let me guess - Sophia is related to the Blackwoods, isn't she? Dominic's ex-wife? Maybe her condition is why the family keeps her secret?)

Julian read her theory with exasperation. (Dr. Montgomery, I don't know the full story either, but it's not like that.)

(Then what is it?)

(She's definitely not my uncle's girlfriend. I'd know if they'd been married.)

Zoe felt relieved. As long as Sophia wasn't Dominic's romantic partner, her exact identity didn't matter.

At 3 AM in Mooncrest Manor's master bedroom, Evelyn's phone rang. Rubbing her eyes, she answered - then bolted upright at the caller's words.