Chapter 282

The phone vibrated in Dominic's hand. Nathan's name flashed on the screen.

"Lucas mentioned there was a malignant brain tumor before," Nathan's voice came through clearly. "During severe episodes, he'd lose consciousness completely. Professor Sebastian performed the surgery to remove it."

Dominic's fingers tightened around the device. "Did he explain why he partnered with Evelyn?"

"He did. Said he's passionate about drone technology. Evelyn had Richard Thorne's proprietary system. After enhancing it, he was so impressed that he co-founded Apex Innovations with her."

The explanation felt hollow.

Ending the call, Dominic turned back toward the restaurant entrance. Though every fiber of his being recoiled at Margaret's presence, he needed Zoe's expertise. For Sophia's sake, he'd tolerate this charade.

Zoe rushed to meet him at the door. "Dominic, I swear I had no idea. First time meeting Margaret. My father never mentioned she was Evelyn's stepmother - we barely speak."

Dominic gave a curt nod before striding to the table. "Richard," he acknowledged Zoe's father with measured politeness. Margaret might as well have been invisible.

"Dominic." Richard's smile faltered. "My apologies. Living abroad, Margaret and I never discussed... past connections."

"Unnecessary. Evelyn and I are divorced." Dominic's tone could freeze molten lava.

Margaret cleared her throat. "Dominic, I've apologized to Evelyn already. Offered seven hundred million as restitution. She refused."

Zoe gasped. "Seven hundred million?!"

The sum was staggering. Who knew this woman commanded such wealth?

"Not liquid assets," Margaret clarified. "But with company collateral... I wanted to demonstrate sincerity. Reconciliation proves... challenging."

The afternoon call had come unexpectedly.

"Dominic? Father's returned from Geneva. Wants dinner tonight - are you free?"

Dominic checked his watch. "Schedule it."

"There's... something else. My parents divorced years ago. He's bringing his new partner. Hope that's acceptable?"

"Not an issue." He'd no interest in Zoe's personal life, let alone her father's romantic entanglements.

The restaurant meeting hit like a sucker punch. Dominic froze upon recognizing Margaret Thorne beside Richard Montgomery.

"Mr. Blackwood." Margaret's smile didn't reach her eyes. "We've been connected before, yet never properly met. What an... interesting coincidence."

Dominic's expression turned glacial. The temperature seemed to drop ten degrees.

His phone's ringtone provided escape. Stepping outside, Nathan's update about Lucas's medical history offered temporary reprieve.

Back inside, Zoe's anxious whispers and Richard's awkward attempts at conversation filled the tense silence. Margaret's seven hundred million offer hung in the air like toxic fumes.

"Perhaps we should change topics," Zoe suggested nervously, noting Dominic's thunderous expression.

Returning home, Dominic's resolve hardened. Following Zoe's treatment plan now seemed untenable. If Evelyn discovered Margaret's involvement - as Richard's lover, potentially Zoe's future stepmother - she'd sever all contact completely.

Sophia's sudden embrace caught him off guard. Her warmth, her childlike dependence squeezed his heart. Though showing remarkable progress, she still needed constant care.

New Year approached. With it, Sophia's next treatment phase. The anticipation should have brought hope. Instead, Margaret's reappearance left him nauseated. Continuing this farce with Zoe meant endless encounters with that woman.

"Sophia," Dominic guided her to the sofa, "do you like Dr. Montgomery?"

She studied him with those clear, guileless eyes. A pause. Then, cleverly: "Do you?"

Dominic shook his head. "Her expertise could heal you. That's all that matters."

Sophia brightened. "Evelyn can heal me too!"

Dominic stilled. "Has Evelyn... treated you before?"

A hesitant nod.

His hands framed her shoulders. "When? During your disappearance?"

With caregivers monitoring Sophia's every move, only those unaccounted hours provided opportunity. The realization struck like lightning - Evelyn had intervened when he'd failed to protect his sister. Again.