Chapter 283

Evelyn could see the truth was impossible to conceal any longer. Yet Sophia's terrified expression as she cowered before her brother's stern gaze made Evelyn's heart clench.

The little girl hung her head in silence, trembling fingers clutching the hem of her dress.

Over at Mooncrest Manor, Lucas was holding court in the grand parlor, bragging about his legendary drinking prowess. "I had Nathan completely wasted in under an hour!" he declared, puffing out his chest. "The man couldn't even stand straight!"

He smirked, swirling his whiskey glass. "And the best part? He bought every word of my story. Dominic will never suspect a thing."

Evelyn methodically peeled an apple, her knife flashing in the firelight. She handed him the sliced fruit without looking up. "For once, you actually used your brain."

"Excuse me?" Lucas sputtered indignantly, snatching the plate. "I'll have you know my intellect rivals Sherlock Holmes himself!" He took an aggressive bite, juice dripping down his chin. "I simply choose when to apply it."

Just then, Lily burst into the room clutching a leather-bound photo album. "Mommy! Who is this gorgeous man?" she squealed, pointing excitedly. "I'm in love!"

Evelyn's knife clattered to the table. The album contained her private collection of Eric Montclair memorabilia - her longtime celebrity crush.

"Lily Thorne," she said through gritted teeth, snapping the book shut. "How many times must I tell you not to go through my things?"

The child pouted dramatically. "Then you should lock them up properly! Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "if you like him so much, why can't I?"

Henry glanced up from his book with a derisive snort. "Pathetic fangirl behavior."

Lily stuck out her tongue. "Mommy's a fangirl too! So if I'm pathetic, that makes Mommy pathetic!"

Defeated by his sister's flawless logic, Henry retreated to his room with an eye roll.

Snuggling into Evelyn's lap, Lily batted her lashes. "When you remarry, Mommy, promise you'll find someone this handsome. Grandma and I would approve wholeheartedly."

Clara muffled a laugh behind her hand while Evelyn massaged her temples. Before she could reprimand her daughter, the doorbell chimed.

At nine o'clock? Evelyn frowned. Only Sophie ever visited unannounced, and never this late.

Lucas peered through the peephole and recoiled. "Holy hell, Evelyn! It's your ex!" he hissed, scrambling back. "And he brought company."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. Who would Dominic bring here at this hour?

Handing Lily to Clara, who immediately whisked the children away, Evelyn approached the door. Before she could speak, Dominic's icy voice cut through the foyer.

"Is she here?" he demanded.

Sophia shuffled inside, shrinking under Evelyn's questioning glare. The girl pressed her lips together, eyes darting nervously.

Dominic gripped his sister's wrist and stormed past Evelyn into the living room. "Elliot—" Evelyn began, but he whirled on her.

"Silence!" Dominic's voice cracked like a whip. His piercing gaze locked onto hers. "When Sophia disappeared... was she here with you?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. He knew.

The confirmation flashed across Dominic's face as he took in her reaction. A glacial fury settled over his features.

"How did she get here?" Each word dripped with venom as he advanced. "Why wasn't I informed?" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Did you enjoy watching me tear the city apart searching for her?"