Chapter 29

Clara placed her hand gently on Evelyn's shoulder, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're his flesh and blood, sweetheart. He wouldn't dare harm you."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "I stood by him when he built Thornfield Industries from nothing. When we married, I never demanded a single thing." Her fingers tightened slightly. "I poured my entire inheritance into his business. If he lays one finger on you, I'll haunt him from my grave."

Monday morning arrived with crisp autumn air.

Evelyn hailed a cab to Blackwood Group headquarters.

Her first visit to Dominic's corporate empire.

The Blackwood Tower pierced the skyline, its glass façade shimmering like a blade. Evelyn stepped out onto the pavement, smoothing her skirt before entering the cavernous lobby.

"Miss, do you have an appointment?" The receptionist's polished smile didn't reach her eyes.

Evelyn met her gaze steadily. "No. But if you contact Bianca Chamberlain and tell her Evelyn Thorne is here, she'll see me immediately."

The receptionist's eyes flicked over Evelyn's designer handbag before making the call.

Minutes later, the elevator doors parted.

Bianca strode out like a panther spotting prey. Her stilettoes clicked sharply against marble as she approached. "Shouldn't you be recovering in bed?" Her crimson lips curled. "After your... procedure."

Evelyn's minimal makeup couldn't conceal her pallor, but her voice remained steady. "Going through all this trouble, Bianca. Has Dominic actually proposed yet?"

Bianca's laugh tinkled like breaking crystal. "Even if he never marries me, he'll never stay with you." She leaned in, perfume overwhelming. "Letting you terminate was mercy. I'd have made you suffer."

"How very criminal of you."

"Am I supposed to be scared?" Bianca's manicured finger tapped Evelyn's shoulder. "Look at you - pathetic."

Evelyn didn't flinch. "Tell me, Bianca. Have you ever worn a princess-cut dress for Dominic?"

Bianca's perfectly sculpted brow arched. "Don't be absurd. I don't do childish frills."

"Now I understand why he's never wanted you." Evelyn stepped closer, whispering directly into her ear. "Dominic adores the doll-like look. Lace. Petticoats. The whole fantasy."

Bianca's laughter died abruptly.

"I've shared his bed." Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "He prefers pink. And that Japanese hime haircut? Drives him wild."

Bianca's face went sheet-white.

A decade of knowing Dominic, yet he'd never touched her. This girl had known him mere months...

"Wh-why tell me this?" Bianca's voice cracked.

"Because I want my freedom." Evelyn's eyes glittered with cold calculation. "Dress like his fantasy, and maybe he'll finally notice you."

The image flashed in Evelyn's mind - Bianca in that pink confection, styled exactly like the woman in Dominic's secret photos. She wondered if he'd lose control completely. Perhaps his hands would find Bianca's throat instead of her waist this time.