Chapter 294

Dominic's gaze dropped to see Lily's face twisted in pain.

His heart lurched violently.

Lily couldn't have come alone. Did that mean… Evelyn was here too? His eyes darted behind Lily, but all he saw was Henry rushing forward, pulling her protectively into his arms. He watched as she clutched her face, wincing. Immediately, Henry pried her small hands away, checking for injuries.

"Henry, I'm okay," Lily sniffled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just bumped into someone. My nose hurts a little."

Henry tightened his grip on her hand and lifted his head, locking eyes with Dominic's icy stare. An unspoken tension crackled between father and son.

At that moment, Sophia spotted Henry and Lily. Her face lit up with surprise and delight.

"Henry! Lily!" Sophia called out, stepping toward them eagerly.

Henry reacted instantly, pulling Lily close and turning sharply on his heel to leave.

Lily kept glancing back, reluctant to abandon the enchanting winter wonderland. When her gaze finally landed on Dominic, she stuck her tongue out at him defiantly.

Dominic ignored the childish taunt. Instead, he caught Sophia's wrist, preventing her from following them.

Evelyn and Wesley arrived just in time to witness the scene. Relief flooded Evelyn as she spotted her children, but it was quickly replaced by stern disapproval. "Lily! What were you thinking, running off like that?"

Lily rubbed her eyes, her voice trembling. "Mommy, it's so pretty here! I just wanted to play!"

"Not today! I'll bring you back another time," Evelyn said firmly, scooping her daughter into her arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Dominic flanked by the two women. The sight of them together, so harmonious, twisted something inside her.

Of course. Given enough time, people always got what they wanted. Zoe was clearly winning.

When Dominic noticed Evelyn, his gaze immediately flickered to Wesley beside her. The man was unremarkable, but there was a quiet kindness in his demeanor. They didn't seem like a perfect match, but if Evelyn had chosen him, Dominic had no right to object.

"Sophia, let's go somewhere else to play, alright?" Dominic murmured, his voice low.

Sophia nodded absently, confusion flickering in her eyes. She didn't understand why Henry had ignored her. At school, they had always been close.

Dominic took Sophia's hand. As he passed Evelyn, he paused. "We're leaving. Enjoy yourselves."

If it weren't for the children, Evelyn would have refused his charity outright.

Once they were gone, Lily tugged Henry's hand, darting off excitedly through the snow.

Wesley studied Evelyn's frozen expression. "Don't let him ruin your mood," he said gently. "He was actually quite generous. They must not have been here long."

Evelyn laughed bitterly. "Right. If we hadn't shown up, they wouldn't have left. How noble of him."

"The fact that he affects you this much…" Wesley's tone was light, teasing. "Could it be you still care?"

Evelyn stiffened, heat rushing to her cheeks. "Don't joke like that, Wesley. He's happy now. He has everything he wants. My presence only ruined his day."

Wesley chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's go find the kids before they disappear."

"You go ahead. I'll tell the staff they can reopen the snow palace," Evelyn said, striding toward the entrance.

She had no intention of keeping the place closed for her own sake.

At the ticket booth, she explained the situation. "But Mr. Blackwood reserved it for the entire day," the staff member protested.

"Donate the extra ticket sales to charity," Evelyn replied coolly.

The staff hesitated. "I'll need to check with my manager."