Chapter 301

"I'll dispatch additional security personnel. They'll maintain round-the-clock surveillance," the captain stated before shifting topics abruptly. "Congratulations on your girlfriend's pregnancy, I heard."

"Children aren't my preference." Dominic's expression darkened instantly, his voice turning icy. "Notify me immediately if there are any developments in the case."

The captain nodded. "Understood. How's Miss Thorne faring? She seemed quite unwell yesterday. Any improvement today?"

Dominic's gaze turned stormy, his lips pressing into a thin line. He rose abruptly from the sofa and exited without responding. That question remained unanswerable.

He'd stood vigil outside the operating theater all night, but his mother's urgent call had prevented him from entering.

Zoe's pregnancy loomed like an insurmountable barrier in his mind. The mere thought paralyzed him, making facing Evelyn impossible.

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Evelyn slept through the afternoon in her hospital room. As consciousness returned, before grief could reclaim her, Henry's voice pierced through. "Mommy, I'll attend whichever school you choose for me."

Then came Lily's fragile, tear-roughened whisper. "Mommy, I'll be good too. Please wake up soon? Please?"

Lily's nonstop crying had left her eyes swollen and voice raw.

Evelyn's eyelids fluttered open. That broken voice shattered her resolve. She bolted upright, grasping both children's hands tightly.

"I'm perfectly fine. Just needed some rest." She swung her legs off the bed decisively. "Let's go home!"

The moment her feet touched the floor, Michael stepped forward, enveloping her in a fierce embrace.

"Evelyn, you still have your children and me. I'll never betray you. Whenever you need me, I'll be here." Such solemnity was rare for Michael.

Evelyn rested her chin on his shoulder, drawing a steadying breath. "Take me home. I miss it terribly."

Meanwhile, Sophia sat motionless in Mooncrest Manor's living room. Three days had passed without Dominic's return, yet she refused to retire to her room. Mrs. Wilkins kept vigil beside her.

"Has he abandoned me?" Sophia's sudden question fractured the heavy silence.

"Never." Mrs. Wilkins clasped Sophia's trembling hands. "Master Dominic visits Mooncrest Manor nightly."

According to security reports, Dominic would station himself outside Evelyn's door until dawn, then disappear like a ghost.

"He goes to see Evelyn?" Sophia's voice pitched higher. "I want him with Evelyn."

Mrs. Wilkins sighed deeply. "That's impossible now."

"Why?" Sophia's eyes glittered with confused intensity.

The housekeeper's heart ached remembering Evelyn's loss, and Dominic's tortured vigils - desperate to see her, yet bound by chains of obligation.

"Because of your condition. Dr. Montgomery treats you, and she's blackmailing Master Dominic. She threatened to withdraw treatment unless he stays with her." Mrs. Wilkins' voice cracked. "Sophia, do you understand?"

Sophia shook her head dazedly. "Say it again."

After a steadying breath, Mrs. Wilkins repeated the painful truth. This time, comprehension flickered across Sophia's face.

"I don't want to get better anymore," Sophia declared, eyes blazing. Her small hands clenched into fists as she began chanting like a mantra, "No more treatments... no more..."