Chapter 302

The sleek black Rolls-Royce glided into the moonlit courtyard at precisely 7:30 AM.

Mrs. Wilkins hadn't slept a wink all night. The moment she spotted Dominic's car approaching, she rushed to the grand entrance. Guilt gnawed at her after confessing everything to Sophia last night. The girl's distressed reaction still haunted her.

Some truths couldn't be unsaid.

Dominic strode in, bringing with him the crisp morning chill.

"Master Dominic," Mrs. Wilkins wrung her hands, "I've made a terrible mistake. I deserve punishment."

Dominic froze. His bloodshot eyes locked onto the trembling housekeeper.

"I told Sophia about Dr. Montgomery's threats last night. Now she's refusing treatment." Mrs. Wilkins bowed her head in shame. "This is entirely my fault!"

"Why would you tell her that?" Dominic's voice turned dangerously quiet as his fingers flexed at his sides.

The elderly woman swallowed hard. "She said she wanted you and Evelyn to reconcile... I couldn't bear keeping the truth from her any longer." Her voice cracked. "Please dismiss me. I'm too old and foolish to serve you properly."

Dominic turned away abruptly, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion. "Get some rest. And don't discuss complicated matters with her again."

Mrs. Wilkins nodded mutely, not daring to say another word.

That afternoon, Dominic took Sophia for a walk through the frost-kissed gardens. An icy wind cut through their coats like knives.

"Sophia, are you cold?" Dominic tightened his grip on her small hand.

She shook her head stubbornly. "Big Brother, I don't want to get better anymore."

"Don't say that." Dominic's response came instantly. "Evelyn and I divorced because we fell out of love. Even if things end with Zoe, I won't go back to Evelyn. You don't need to worry about us."

Sophia frowned, processing his words with visible effort.

"I only want you to experience more happiness in life," Dominic murmured, brushing snowflakes from her hair.

After a long silence, Sophia suddenly declared, "You're unhappy. Evelyn's unhappy. Only I'm happy every day. If I stay sick, I'll stay happy. So I don't want treatment." Her voice held frightening conviction.

Dominic's jaw clenched. "You don't know what happiness awaits you after recovery. And even if you refuse treatment, I won't leave Zoe. She's carrying my child."

"Will I be an aunt?" Sophia asked with startling clarity. Dominic stiffened, his gaze turning sharp.

"Sophia, who told you that?" His voice dropped an octave.

Sophia pulled her hand free and turned away - her usual tactic when avoiding questions.

Dominic spun her back, gripping her shoulders firmly. "Tell me."

"Mrs. Whitaker said your children would call me aunt." Sophia peered up at him. "Big Brother, am I Henry's aunt?"

Dominic went completely still at the mention of his son's name.

"What do you think?" he deflected, remembering Evelyn's claim about adopting the boy.

"I hope he's yours. Then Henry has to call me aunt." Sophia's voice quivered with emotion. "If you have a baby with Dr. Montgomery... they won't love you anymore."

"I don't need their love. I only need you well." Dominic's eyes turned glacial, though his heart ached worse than the bitter cold.

Meanwhile, on the eighth day of the new year...

Michael Sterling couldn't return to work. The children needed him at home.

Evelyn hadn't left Clara's room in four days. She kept replaying their New Year's video on loop - never imagining it would be the last recording of her mother.

Downstairs, Michael prepared breakfast for the children, planning an outing to distract them. Maybe they'd stop by his office along the way.

Just as he set the plates down, Clara's bedroom door creaked open.