Chapter 308

Zoe Montgomery had completely shifted into "pregnancy mode" ever since discovering her condition.

Her focus had narrowed to the life growing inside her, pushing even Sophia Blackwood's treatment to the back burner.

There was no way she could have been the one to cure Eric Montclair.

"I don't have all the details," the family doctor admitted with regret. "But the odds of him waking from that state were astronomically low. Whoever treated him must be on the same level as Professor Sebastian Whitmore."

As soon as the call ended, Dominic Blackwood dispatched his team to track down the Santos family.

Eric Montclair had vanished from the entertainment industry two years ago—his known addresses and contacts were useless now.

Even as dusk settled, Dominic's people still had nothing.

At dinner, Zoe caught wind of Dominic's search, and unease coiled in her stomach.

"My health has improved significantly, Dominic," she said carefully. "I think we can schedule Sophia's second surgery soon."

Dominic studied her. "Are you sure?"

Zoe nodded. "I feel confident about the next procedure. I'll take her to the hospital tomorrow for a checkup and assess her recovery."

"Fine," Dominic replied.

Her fingers tightened around her fork. "I'm sorry, Dominic. My father ended things with Margaret Thorne. He's returning to Stonebridge soon. I regret all the trouble we've caused you."

Dominic lifted his wine glass, taking a slow sip.

"And… about the baby," she continued, voice softening. "I know you don’t like children. I don’t expect you to love this one. My body can’t handle an abortion, so I’ll have to carry to term. If you don’t want it, I’ll raise it alone."

The air between them grew heavy.

Since learning of her pregnancy, Dominic had barely acknowledged her existence.

She felt like an exile.

If she lost her usefulness, she’d end up just like Evelyn Thorne.

"Once the baby is born, I won’t tell them who their father is," Zoe said firmly. "You won’t have to worry about them. I’ve thought it over—I won’t force love where there isn’t any."

Dominic’s gaze darkened. "Dr. Montgomery, what if I asked you to terminate?"

A chill shot through her, but she kept her composure. "If you insist… it’s not impossible. But at this stage, the procedure would be as taxing as childbirth. I don’t know how long recovery would take."

Dominic weighed the risks silently.

"I’m worried delaying my recovery would set back Sophia’s treatment," Zoe added, sipping her soup. "Dominic, I know you’ve been searching for other doctors. I’m sorry for using this against you."

"That’s your leverage."

"You must despise me."

"Nothing matters except Sophia’s recovery," Dominic said flatly.

"It’s been so long since we talked like this," Zoe murmured. "I won’t force anything on you, Dominic. Can you at least… not hate me so much?"

She reached for his hand.

He pulled away. "I’ve said it before, Zoe. As long as you cure Sophia, nothing else matters."

"I’ll do everything I can for her," Zoe promised. "Your mother’s birthday is this weekend. Gregory is throwing a party, and she’s looking forward to it. I hope you’ll be there."

"Noted," Dominic said dismissively.

His mind was still fixated on Eric Montclair’s mysterious doctor.

Why were they so impossible to find?

Meanwhile, at the courthouse, the judge’s gavel struck with finality.

"James Worthington, you are hereby sentenced to death."

Evelyn Thorne rose from her seat.

Across the room, Margaret Thorne glared at her through her veil, venom in her eyes.

Evelyn met her gaze, fingers curling into fists.

"Don’t," Michael Sterling warned, gripping her arm. "This is a courthouse, Evelyn."

She exhaled sharply. "Fine."

Turning on her heel, she strode out without looking back.