Chapter 322

Zoe's act was flawless, but Sophia saw right through it.

Those piercing blue eyes could detect lies with terrifying accuracy.

Sophia recognized the calculated sweetness in Zoe's voice - it was all for Dominic's benefit, never genuine concern.

"Big Brother told me to thank you," Sophia spat, crossing her arms. "But I won't."

Zoe shot a meaningful glance at Mrs. Whitaker. "Would you give us some privacy? I need to speak with Sophia alone."

Mrs. Whitaker hesitated, but with Zoe being the Blackwoods' miracle worker now, she didn't dare refuse.

The moment the door clicked shut, Zoe's mask slipped. "Why this hostility, Sophia? Has someone poisoned you against me? Since returning from abroad, I've dedicated every waking hour to your treatment plans. Not even a simple 'thank you'?"

Sophia met her gaze squarely. "Because it wasn't you who operated on me."

The visions before each surgery were too vivid - Evelyn's steady hands, her calming voice.

If Zoe had truly performed the procedures, why would Evelyn's face haunt those memories?

Sophia's mind worked differently, but her instincts were razor-sharp. She trusted what she'd seen.

"Really?" Zoe's laugh was brittle. "You're still recovering, darling. Your perception isn't reliable."

She leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "Who would believe a patient over their doctor?"

This was Zoe's ace - Sophia's history of cognitive challenges.

Even now, fresh from surgery, her words could be dismissed as confusion.

And the real surgeon's silence? That was Zoe's golden ticket.

If the anonymous doctor wanted credit, they'd have come forward by now. Their silence was permission.

"You're lying!" Sophia's hands fisted in the sheets.

Zoe's smirk made her blood boil. The girl might not be book-smart, but her moral compass never wavered.

"Sweetheart, you don't know real evil," Zoe purred. "I've never harmed you. I only want to stand beside Dominic - with you. Why can't you accept that?"

"GET OUT!"

Mrs. Whitaker came running at Sophia's scream.

Zoe smoothly intercepted her. "A wonderful sign, actually. This emotional response shows remarkable cognitive improvement."

Mrs. Whitaker's worry melted into awe. "Doctor Montgomery, you're a miracle worker!"

"Just doing my job. Now, she needs rest." Zoe produced a prescription pad. "Mild sedatives with meals. Essential for recovery."

Meanwhile at Mooncrest Manor...

Evelyn returned to find her children wearing identical guilty expressions.

"Mommy! Your phone!" Lily thrust the device forward like a peace offering, eyes shining. "Someone called! Guess who?"

"Already blocked him," Henry announced proudly.

Evelyn checked her blocked list - Dominic Blackwood, solitary and glaring. Her finger hovered over the unblock option.

Michael sauntered over, tossing grapes in the air. "What's to think about? The man's got his new shiny doctor. I'd have burned that bridge months ago."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Says the man who sobbed through an entire Adele album post-breakup."

"Low blow!" Michael raised his hands. "Kids! Who wants ice cream? Let's give Mommy some space."

Alone, Evelyn exhaled sharply. Dominic would stay blocked.

After today's display, his relationship with Zoe would accelerate. Engagements rings probably already sized.

She pocketed her phone decisively.

No more reasons to contact Dominic Blackwood. Ever.

As she headed to her bedroom, unbeknownst to her, at the Blackwood estate...