Chapter 333

Sophia was organizing her desk with Mrs. Wilkins' assistance.

Dominic's throat tightened as guilt washed over him in waves.

Every time Sophia had mentioned feeling lightheaded recently, he'd simply advised her to rest more.

He never imagined sleeping pills could be the source of her discomfort.

If Evelyn hadn't insisted on taking her to St. Elizabeth Medical Center for examination, there's no telling how long she might have continued taking those pills.

Dominic felt profoundly grateful to Evelyn, yet struggled to articulate his appreciation.

At dawn the next morning, Mrs. Wilkins appeared at Evelyn's doorstep unexpectedly.

Evelyn blinked in surprise before quickly ushering the housekeeper inside.

"Forgive the unannounced visit, dear," Mrs. Wilkins said, presenting two glass jars. "Master Dominic requested I bring these homemade preserves for you."

"Thank you! But why so early?" Evelyn inquired, pouring her guest a glass of chilled lemon water.

"Truth be told," Mrs. Wilkins confessed, lowering her voice, "Master Dominic sent me to express his gratitude. That hospital visit yesterday... heaven knows what might have happened otherwise."

Evelyn's welcoming smile faltered.

"You can't imagine how terrifying it was," Mrs. Wilkins continued, shuddering slightly. "Zoe swears she told Mrs. Whitaker to administer the pills for only three days, but Mrs. Whitaker insists she received no such instruction. The poor woman wept in my arms last night - after twenty years caring for Sophia, she'd never harm a hair on that girl's head."

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "Twenty years? Has Sophia been with the Blackwoods that long?"

"Indeed! Though Mrs. Whitaker only ever called her 'that poor little lamb' - never shared more details."

Evelyn remembered Dominic's stony silence whenever she'd inquired about Sophia's past.

"Never pegged Zoe for such deceit," Mrs. Wilkins sighed heavily. "And now with their engagement imminent... I fear she's not what she seems."

"If Dominic isn't concerned, neither should you be," Evelyn offered weakly.

"Forgive me, dear. This isn't proper conversation." Mrs. Wilkins rose abruptly. "When those preserves run low, just ring me. I'll send more straightaway."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, escorting her to the door.

She pretended indifference about the engagement news.

Yet she'd spent the night tossing restlessly.

Eventually, she'd grabbed her phone, fingers typing forbidden searches.

Zoe's social media appeared instantly.

Recent posts showcased designer wedding gowns, obscenely large diamond rings... and bump photos.

Each image dripped with saccharine captions about her perfect life.

Beyond Zoe's profile, countless reposted images surfaced.

Candids of Zoe clinging to Dominic's arm during shopping trips.

Friends flaunting engraved engagement invitations.

Evelyn zoomed in.

Dominic Blackwood & Zoe Montgomery.

Both signatures authentic.

A hollow ache spread through Evelyn's chest.

No invitation bore her name.