Chapter 356

"Mr. Blackwood, I distinctly recall your security detail escorting Miss Thorne to the women's clinic," the family physician remarked.

"Indeed. My head of security personally confirmed she entered the surgical suite." Dominic had verified this detail earlier. "The attending physician even provided postoperative care instructions."

"Then the pregnancy was undoubtedly terminated," the doctor concluded. "Perhaps the adopted child resembles you because she's memorializing the one she lost."

"Is that why Evelyn despises me so intensely?" Dominic wondered silently.

Meanwhile, in the master suite of Mooncrest Manor, Michael and the twins watched over Evelyn's sleeping form with concern.

Michael had attempted calling her at 1 AM with no response. Her unexpected return home left him puzzled about her whereabouts earlier.

"Are there bugs in our house?" Lily inquired innocently.

Michael scanned the room. "Not that I've seen. Did something bite you?"

"Something bit Mommy!" Lily's wide eyes focused on Evelyn's neck. "Look! The bug left a huge mark!"

Michael followed Lily's pointing finger.

"That's... Based on my extensive life experience, I can confidently say no insect caused that. Those are clearly passion marks," Henry deduced silently.

"Let's let her rest." Michael scooped up both children. "Breakfast first, then I'll take you somewhere fun."

"I want to stay until Mommy wakes up," Lily pouted. "It's been forever since we played together!"

Henry nodded emphatically.

"Fine, stay home after we eat." Michael yawned. "I've got overtime at the office today... but I'll leave after your mother's awake."

"Why didn't Mommy come home last night?" Henry asked pointedly.

"Blame Dominic!" Michael's gaze darkened at the visible evidence of Evelyn's night. "Zoe lost her baby. Do you understand what that means?"

Henry nodded while Lily shook her head.

"Zoe was carrying Dominic's child, right? That baby died last night. She's claiming your mother pushed her, causing the miscarriage," Michael explained.

Henry's eyes turned glacial. "That wretched Zoe! Framing my mother? She'll regret this."

Lily crushed her pancake angrily. "Mommy would never do that!"

"Obviously not! But Zoe's insisting she did, so that bastard Dominic went after your mom last night." Michael took an aggressive bite of toast. "I'm getting her a bodyguard."

"Give her ours," Henry suggested.

"I'll hire someone new." Michael waved his fork. "Don't worry about adult problems. I'll handle it!"

"Do it now, Uncle Michael!" Lily insisted. "I won't let that mean man hurt Mommy again!"

"Immediately!" Henry seconded.

"Alright, alright!" Michael gulped his orange juice and stood. "Going now! Stay put and don't wander off!"

After Michael departed, Lily settled by Evelyn's bedside with her dolls, determined to be the first face her mother saw upon waking.

Henry retreated to their playroom and powered up his laptop.

Zoe Montgomery would learn the consequences of crossing his family.

Exactly sixty-three minutes later, a black Bentley pulled into the driveway, its chime echoing through the mansion. Both children sprinted toward the entrance.