Chapter 362

The amber glow of the streetlights cast long shadows as Dominic stood beneath them. His light camel trench coat fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, a stark contrast to his usual monochromatic wardrobe.

The moment he appeared, the cheerful atmosphere in the yard turned icy. Sophie's jaw tightened visibly, her fingers curling into fists so tight her manicured nails dug into her palms. She looked ready to throw a punch at Dominic's perfectly chiseled face.

Clearly, Adrian had brought the unwelcome guest.

Evelyn averted her gaze the second she spotted Dominic. Though last night's events still burned fresh in her memory, she knew he wouldn't dare cause a scene with so many witnesses present.

Dominic had always believed himself the wronged party, but now the tables had turned. That audacity alone explained his uninvited appearance.

As the two men crossed the yard, Sophie reached out to pinch Adrian's arm hard.

Adrian shrugged helplessly, his expression screaming 'Don't blame me! He invited himself!'

Sophie shoved him toward Evelyn, silently demanding he explain himself.

With an awkward chuckle, Adrian approached Evelyn and pointed at her hands. "Those are...um...amazing nails! Did you and Sophie get matching sets?"

The soft yellow lighting made her manicure shimmer like a cat's eyes in the dark.

After breaking the tension, Adrian leaned in to whisper, "I swear I didn't bring him. I just mentioned coming over, and he insisted on joining—"

"I don't blame you," Evelyn cut him off.

Relief washed over Adrian's face. "I brought some premium whiskey...left it in the trunk. Let me go grab it."

He quickly dragged Sophie away toward the car.

Michael scowled at how Nathan fawned over Dominic. Unable to contain himself, he snapped, "Some people have no shame. Who even invited you?"

Dominic lifted his gaze calmly. "Last I checked, you're the one living off someone else's hospitality. Shouldn't the host decide who stays?"

Michael's blood boiled. Living off hospitality? How dare this bastard imply he was freeloading! This might not be his house, but Dominic knew nothing about his decade-long friendship with Evelyn!

Nathan placed a chair beside Michael and muttered, "Drop it. If Evelyn hasn't said anything, you shouldn't either."

"Evelyn! Kick this shameless bastard out!" Michael demanded loudly.

Every head turned toward Evelyn under the sudden spotlight.

Her voice came out clipped. "You're not welcome here."

She couldn't bear to look at him, and neither could her children. Since Dominic's arrival, the twins had stopped eating, their small hands clenched into fists on the table.

After Evelyn's declaration, all eyes shifted to Dominic, waiting for his reaction.

Any man with pride would have left immediately. But Dominic remained seated, unmoving.

"I don't need your welcome." His voice carried an unsettling calm. "Life doesn't always give us what we want. Sometimes we must endure what we hate and face those we despise."

The group fell into stunned silence. Was he seriously lecturing them? Michael's anger spiked so violently he nearly flipped the barbecue grill.