Chapter 37

Evelyn had no choice but to make Julian the fall guy this time.

With Vincent discovering the missing documents, she needed to redirect his suspicions before the situation escalated beyond her control.

Her phone buzzed abruptly in the silent night.

The thug rummaged through her purse and produced the ringing device.

"Blackwood Manor" flashed across the illuminated screen.

"Well, well. Since you're cozy with the Blackwoods, I won't detain you further." The man practically shoved the phone at her. "Get out of here!"

Crossing the Blackwood family wasn't worth his paycheck. He'd already completed his assignment anyway.

The moment she was released, Evelyn immediately returned Mrs. Wilkins' call.

"Madam! Where are you? It's past midnight!" The housekeeper's voice crackled with concern through the receiver.

Evelyn scanned her surroundings with growing dread.

She stood on a desolate forest road, the skeletal trees casting eerie shadows under the pale moonlight. The path resembled a monstrous throat waiting to swallow her whole.

"Is Dominic's driver available?" Her teeth chattered against the autumn chill. She still wore only her evening gown. "I can't find transportation here."

"Master Dominic just returned with him. I'll send him immediately - share your location."

Within minutes, Evelyn transmitted her coordinates to the Blackwood household.

This abandoned stretch of road saw little traffic even in daylight - at night, it was practically suicidal to be stranded here.

"Dispatch a team to investigate this location immediately," Dominic ordered his head of security through gritted teeth.

Nearly three hours later, the Blackwood limousine finally pulled into the estate's courtyard.

Mrs. Wilkins frowned when the driver exited alone. "Where is Madam Evelyn?"

"Asleep in the backseat," the driver explained, shifting uncomfortably. "I didn't think it proper to carry her, nor could I bear to wake her."

The housekeeper opened the rear door to find Evelyn curled up like an exhausted child.

"Madam, you're home!" Mrs. Wilkins gently shook her shoulder. "Master Dominic has been waiting up all night - he was beside himself with worry."

Dominic had remained planted in the grand parlor for hours, his stony expression belying his concern.

Though he'd never admit it, Mrs. Wilkins recognized the telltale signs - the man was clearly developing feelings for his wife.

His insistence on the abortion stemmed from wanting to preserve their future together, not destroy it.

"He waited for me?" Evelyn's exhaustion vanished instantly. "Is he going to interrogate me?"

"Nothing so dramatic. He simply feared for your safety," the housekeeper assured her.

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed as she stepped into her slippers. Then she froze.

From her peripheral vision, she caught Dominic striding toward the elevator - without his wheelchair.

Her breath hitched. "His legs...?"

"He's regained mobility, though not for extended periods," Mrs. Wilkins confirmed proudly. "The wheelchair is still needed occasionally, but full recovery is imminent."

"You're pleased about his progress, aren't you?" The housekeeper's knowing smile made Evelyn's cheeks flush.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on Dominic's retreating form. His steps had slowed almost imperceptibly.

"Of course," she replied airily. "The sooner he recovers, the sooner he can return to work and stop hovering around the house!"

Dominic's shoulders tensed visibly. He spun around, his stormy expression promising retribution.