Chapter 375
The text was blunt. It demanded her presence.
Evelyn frowned and typed back, [Not tonight.]
Dominic responded instantly, his fury practically radiating through the screen as she read his reply.
[This isn’t a request. It’s an order.]
Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at the words, then fired back.
[Have you forgotten women have cycles? Or do you intend to ignore that little detail?]
[Still interested?]
His next message came swiftly. [Are you testing me?]
Evelyn didn’t dare answer. She wasn’t foolish enough to provoke him further. The thought of him insisting despite everything sent a chill down her spine.
Upstairs in the restaurant, Dominic set his phone down when she didn’t respond.
The table had fallen silent while he was texting. Only when his phone hit the tablecloth did conversation cautiously resume.
"Mr. Blackwood, that woman downstairs—she’s the CEO of Thornfield Industries, isn’t she?"
"That’s her. A quick search pulls up her photos." The man beside him flashed his phone screen, displaying Evelyn’s professional headshot. "You all remember Margaret Thorne, right? She used to be Evelyn’s stepmother. After Richard Thorne’s death, they clashed over the inheritance. Now Margaret’s back in the country, investing in drones. Looks like she’s gunning for Evelyn’s downfall."
"Who do you think will come out on top?"
"Hard to say. Both deal in drones, but their markets are different. Evelyn caters to high-end clients, while Margaret’s targeting the budget crowd. If Margaret wins, she’ll rake in more profit."
"I’m betting on Margaret. She’s got a solid track record overseas. Clearly knows what she’s doing. Mr. Blackwood, what’s your take?"
All eyes turned to Dominic.
He tapped his phone screen, but Evelyn still hadn’t replied.
"Are you all planning to invest with Margaret Thorne?" Dominic’s gaze sharpened, his voice dangerously smooth. "I have no stake in either of them. Their business doesn’t concern me."
"Ah… I haven’t committed yet, but I’m considering it. Just wanted your opinion, Mr. Blackwood."
The casual mask slipped from Dominic’s face. "A truly competent businesswoman wouldn’t need to beg for investments from acquaintances. Decide for yourself what to do with your money."
He ended dinner early.
When he reached the first floor, his eyes flicked to Evelyn’s table—empty.
Had she really rushed off just to avoid him?
Time passed quickly, and soon it was Monday—the day of Mooncrest Academy’s health check-up.
A sleek black car waited under the shade of a tree in the parking lot. Inside, Eleanor Blackwood fidgeted nervously.
The blood test was a ruse. The real goal was securing a sample from Henry.
Eleanor worried he wouldn’t cooperate. If he refused, they couldn’t force him. And then everything would become far more complicated.
Nearly an hour later, a nurse hurried toward the car.
Eleanor’s lips curved into a smile.
Had it worked?