Chapter 394

Dominic could have forced her mouth open and shoved food down her throat spoon by spoon. But he refused to stoop so low.

If she wanted to starve herself to death, so be it!

With a furious glare, he turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him.

The moment he left, Evelyn exhaled shakily. Suddenly, a car horn blared outside the window.

She strained her ears. Multiple vehicles were pulling up the gravel driveway of the remote manor.

Within minutes, raucous laughter and clinking glasses echoed from downstairs. Who would visit this isolated retreat so late at night?

Dominic had mentioned this was one of his private vacation homes. Had he invited guests here?

His mother's funeral was barely over, yet instead of mourning, he was hosting some kind of gathering in the middle of nowhere?!

As she swung her legs off the bed to investigate, the door burst open.

The physician entered carrying his medical kit. "Miss Thorne, I heard you're refusing meals. Mr. Blackwood ordered me to administer intravenous vitamins," he said with a weary sigh. "You must eat. Self-harm solves nothing. Despite today's events, I can see Mr. Blackwood still cares deeply for you—"

"Care?!" she thought bitterly.

Because he hadn't strangled her with his bare hands, that constituted care?

The doctor hung the IV bag and inserted the needle, watching her like a hawk for any sudden movements.

Evelyn understood his vigilance. "It's fine. You can go. I won't remove it."

"You promise? Last time you ripped it out, Mr. Blackwood held me personally responsible."

"I won't."

The commotion downstairs grew louder—definitely more than just a small gathering.

As host, Dominic would be occupied with his guests. This was her chance.

"Miss Thorne, I'm relieved you're being cooperative. When it's time to remove—" the doctor began.

"I'll do it myself," she interrupted.

"Ah, you do know how—just not gently," he joked before exiting.

The moment the door clicked shut, Evelyn yanked out the IV and rushed to the window.

Dozens of luxury cars lined the driveway, their headlights cutting through the darkness. More vehicles were still arriving.

What was happening tonight? A cold night breeze whipped through her hair as she gripped the windowsill. The day's events replayed in her mind—surreal and grotesque.

She'd never been closer to death.

Previously, she'd clung to life for her children's sake—to watch them grow.

Now even that seemed like an impossible luxury.

Downstairs in the grand hall, glasses clinked amid boisterous conversation.

"Dominic, enough talk! Bottoms up!"

The group drank deeply.

"How long has it been since we all gathered?"

"Four, five years? We're all too busy these days! Should make this an annual tradition!"

Just then, servants wheeled in an elaborate barbecue setup, placing it center stage.

"Barbecue tonight?"

"Whatever Dominic serves, we'll devour!"

The crowd cheered as two bodyguards dramatically unveiled the supper selection.

"No way! Is that what I think it is?"

"Damn! Now this is a surprise!"

Amid the excited chatter about the lavish spread, Evelyn slipped silently down the grand staircase.