Chapter 398

The rain had drenched them completely by the time they reached Mooncrest Manor.

It was three in the morning.

A few of Dominic's friends were still gathered in the grand hall, drinks in hand, waiting for his return. When they saw him stride in with Evelyn cradled in his arms, they all rose from their seats.

The air thickened with tension.

No one dared to speak.

Dominic wore only a thin black t-shirt, now soaked through, clinging to his sculpted frame. Water dripped from his dark hair, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw.

His amber eyes burned with a hollow, devastating darkness.

Evelyn was wrapped tightly in his jacket, her face deathly pale. Her closed lashes looked as if they would never flutter open again.

The sight was heartbreaking.

Without a word, Dominic carried her upstairs, disappearing from view.

The autopsy report for Eleanor Blackwood arrived the next morning. Gregory sent it to Dominic immediately.

The findings were clear: no poison, no foul play. She had died from the fall.

Gregory suggested holding the funeral the following day. Once Dominic agreed, Gregory notified close family and friends.

At Mooncrest Manor, Nathan came to visit Sophia.

She had improved significantly after her second surgery. Though she still required care, she was far more independent than before.

"Mr. Blackwood's mother's funeral is tomorrow," Nathan told Michael quietly. "He'll be attending. Maybe he'll bring Evelyn back with him."

Michael nodded. "Can you take me there?"

Nathan stared at him, incredulous. "Only senior executives received invitations. I'm just an assistant—I can't bring guests. Besides, why do you want to go? If you cause trouble, do you think the guards won't shoot you on sight?"

Michael wasn’t suicidal, but he hadn’t been able to reach Evelyn for two days. The children were growing restless, their moods darkening with each passing hour.

If Evelyn didn’t return soon, he didn’t know how he’d explain it to them.

Henry overheard their conversation. His small face hardened with determination. He had to find his mother. He would bring her back.

Eleanor Blackwood’s funeral was a somber, heavily guarded affair.

At eight sharp, Dominic’s car arrived at the venue. He stepped out, dressed head to toe in black, his expression unreadable.

Nathan discreetly texted Michael: [He came alone. Evelyn isn’t with him.]

Michael’s reply was immediate: [Damn it.]

[Don’t worry. I’ll ask him about her after the service.]

[I’m outside.]

[You’re here?!]

[Yeah. I brought Henry and Sophia with me.]

Nathan’s stomach dropped. [Why would you bring them? Don’t do anything stupid. You know he hates threats. And there are armed guards everywhere—some you can’t even see. If you cause a scene, you’ll get yourself killed.]

Michael replied: [Touched that you care so much.]

Nathan rolled his eyes. […]

[Henry insisted. I couldn’t stop him. Stay out of it.]

Nathan’s head throbbed. Was Henry planning to disrupt the funeral? He debated warning Dominic—but it might already be too late.