Chapter 435

Dominic Blackwood couldn't believe it. As the CEO of Blackwood Group, his heart had been shattered by Evelyn.

He had swallowed his pride and texted her first, yet she hadn't replied immediately!

His mood was absolutely foul! Staring at her message with bloodshot eyes, his fingers flew across the screen. (Are you happy now?)

Evelyn sighed. What a childish text.

But considering he hadn't slept all night, his tantrum was understandable.

Taking a deep breath, she typed patiently. [It's almost 6. Get some rest! I'm going back to sleep too.]

With that sent, Evelyn put her phone down.

Dominic didn't respond. He'd lost this round. In relationships, the one who reached out first was always the loser.

At 7:30 AM, the gates of Dominic's estate slowly opened. Mrs. Whitaker adjusted her purse, preparing to leave.

Sophia noticed and immediately ran after her. Hearing footsteps, Mrs. Whitaker turned. Seeing Sophia, she paused.

"Sophia, I have morning errands. Wait here for your tutor, darling."

Sophia shook her head vigorously. She'd grown accustomed to Mrs. Whitaker's constant presence.

"Where? Take me."

Mrs. Whitaker frowned. "The bus terminal. It's crowded and noisy. You wouldn't like it."

Sophia usually avoided crowds, terrified of strangers. But today was different.

Unable to dissuade her, Mrs. Whitaker relented. If Sophia panicked, the bodyguard could bring her home.

By 8:30 AM, they arrived at the bustling terminal.

Mrs. Whitaker gripped Sophia's hand tightly, monitoring her reactions. Though Sophia frowned, she showed no fear.

Soon, their contact emerged from the crowd.

"Sophia? What are you doing here?" It was Mrs. Pembroke, Eleanor Blackwood's former maid, here to say goodbye.

Sophia studied her curiously.

"You're so brave now, coming to such crowded places," Mrs. Pembroke remarked. "I hope you keep improving."

"She's made remarkable progress," Mrs. Whitaker said. "You're returning home permanently?"

Mrs. Pembroke nodded. "The settlement was generous. My future's secure."

Despite the money, sadness lingered in her eyes.

"Sophia, why didn't you attend your mother's funeral? Did Dominic forbid it?" Mrs. Pembroke's eyes reddened. "She was your mother!"

Sophia blinked, confused. "What mother?"

"Your brother's mother was yours too!"

Sophia's brow furrowed. "Dominic never told me to call her that. We weren't close."

"True. But she was your mother. She'd be thrilled seeing your progress."

"But she's dead. She can't see me." Sophia's blunt words brought tears to Mrs. Pembroke's eyes.

"Sophia, your mother was murdered. I don't expect revenge. Just get better. When you recover, you'll naturally avenge her. And avoid the old estate - her killer lives there." Mrs. Pembroke whispered urgently.

Sophia's head throbbed from the information overload.

"I can't tell Dominic. I'd be silenced. Remember this, Sophia. When I'm gone... or when you're well... avenge your mother..."

A sharp pain stabbed Sophia's chest. She grabbed Mrs. Pembroke's arm.

Leaning closer, the maid whispered her final bombshell: "Henry Thorne is Dominic's biological son. Your mother died because she knew this secret."