Chapter 469

Dominic had spent the entire night tossing and turning, finally drifting into a restless sleep just before dawn.

The shrill ring of his phone jolted him awake.

"Sir, Michael mentioned wanting to hire a nanny for Evelyn. He accepted my offer to assist in the search."

Nathan had received new instructions from Dominic late last night - to monitor Evelyn's activities through Michael.

The assistant found his boss's concern rather touching.

Clearly Dominic was stepping into his paternal role, so Nathan agreed without question.

"I see. I'll make arrangements," Dominic replied, his voice rough with sleep.

"There's more. Evelyn's gone viral today. Some entertainment outlet published paparazzi photos of Lily and Henry. The article claims she's a single mother with a scandalous private life..." Nathan continued his report.

Dominic's brow furrowed. "Investigate immediately. I want to know who's behind this."

"Already on it, sir. Michael said Evelyn woke at six this morning and has been distressed by the news. Given her pregnancy, her emotions are particularly fragile right now. Perhaps you could... cheer her up?"

"How exactly?"

"She's struggling with appetite. Maybe a thoughtful gift?"

Dominic massaged his temples. "Do you honestly think she'd accept anything from me?"

"Even if she refuses, she'll recognize the gesture for what it is."

The logic wasn't entirely flawed.

He'd insisted she keep the baby yet couldn't shoulder the physical burden for her.

A gift seemed the least he could offer.

Meanwhile at Mooncrest Manor, Michael broached the nanny subject with Evelyn.

"Isn't our current arrangement working fine?" Evelyn frowned. "I'm not bedridden with morning sickness. Besides, the children return to school soon."

"Don't you want to spend some of those earnings?" Michael teased. "What's the harm in hiring help?"

"It's not about money... Having a stranger in our home feels intrusive."

"We don't need live-in help. Just someone for daytime cleaning and meals."

"Fine. Bring candidates by when you've found suitable ones," Evelyn conceded, then shifted topics. "Do you have plans today?"

"None! Why?"

"Lily and Henry have extracurriculars... If you're free, take them to the science museum's aerospace exhibit. Snap some photos while you're there."

"Consider it done. We'll go during your afternoon rest," Michael promised.

By eleven that morning, Evelyn sat curled on the sofa with a novel.

Michael entertained the children with a new puzzle.

The doorbell's chime startled them all.

Through the window, Evelyn spotted the sleek black sedan parked at the gates, Dominic and Sophia standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

Michael eyed them suspiciously but opened the gates regardless.

Once inside, the visitors made straight for the living room.

Sophia clutched an oversized gift bag.

"Lily! Henry! I brought presents!" she announced, distributing brightly wrapped boxes to the eager children.

Finally, she produced an exquisite velvet case, presenting it to Evelyn. "This one's for you! Open it!"

Evelyn hesitated before lifting the lid.

The dazzling diamond necklace inside stole her breath.

Why would Sophia bring such an extravagant gift?

"Oooh! I love that necklace! Trade with me, Mommy?" Lily begged.

Sophia quickly interjected, "No! Big Brother Dominic chose that specially for Evelyn! He made me promise to deliver it!"

Both Dominic and Evelyn found themselves momentarily speechless.