Chapter 485

Evelyn finished dressing Dominic's wound, then stepped back with an icy demeanor. "Put your shirt on."

Dominic pulled on the t-shirt she'd handed him, his dark eyes lifting to meet hers. "May I ask my question now?"

"What is it?" Her voice was frosty, her expression unreadable. "Henry doesn't like you. Stay away from him. If this happens again, just call me."

Dominic's mind went blank.

He'd truly brought this upon himself.

Gathering his torn dress shirt, he rose to leave.

Evelyn suddenly felt a pang of unease.

Her feet moved of their own accord as she called out, "What did you want to ask me?"

Turning back, Dominic studied her face before speaking. "Do you think Sophia should continue treatment? I'm concerned about the toll it's taking on her health."

"Isn't Zoe Montgomery Sophia's physician?" The moment Evelyn spoke Zoe's name, her composure cracked. "Since you chose her and paid that outrageous fee, you should follow her advice."

Dominic hadn't expected his question to strike such a nerve.

"I won't trouble you with Sophia's condition again, Evelyn," he said flatly, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Yet Evelyn caught the flicker of disappointment in his gaze.

"If you're genuinely seeking answers, show some sincerity," she challenged, holding his stare. "Keep your secrets forever! You refused to tell me when I wanted to know. By the time you're ready to talk, I won't care to listen."

Dominic's fingers tightened around the ruined fabric. Without another word, he left in silence.

Evelyn no longer cared about his connection to Sophia.

He'd been a fool!

His pride had led him to make one mistake after another.

That damned pride had made him hide the truth from her!

Now, his pride meant nothing to her.

As the door closed, Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa.

She pressed cool palms to her flushed cheeks, each breath sharp with pain.

Michael and Henry had witnessed everything from the staircase.

It hadn't been a true argument.

Dominic hadn't fought back.

Not once since learning of her pregnancy had he stepped out of line.

This was Evelyn lashing out.

Yet with every blow she aimed at Dominic, she wounded herself too.

Henry approached, wrapping small arms around his mother.

"I'm alright, sweetheart," Evelyn murmured, returning the embrace. "Next competition, tell me beforehand? I want to be there for you."

Henry nodded solemnly.

As the Rolls-Royce left Mooncrest Manor, Dominic didn't head home.

His thoughts churned violently.

Evelyn and Henry's voices echoed in his skull until they merged into one unbearable cacophony.

Without conscious thought, he found himself at St. Elizabeth Medical Center - the hospital where Evelyn had terminated her pregnancy years before.

Seated across from the hospital director, he lit a cigarette. "Can you retrieve abortion records from five years ago?"

"Certainly," the director assured. "Just provide the patient's name, and I'll have the file brought up immediately."

The cigarette trembled between Dominic's fingers, ash dusting his knuckles.

Smoke wreathed his sharp features as he finally spoke the name: "Evelyn Thorne."