Chapter 499

The call ended abruptly, leaving Dominic stunned in the driver's seat. His hands tightened around the steering wheel as realization dawned. With a violent jerk, he slammed the brakes.

"Get out!" His voice cut through the tense silence like a whip.

Sophia flinched beside him. In the backseat, Zoe Montgomery was a weeping mess.

Zoe knew the command was meant for her, but she clung to the hope of reaching the city first.

"Don't test me, Zoe!" Dominic's dark eyes burned with barely restrained fury as they locked onto hers in the rearview mirror.

Her face drained of color.

The car door flew open before she could react.

Before it even closed properly, the luxury vehicle shot forward like a bullet into the night.

Twenty minutes later, Dominic stormed into the private dining room at Villa Serenade.

The manager gestured nervously to the scattered gifts. "They opened everything but left them all behind."

Dominic's throat constricted as he took in the unwrapped presents. His vision blurred momentarily.

"They did enjoy some of the fruits and desserts," the manager added hastily. "And we offered multiple times to serve dinner early—"

Dominic raised a hand sharply, silencing him.

Evelyn wasn't angry about the delay. This was about Zoe's poisonous words.

He guided Sophia to the lavishly set table. "Serve dinner now."

The staff sprang into action, clearing the remnants of snacks and preparing the main courses.

Within minutes, the table groaned under an extravagant spread.

Sophia stared at the feast without appetite. "Call Evelyn, Dominic."

"She won't answer." He knew Evelyn's temperament all too well.

Beneath her gentle exterior lay an iron will. Apologizing would require more than a phone call.

"But she's upset!" Sophia insisted. "Call her. Now."

Relenting, Dominic dialed Evelyn's number.

"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable."

Exactly as predicted. Even if he went to Mooncrest Manor now, she'd never open the door.

Meanwhile, Evelyn and the children returned home after dinner.

The manor stood dark and silent.

Michael Sterling was still out with Nathan Cross on their date.

Evelyn flipped the light switches, flooding the foyer with warm light.

"I hid presents for you in the living room," she announced with forced cheer. "Go find them!"

Lily and Henry squealed with delight, immediately beginning their treasure hunt.

Their joyful shouts filled the house as they discovered their gifts.

Just as wrapping paper began flying, headlights swept across the front yard.

Evelyn peered through the curtains. Michael's car.

He already knew what happened. Dominic had called him.

Though Dominic wasn't entirely at fault, Michael's loyalty remained firmly with Evelyn.

"You're home early," Evelyn remarked as he entered.

"Ah, Nathan had... things." Michael scratched his head awkwardly. "Go rest. I'll handle the kids."

Evelyn noticed his evasive glance but didn't press. She retreated to her bedroom.

The moment the door closed, the dam broke. Hot tears streamed down her face.

Lily's tear-streaked face and Henry's disappointed eyes haunted her.

She could give them endless love, but never replace what they truly lacked - a father's love. And Dominic Blackwood could never provide that.