Chapter 50

A shiver ran down Evelyn's spine as beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead.

Her fingers trembled as she slammed the laptop closed with unnecessary force.

This wasn't how she normally handled her research documents.

In her panicked state earlier, she'd created a new file and typed out a plan.

A detailed plan to secure her divorce from Dominic within ninety days.

Evelyn needed to be free before her pregnancy reached the seven-month mark.

That was the only way she could safely navigate the final trimester and deliver the twins without complications.

If her plan failed, disappearing would become her only option.

The thought made her stomach churn.

Ravenswood was her home. She wanted to raise her children here, surrounded by familiar streets and memories.

Dominic's sharp gaze burned into her as he noticed her defensive reaction.

Did she honestly think he cared about her academic work?

Or was she hiding something far more interesting than a thesis?

Seeing the storm brewing in Dominic's expression, Evelyn quickly stood and maneuvered past him toward the doorway.

"You didn't like the book I gave you?" she asked softly, her voice deliberately light as she slipped into the living room. "It's actually quite valuable - full of cutting-edge health research. The author studied under my advisor's mentor. He's quite renowned in medical circles."

She continued talking as she retrieved the book from the coffee table, buying time to steady her breathing.

Dominic remained silent, momentarily distracted by her unexpected lecture.

"Each chapter stands alone, so you can start anywhere," Evelyn added, forcing a smile. "Perfect for when you have a few spare minutes."

Mrs. Wilkins perked up from her corner. "It sounds fascinating! Maybe I should get a copy too."

"I'd be happy to pick one up for you tomorrow," Evelyn offered.

"Oh no, dear, I couldn't ask you to-"

"It's no trouble at all," Evelyn interrupted. "They were practically giving them away during the bookstore sale. Only one fifty."

The moment the price left her lips, Mrs. Wilkins' smile stiffened.

The housekeeper wasn't offended by the modest cost, but she cringed inwardly for Evelyn.

After angering Mr. Blackwood, this was the peace offering she'd chosen? A discounted book she'd casually admitted cost barely more than a coffee?

Evelyn sensed the sudden tension thickening the air.

She inhaled deeply before gesturing to the gift box. "This packaging actually cost more than the book itself!"

Even as she said it, she knew no elegant box could compensate for her thoughtless admission.

"Thank you, Mrs. Thorne," Mrs. Wilkins said hurriedly. "If you'll excuse me, I should check on dinner." The housekeeper practically fled to the kitchen.

Evelyn risked a glance at Dominic.

His expression had shifted from thunderous to something more... perplexed.

Either her audacity had stunned him into silence, or he'd decided she wasn't worth the energy.

Who in their right mind would present a Blackwood with a dollar-fifty gift?

The absurdity of it seemed to have short-circuited his anger.

Seeing his calm demeanor, Evelyn felt some of her tension ease.

Concern creeping into her voice, she asked, "Why were you meeting with Professor Whitmore earlier? Is everything alright?"

Before he could respond, she grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl and thrust it toward him.

"Here, eat this. I should get back to work."

As their fingers brushed during the exchange, an electric current seemed to pass between them.

Evelyn jerked her hand back, cheeks flaming.

She turned to leave, but Dominic caught her wrist in a firm grip.

"Not so fast," he murmured, his voice dangerously low. "We haven't discussed what happened earlier."

Whether her gift cost one dollar or a million, Evelyn still owed him an explanation for disrupting his entire afternoon.