Chapter 93

Evelyn was stunned. Clara and Richard had divorced when Evelyn was still a child, and she'd been so preoccupied with her own life that she never paid attention to how her mother managed financially. As a result, Evelyn had no idea about Clara's savings.

"It's alright if you don't want to move abroad... I was thinking, maybe we could purchase a smaller property? We can endure some hardship, but we mustn't let the children feel deprived!" Clara continued.

Evelyn blinked. "Mom, do we actually have that kind of money?"

Clara gave a small smile. "We can manage the down payment."

Evelyn exhaled. "Oh... Then there's no hurry. The babies won't arrive for months yet!"

"Time passes quickly, darling. You should consider this carefully."

Evelyn nodded. "Mom, I'm going out. My friend's father has a birthday next week, and I need to buy a gift."

Clara frowned. "Can't you go in the morning? It's getting dark, and I don't like you going out alone at night."

Evelyn waved her off. "The streets are well-lit. I'll be perfectly safe."

Clara sighed. "Fine. Come back soon."

Evelyn grabbed her purse from the sofa and stepped out. She flagged down a taxi and gave Dominic's address. His gaunt, exhausted face kept flashing through her mind, and she couldn't suppress the urge to see him again. Besides, she'd already prepared an excuse.

When the cab stopped at the Blackwood estate gates, Evelyn noticed several unfamiliar vehicles parked in the driveway. It seemed Dominic had visitors. The guard recognized her immediately and opened the gates without question.

Evelyn walked up the path.

Nathan spotted her first and quickly alerted the others in the main house.

Mrs. Wilkins hurried out to greet her. "Madam! You've returned!"

Evelyn kept her voice neutral. "I just came for my laptop."

A flicker of disappointment crossed the housekeeper's face. "Oh... Perhaps you could check on Master Dominic? He's fallen ill again. The doctor says his immune system was compromised after being caught in that downpour..."

Evelyn remained unmoved. She followed Mrs. Wilkins into the living room where all conversation ceased. Though only days had passed, everything felt foreign now. Perhaps it was the icy stares directed her way - they clearly blamed her for Dominic's condition.

"Your laptop is upstairs in your room, untouched," Mrs. Wilkins prompted.

After a moment's hesitation, Evelyn headed for the staircase.

As her footsteps faded, Nathan murmured, "Should someone go up? Bianca's on the second floor. There might be trouble."

Lucas crossed his arms. "Let them sort it out themselves."

Evelyn reached the second floor and paused outside Dominic's open bedroom door.

Dominic lay motionless on the bed, eyes closed in restless sleep, while Bianca gently wiped his forehead with a damp cloth.