Chapter 95

Evelyn still felt uneasy about her situation. Dominic had nearly severed their connection over this woman, after all.

Around midnight, Dominic's fever broke, and he finally stirred awake. The room was bathed in a soft amber glow from the bedside lamp. He pushed himself upright, his gaze landing on Bianca slumped over the edge of the mattress, fast asleep.

A deep frown creased Dominic's forehead as he swung his legs over the side and strode out without a backward glance.

Morning light revealed an empty bed and an even emptier feeling when Bianca awoke. She bolted upright, then rushed downstairs in search of Dominic.

Mrs. Wilkins nearly dropped her tea tray. "I've been down here since dawn, Miss Chamberlain. Mr. Blackwood hasn't come through."

Bianca's face paled. "He's not upstairs either! That's why I came down!"

The housekeeper's hands began to tremble. "Good heavens! The master can't have vanished into thin air!"

Within minutes, they were combing through every room on the second floor. When their search proved futile, Bianca's composure shattered.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "This is all my fault... I slept like the dead last night. Didn't even feel him leave..."

Mrs. Wilkins hurried to the security gate. "Let me check the logs. If Mr. Blackwood left, there'd be a record."

The report came back negative - no exits recorded. The entire household staff mobilized, scouring Mooncrest Manor from garden to garage.

Thirty frantic minutes later, the team reconvened in the grand foyer.

"Nothing in the east gardens."

"West wing clear."

"Garage and storage areas empty."

"Every ground floor room checked... except Mrs. Blackwood's suite."

Mrs. Wilkins didn't hesitate. She pushed open Evelyn's bedroom door - and there was Dominic, curled under the duvet, breathing evenly.

Closing the door softly, the housekeeper turned to Bianca. "Miss Chamberlain, perhaps you should return home. If Mr. Blackwood requires anything, he knows how to reach you."

Bianca's cheeks flushed crimson. "Why is he in her bed? After everything that's happened between them? How could he—"

"Had you not been in his room last night," Mrs. Wilkins interrupted gently, "he wouldn't have sought refuge here. The master has never tolerated outsiders in his private space."

"Outsider?" Bianca's voice cracked. "After ten years by his side, that's what I am?"

The housekeeper sighed. "Miss Chamberlain, I understand this pains you. But affection cannot be forced where none exists."

"How dare you!" Bianca's manicured nails dug into her palms.

"Our Mrs. Blackwood never raises her voice to staff," Mrs. Wilkins observed. "Not suggesting you're lesser, but perhaps there are qualities worth emulating."

The implication hung in the air like a guillotine.

Bianca stormed out, the mansion's heavy doors slamming behind her.

At eight sharp, Dominic emerged from Evelyn's room, his fever gone but limbs still heavy. Mrs. Wilkins materialized with steaming broth.

"Sir, Mrs. Blackwood returned last night." The housekeeper studied his reaction carefully.

Dominic cradled the bowl but didn't drink, his raised eyebrow prompting her to continue.

"You were asleep when she came up. Miss Chamberlain was... attending to you." Mrs. Wilkins chose her words carefully. "My apologies for allowing her upstairs. I hadn't anticipated such... familiarity."

"Keep her out." His voice was gravel from illness.

With no one else present, the housekeeper laid bare the truth. "Of course, sir. Last evening, Mrs. Blackwood had words with both Miss Chamberlain and Mrs. Blackwood. She took her luggage and left. I fear she may not return to Mooncrest Manor."