Chapter 12

The clock struck nine in the evening.

Crisp autumn leaves danced across the pavement in the chilly breeze.

Evelyn stepped out of the taxi, shivering as the cold night air hit her bare shoulders.

She tightened her grip on her clutch and hurried toward the imposing gates of the Blackwood estate.

The strapless crimson gown she wore shimmered under the moonlight, its daring cut accentuating her curves in a way that was both elegant and provocative.

That morning, she'd left wearing simple jeans and a sweater.

The stark contrast between her daytime and evening attire would undoubtedly fuel Dominic's suspicions.

Dominic sat motionless in the dimly lit parlor when Evelyn entered, his piercing gaze tracking her every move.

His tailored charcoal shirt made his chiseled features appear even more severe, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn hesitated by the foyer, unsure whether to acknowledge his presence after their tense morning encounter.

That tissue packet he'd given her earlier flashed through her mind.

Steeling herself, she approached the living area where Dominic waited like a predator in the shadows.

The house felt eerily quiet without Mrs. Wilkins' usual warm greeting.

"Come here." His command sliced through the silence like a blade.

Evelyn froze mid-step. "What do you want?"

"I said come here." The dangerous edge in his voice sent chills down her spine.

Her pulse quickened as she reluctantly obeyed, drawn toward him despite every instinct screaming to run.

Even confined to his wheelchair, Dominic radiated terrifying authority.

Standing before him, she inhaled sharply. "Is this about finalizing our divorce?"

His jaw tightened at her words.

Then his nostrils flared as he caught the faint scent of alcohol clinging to her hair.

"You've been drinking." His accusation hung heavy between them.

Before she could react, his large hand clamped around her wrist with bruising force.

"Who were you drinking with? Did you enjoy yourself?" His grip tightened with each word.

"Let go! You're hurting me!" Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled against his iron hold.

"Answer me!" he demanded, his fury growing as her pain became evident.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Her voice broke as hot tears spilled over.

Dominic's gaze darkened. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his lap, his nose brushing against her neck.

Her skin carried only the faintest trace of her floral perfume - no alcohol.

Evelyn held perfectly still, hyperaware of Dominic's warm breath against her collarbone.

Her heart pounded so violently she feared he might hear it.

When he finally lifted his head, confusion flickered in his obsidian eyes.

"Your dress reeks of another man's liquor." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Shall I remove it for you?"

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.

Before she could react, Dominic tore the delicate fabric down the middle with one brutal motion.

She gasped as cold air hit her exposed skin. "Dominic Blackwood, you're insane!"

"Remember your place, Mrs. Blackwood." His icy stare raked over her trembling form.

Clutching the ruined designer gown to her chest, Evelyn fought back tears.

Vincent had arranged this disastrous meeting.

Vincent had insisted on this dress.

The bankers had pushed drinks on her all evening, refusing to take no for an answer.

But she'd left immediately - she was pregnant, after all.

"I don't care about being Mrs. Blackwood! Stop imposing your ridiculous expectations on me!"

She shoved her tangled hair back and stood on shaking legs. "I hate you!"

The words tore from her throat before she could stop them.

Slamming her bedroom door behind her, Evelyn collapsed against it, her entire body trembling.

Meanwhile, Dominic stared at his phone screen, reading Nathan's message:

[Sir, Miss Thorne left the restaurant before dinner began. She had an argument with those bankers.]

A muscle ticked in Dominic's jaw.

Even if she hadn't drunk with them, she never should have gone.

Never should have dressed like that.

Never should have...

A soft knock interrupted Evelyn's shower.

Mrs. Wilkins entered with a tray. "Master Dominic insisted you eat something."

Evelyn eyed the steaming soup warily. "What's his game now?"

"The master's been... unsettled since you retired." Mrs. Wilkins glanced at the ruined dress. "Shall I have this repaired?"

"It was borrowed." Evelyn swallowed hard. "Give him the receipt. I can't afford to replace it."

Mrs. Wilkins nodded. "Rest now. We leave for the Blackwood manor tomorrow - Madam Eleanor is being discharged."