Chapter 130

The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air as Clara arranged the dishes on the table. "Evelyn, come with me for a moment," she called out softly.

Evelyn followed her mother toward the restroom, her steps measured.

"Did something happen between you and Dominic?" Clara asked, her voice laced with concern.

Evelyn exhaled, her expression unreadable. "Is it that obvious?"

Perhaps years of disappointment had dulled the sting, leaving her numb.

"It is. You two look like a couple on the brink of separation," Clara murmured. "The way you glare at each other—it's exactly how your father and I looked before signing the divorce papers."

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn’s lips.

"We didn’t discuss divorce. It’s just… about children. We can’t seem to agree."

Clara’s brows furrowed. "He still refuses? Did he give a reason?"

Evelyn shook her head. "He’s battling depression. Every time I think about it, I remind myself not to push."

"That poor man," Clara sighed. "What’s the point of all that wealth if he’s suffering? In some ways, we’re richer—health is priceless."

Evelyn smirked. "You have no idea just how wealthy he is." She squeezed her mother’s hand. "Thanks for cooking, Mom."

Clara waved her off. "I’d cook for you every day if I could, though I’m sure the chefs at Mooncrest Manor put my meals to shame."

"Nothing compares to your cooking," Evelyn said warmly. "Let’s eat before it gets cold."

"I already ate before coming. Besides, the tension between you two killed my appetite," Clara teased. "I’ll head home now. Try not to provoke him—we can’t afford to make an enemy of the Blackwoods."

Evelyn grinned. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle him."

After seeing Clara off, Evelyn returned to the table.

A plate of meticulously peeled shrimp awaited her.

Dominic had prepared them.

"You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?" Evelyn remarked, popping one into her mouth.

"I’m usually the one being pursued," Dominic replied matter-of-factly.

Evelyn nearly choked.

"Consider me honored to eat shrimp peeled by your hands."

"It’d be nice if you were always this agreeable, Evelyn."

She inhaled deeply, pushing down her frustration.

"I’ll try not to pick fights," she said softly. Then, after a pause, "I’m performing at the university’s Christmas concert next week. Will you be busy with work?"

"I am, but I won’t attend."

"Right. You should rest your legs."

Evelyn picked up a shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and held it out to him.

Dominic hesitated before accepting it, his lips brushing her fingers.

A strange warmth bloomed in his chest as he chewed.

The earlier tension dissolved into quiet harmony.

"Are you performing?" he asked.

"Of course. It’s my last Christmas concert before graduation."

Dominic’s gaze flickered. "I’d like to go."

Evelyn blinked. "How? Family isn’t even allowed."

"I have my ways."

She studied his impassive face and felt an unexpected relief.

"Right. With your influence, a donation would get you in. They’d probably let you tour the girls’ dormitory too."

Dominic’s eyes narrowed.

She had just promised not to provoke him.

Christmas arrived swiftly.

Evelyn left for campus at dawn, and Dominic rose only after she was gone.