Chapter 143

Evelyn had no desire to see Dominic.

The Rolls-Royce she spotted at the school that morning wasn’t the same one from four years ago.

No man would drive the same car for that long.

But the driver was unmistakably the same.

What was Dominic doing at a special needs school?

Could he be an investor at Willowbrook Academy?

Even if he was, it was unlikely he’d personally oversee its operations.

The Blackwood Group alone consumed most of his time.

At lunch, Nathan noticed Dominic’s grim expression and attempted to lighten the mood.

"Sir, Professor Whitmore might have a lengthy roster of students, but we’ll track down the one we’re searching for soon enough."

"Evelyn is back," Dominic stated flatly.

His voice was hollow, stripped of emotion, yet beneath the surface, something darker simmered.

Nathan froze, then quickly recovered. "Did she reach out to you?"

"No. But she will," Dominic replied, finally picking up his fork. "She wants a divorce. I told her lawyer she’ll only get it if she faces me in person."

"What if she refuses? It’s not like the divorce affects either of you at this point."

Dominic shot him a glare sharp enough to silence him instantly.

Lucas ordered a bottle of wine, then turned to Dominic. "How do you feel about her now? If I were you, I’d despise her. But you don’t, do you? In fact, it seems like you want to see her…"

When the wine arrived, Dominic poured himself a glass.

He took a slow sip before answering. "Hate is too strong a word. But love? That’s long gone."

If Dominic still loved Evelyn, he would’ve signed the divorce papers years ago and set her free.

Four years ago, he had given her everything—his wealth, his heart, his soul. Unconditionally.

And in return, she had discarded him like he meant nothing.

It was the first time Dominic had ever felt his heart shatter.

Everyone deserved privacy, but Evelyn had dragged his deepest wounds into the light.

If he’d had the strength to open up, maybe he wouldn’t have drowned in depression.

She had whispered love into his ear, made him feel invincible, then ripped it all away.

Dominic vowed never to love another woman again. Especially not Evelyn Thorne.

"Good. I thought Evelyn was different," Lucas muttered, raising his glass. "But she hurt you worse than anyone. Nathan and I will always have your back."

As their glasses clinked, Nathan suddenly remembered something.

"Sir, your property manager mentioned someone’s interested in buying Thornfield Tower."

Dominic’s grip tightened around his glass, his knuckles turning white.

"Who?"

"I looked into it. The buyer is Thornfield Industries’ former HR manager."

Dominic scoffed. "Does he even have the funds?"

Nathan hesitated. "I haven’t verified his finances yet. I wanted to confirm if you’re willing to sell first. If you are, I can arrange a meeting. What’s your asking price?"

A flicker of suspicion crossed Dominic’s eyes.

Lucas caught it instantly. "You don’t think the real buyer is—"

"Did they reveal their identity?" Dominic cut in sharply.

Nathan shook his head. "No. The property manager only knows the intermediary."

"Have him demand proof of assets," Dominic ordered. "If the HR manager isn’t the real buyer, force the actual one to meet in person."