Chapter 188

Dominic arrived at Willowbrook Academy with urgency in his steps. The moment he saw Sophia's puffy red eyes, his heart clenched. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, his large hand gently patting her trembling back.

"Shh, little one. No more tears," Dominic murmured, his deep voice laced with soothing warmth.

Sophia's head throbbed from crying so hard. But the moment she heard Dominic's voice, the storm inside her began to settle. She leaned heavily against his chest, exhaustion finally overtaking her. Within minutes, she was asleep.

Carefully, Dominic lifted her and carried her to the small bed in the school's infirmary. He tucked her in, brushing a stray curl from her forehead before stepping out. His expression darkened as he strode toward Henry's classroom.

The teachers took one look at Dominic's stormy gaze and quickly excused themselves, leaving only him and the stubborn little boy inside.

Dominic approached Henry's desk, his presence commanding. Henry barely glanced up, methodically packing his books into his backpack as if Dominic didn't exist.

"Henry Thorne," Dominic said, dragging a chair directly in front of the boy, blocking his exit. "I know exactly who your mother is."

Henry's fingers stilled for just a second before resuming. His small face remained impassive, but Dominic didn't miss the tension in his tiny shoulders.

Dominic leaned forward, studying the boy's half-hidden features beneath that ever-present cap. "How long have you known Sophia?"

Silence.

Dominic's patience frayed. "Answer me, and I'll leave you alone. Refuse, and we'll sit here all day."

Henry exhaled sharply, then dropped his head onto the desk, closing his eyes.

Dominic clenched his jaw. He couldn't exactly manhandle a four-year-old—especially not Evelyn's son.

Minutes ticked by in suffocating silence.

Then, without warning, Dominic scooped Henry up.

Henry's eyes flew open, his small body stiffening. "Put me down!" he snapped, his voice sharp with outrage.

Dominic smirked. So the boy could speak.

"Tell me," Dominic demanded, tightening his hold as Henry squirmed. "What happened between you and Sophia?"

Henry glared, his cheeks flushed with anger. Why was this man interrogating him? Why not just ask Sophia?

Typical Dominic—always assuming the worst of others. No wonder Evelyn left him.

Fury burned in Henry's chest. Without thinking, he leaned forward and bit Dominic's neck—hard.

Dominic hissed but didn't let go.

Game on.