Chapter 192

Evelyn's brows knitted together as she heard his words.

"That dude? He has a name, Dominic." Her voice carried sharp disapproval. "Could you at least pretend to be civil?"

Dominic's lips curled into a sneer. "Civil? You're lecturing me about civility? You were seeing that man before our divorce was finalized. Where was your respect then?"

"Let's get one thing straight," Evelyn countered, crossing her arms. "I filed for divorce four years ago. You're the one who refused to sign!"

"Until those papers were signed, we were still married!" Dominic's voice rose dangerously. "How dare you betray me like that?"

For a moment, Evelyn almost believed his ridiculous accusation. Almost.

"When did I ever admit to being with him before the divorce?" She threw her hands up in frustration. "These are all your paranoid delusions! If you want to imagine yourself as some wronged husband, don't drag me into your fantasies!"

Dominic inhaled deeply, visibly struggling to regain control. "Fine. What's his name then?"

Evelyn's guard went up immediately. "Why do you care?"

"You're the one demanding I show respect," he pointed out mockingly. "How can I address him properly if I don't know his name?"

"Please," Evelyn scoffed. "Even if I told you, you'd never show him an ounce of respect." She had no intention of giving Dominic ammunition to investigate Vincent. "You've moved on with Zoe. I've moved on too. Let's just leave each other alone."

Just then, Dominic's phone buzzed loudly.

He pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen.

Zoe Montgomery's name flashed across the display.

Today was her birthday. She'd invited him to dinner yesterday - her first celebration since returning to Ravenshore. He'd agreed then.

Now she was calling to ask when he'd arrive at the restaurant.

Dominic hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen.

Evelyn caught sight of the caller ID and turned to leave.

His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around her wrist. "We're not done here."

Even divorced, he couldn't stand by while she threw herself at some shady character who looked straight out of a crime syndicate.

Accepting the call, he spoke curtly, "Doctor Montgomery, something's come up..."

"It's alright," Zoe's cheerful voice replied. "I can wait. It's still early."

"I won't be making it tonight." His tone left no room for argument.

The silence stretched before Zoe asked quietly, "Dominic... may I ask why?"

His eyes locked onto Evelyn as he answered, "Sophia isn't feeling well. I need to stay with her."

"I could join you both?" Zoe offered hesitantly.

"That won't be necessary." His reply was final. "She needs privacy."

Ending the call, he tossed the phone onto the nearby table with unnecessary force.

Evelyn couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped.

How telling. His new girlfriend clearly wasn't that important to him. Just another pawn in his endless game to protect Sophia.

Pathetic. And tragic.

"Karma has a way of catching up, Dominic," she warned softly.

"She knew what she was signing up for," he dismissed easily, steering the conversation back. "Now explain to me why you'd lower your standards for some thug. Was this just to get under my skin?"

Evelyn could only stare in disbelief.

Outside the study...

Sophia nearly knocked before stopping herself.

"I didn't hear anything... nothing at all," she murmured, worrying her lower lip.

Henry remained silent beside her.

Either the room was soundproofed or there truly hadn't been any argument.

Retreating to the living room, Sophia suddenly grabbed Henry's sleeve.

"I'm sorry!" The words burst from her, her grip tightening on her skirt. Gathering courage, she met his eyes. "Henry... I'm truly sorry."