Chapter 197

Evelyn stared in disbelief at her own terrible acting.

In her mind, she had envisioned a scene straight out of a dramatic romance—where the heroine confronts her rival with sharp words and fiery defiance.

But reality was far less graceful.

The staff rushed over immediately, helping Zoe Montgomery to her feet as they tended to her burned hands.

Evelyn remained seated, a cold unease settling in her chest.

Now that Zoe was injured, she held the advantage. She could claim it was an accident. Or worse—she could insist Evelyn had done it deliberately. And given Zoe’s position, her words would carry weight.

Evelyn signaled for the bill.

It didn’t take long for news of the incident to reach Dominic Blackwood.

Of all the parts of Zoe’s body, her hands were the most precious to him.

Because those hands were meant to perform surgery on Sophia.

And now, Evelyn had burned them.

“Evelyn wouldn’t do this,” Dominic said firmly.

His bodyguard handed over the surveillance footage.

The camera angle captured Evelyn perfectly—showing how, when she pushed Zoe’s hands away, the teapot tipped over.

Dominic’s jaw tightened as he watched. “She didn’t mean to.”

He knew Evelyn. She wasn’t capable of something like this.

The footage had no sound.

If Zoe hadn’t thrust her hands in front of Evelyn, Evelyn wouldn’t have pushed them aside.

The bodyguard hadn’t expected Dominic to defend her.

“Sir, we have the audio recording,” the bodyguard said, pressing play.

"Look at how perfect you two are together! He’s striking, you’re stunning—it’s like fate! When’s the wedding? I’ll send an extravagant gift!"

"Why not? Don’t you want to? Or does he not? If he refuses, I could always talk to him for you..."

Dominic’s expression darkened with every word.

His fingers clenched into fists.

Evelyn’s words were like knives.

She wanted him to marry Zoe?

How absurd.

At Thornfield Industries, Evelyn waited for Dominic’s call.

Zoe had gone to such lengths to stage this incident. Now was her chance to twist the story in her favor.

Then—her phone rang.

Dominic’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered.

His voice was low, controlled.

“Evelyn. Zoe’s hands were burned. Did you do it on purpose?”