Chapter 202

Two warring voices clashed inside Dominic's mind. One screamed at him to stay away from Evelyn forever. The other whispered relentlessly about finding Lily.

Even if the child wasn't his, he needed to see her. To discover how much of Evelyn lived in those young features.

And that man living with them! The thought sent white-hot fury through his veins.

At Mooncrest Manor

Sophie arrived with the jigsaw puzzle she'd promised Lily.

To her surprise, Adrian answered the door shirtless.

"Must you always be half-naked?" Sophie scolded, crossing her arms. "Clara and Lily are here! Have some decency!"

Adrian rubbed his sleepy eyes. "Where's breakfast? Those pastries you brought last time were decent."

Sophie rolled her eyes.

She placed the puzzle on the entry table and headed toward the master suite.

The bed stood perfectly made. Empty.

"Is Evelyn at work already?" Sophie called out, returning to the living area.

Adrian stretched lazily. "If she's not here, she's working. Basic logic."

"And Clara? Taking Lily to preschool?"

Adrian finally pulled on a wrinkled tee. "If she's gone, she's out. More basic logic."

Sophie followed him like a detective. "You're not sharing a room? Doesn't seem very... couple-like."

"Nosy much?" Adrian smirked. "Even if we sleep apart, no man gets closer to Evelyn than I do."

The scent of pancakes led them to the kitchen where Clara had left breakfast.

Sophie cornered Adrian as he ate. "How did you two meet? Evelyn doesn't date multiple men. Was this after the divorce?"

Adrian slurped his coffee. "Ask Evelyn. If she won't tell you, I can't." He grinned. "But I'll trade secrets for secrets."

Sophie's eyes narrowed. "You're impossible! Is this how you treat Evelyn too?"

"Of course not." Adrian's expression softened. "For Evelyn, I'd move mountains. Just say the word." The intensity in his gaze made Sophie shiver.

"You never even told me your name! I'm Sophie, Evelyn's best friend since Ravenswood University."

"Adrian Vaughn." He wiped his mouth. "Now give me something useful."

Sophie took a dramatic sip of water. "Did you know someone set Evelyn up yesterday?"

Adrian's fork clattered. "What?"

"Your turn first. What's your full name?"

"Adrian Vaughn. Now spill."

Sophie leaned in. "Do you know Dominic Blackwood? His new girlfriend Zoe Montgomery had lunch with Evelyn and—"

"That witch threw boiling water at Evelyn?!" Adrian shot up, knocking over his chair.

"Worse!" Sophie grabbed his arm. "She poured it on herself! Then blamed Evelyn! Can you believe it?"

Adrian's knuckles turned white. "Evelyn cries when she steps on ants! She'd never hurt anyone!"

"And get this—stupid Dominic called to accuse her! Makes my blood boil!"

Adrian's laugh was dangerous. "If it were me, I'd have cursed him into next week."

Sophie gasped. "That's extreme!"

"Extreme?" Adrian's eyes darkened. "Zoe wants to play games? Let's see how she likes my rules."

His phone was already in hand, plotting revenge with terrifying precision.