Chapter 22
Bianca Chamberlain saw her chance when she witnessed Dominic Blackwood's barely contained rage.
"Before she became your wife, Evelyn Thorne was involved with your nephew, Julian Whitmore." Bianca's voice dripped with false sympathy. "Everyone has a past, of course. But she continued seeing him after your wedding! They've been laughing behind your back this whole time. I'm certain they were counting on you never waking up from that coma."
Dominic's knuckles turned white as his hands clenched into fists. His sculpted features might as well have been carved from ice, but his eyes burned with barely restrained fury as they locked onto the maternity clinic records spread across his desk.
"This reeks of a calculated scheme to steal your fortune," Bianca continued, carefully measuring each word. "When the doctors declared your condition critical, they saw their opportunity. If Evelyn conceived your child then, she'd control everything. They planned it perfectly - until you miraculously recovered and ruined everything."
"Leave." The single word vibrated with lethal intensity.
Whether Bianca's accusations held truth or not, the mere possibility of this humiliation becoming public knowledge made Dominic's stomach churn with disgust.
Though slightly disappointed, Bianca understood his reaction perfectly. She rose gracefully, pausing only to ensure the door clicked shut with quiet finality behind her.
Dominic's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his breathing ragged. With deliberate movements, he loosened his tie and picked up the damning documents once more.
When his gaze landed on Julian's name listed as the father, something dark and dangerous flickered in his stormy eyes.
He'd always known his brother coveted his empire, but to plant Evelyn as a willing accomplice? The betrayal cut deeper than he cared to admit.
That passionate night with Evelyn now seemed like nothing more than part of their twisted scheme. The realization sent fresh waves of anger coursing through his veins.
Meanwhile, in the master suite of Blackwood Manor, Evelyn slept soundly.
The peace shattered as the bedroom door crashed open with enough force to make the walls tremble.
Before she could fully awaken, rough hands dragged her from the warmth of her bed.
"My apologies, Miss Thorne," the bodyguard muttered without sincerity as he hauled her upright.
"What's happening? Where are you taking me?" Evelyn's voice cracked with sleep and sudden terror.
"To St. Elizabeth Medical Center. For termination."
Those clinical words turned her blood to ice.
How did Dominic discover her pregnancy?
Who betrayed her?
"Where is Dominic? I demand to see him!" Her pleas dissolved into panicked sobs. "I won't do this! You can't make me!"
She struggled weakly against the bodyguard's iron grip, but Dominic had thoroughly exhausted her the previous night. He tossed her into the luxury car's backseat like discarded trash.
Dominic waited inside, his expression colder than she'd ever seen. He flung a crumpled document at her.
"You had countless opportunities to rid yourself of that bastard," he hissed, voice dripping with venom. "Why keep it? Are you truly so devoted to Julian? Shall I demonstrate what happens to those who cross me?"
Evelyn's trembling fingers smoothed the paper - her hospital registration form with Julian's name boldly declaring paternity. She squeezed her eyes shut against the wave of despair.
She'd wanted to list Dominic, but his threats against any potential pregnancy had forced her hand. Now her desperate lie had been uncovered.
"Dominic, please," she begged, clutching his sleeve with desperate fingers. "Don't do this. They're not... they're not illegitimate. They're yours!"