Chapter 223

Dominic Blackwood spotted the commotion as he exited the grand hall.

His pulse quickened when he realized the situation was far more complicated than it appeared.

Moonlight cast long shadows as two men pummeled Lucas Grant mercilessly - one of them being Evelyn Thorne's ex-husband.

Wesley Ashford swiftly pulled Lucas to safety, then confronted Dominic. "What's the meaning of this?"

Dominic had arrived mere moments earlier.

Seeing Lucas pinning Nathan Cross to the ground had ignited his fury, prompting him to lash out without hesitation.

The fight had escalated into an uneven brawl within seconds.

"He was assaulting my assistant, Mr. Ashford," Dominic explained, straightening his suit jacket. "Nathan isn't built for physical confrontations."

Wesley noticed Nathan's shattered glasses before turning a disapproving glare toward Lucas.

"Evelyn's phone is switched off. We don't know if she's in trouble," Wesley said urgently. "I'm going to search for her now. You can either return to the event or join me."

Lucas clenched his jaw, suppressing his anger. "I'm coming with you!"

Dominic intercepted them with long strides, blocking their path.

"What happened to Evelyn?!"

"Mr. Blackwood, we're as much in the dark as you are," Wesley replied. "When I spoke with her this morning, she confirmed she'd arrive by six. It's nearly seven now with no sign of her."

"It's the weekend. Shouldn't she be at home?" Dominic's eyes darkened with concern.

"She isn't. We're leaving to search for her now. Any further questions can wait until we find her," Wesley stated before rushing off with Lucas.

Dominic watched their retreating figures before heading toward a different elevator.

Nathan hurried after him, explaining, "Sir, Lucas organized Miss Thorne's event. He handled the guest list. Excluding you wasn't her decision."

Dominic's brow furrowed. "Didn't she review the invitations personally?"

"I heard she's been preoccupied with other matters," Nathan offered.

Dominic gave him a measured look. "Don't follow me. Get yourself new glasses."

"Yes, sir."

"Use your intellect, not your fists, especially against physically superior opponents. You're usually more composed - what possessed you tonight?" Dominic studied Nathan's flushed face.

Nathan lowered his gaze. "I believe my past conflict with him influenced the guest list."

"You're overestimating your impact. He wouldn't have invited me regardless," Dominic said coolly. "Exercise better judgment next time."

"Yes, sir."

Exiting the building, Dominic slid into his luxury sedan.

"Destination, sir?" his bodyguard inquired.

"First, I need to make a call."

Dominic contacted the telecommunications company, requesting the last known location of Evelyn's phone before it powered off.

Within minutes, he received coordinates.

"Take me to Mooncrest Manor."

The signal had last pinged near that affluent neighborhood.

As they approached the area, Dominic instructed his driver to reduce speed.

Amidst the bustling streets, his sharp eyes caught a white luxury sedan parked haphazardly by the roadside.

It resembled Evelyn's vehicle!

"Stop the car!" Dominic commanded, causing the vehicle to screech to a halt.

He burst from the car and sprinted toward the motionless vehicle.

The crisp autumn wind carried an unexpected chill. When he reached the car, his blood ran cold at the sight of Evelyn collapsed over the steering wheel, frighteningly still.

Dominic's chest constricted painfully.

"Evelyn!"

His voice cracked with desperation as he violently wrenched at the stubborn door handle, his vision tinged red with panic.