Chapter 225

Dominic's piercing gaze never wavered. "Professor Whitmore had dozens of female students. You're not this chummy with Zoe Montgomery, are you?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Tell me, Ashford, do you have feelings for Evelyn?"

The air between them crackled with tension.

Wesley felt the weight of Dominic's suspicion pressing against him. "Isn't Evelyn entitled to move on?" He offered a placating smile. "Mr. Blackwood, has Evelyn ever commented on your... arrangement with Miss Montgomery?"

Dominic's expression turned glacial. "Here's what puzzles me. When I asked for help identifying the student Professor Whitmore mentioned before his death, you gave me an entire roster. Why omit Zoe? She claims to know you. Surely the connection isn't coincidental?"

Wesley's fingers twitched against his water glass. The man was sharper than anticipated.

"Naturally I know her. But she graduated years ago - I couldn't possibly vouch for her current skillset. The list allowed you to evaluate each candidate objectively."

Dominic's smirk held no warmth. "Did the professor never speak of her? He refused to operate on Sophia himself, yet claimed one of his students could. That suggests extraordinary talent. You expect me to believe such a prodigy never came up in conversation?"

Wesley's throat went dry. He reached for his water, buying precious seconds.

"You're hiding something, Ashford." Dominic leaned forward, eyes like polished obsidian. "Is this deception for Evelyn's benefit?"

"This has nothing to do with Evelyn," Wesley countered. "Professor Whitmore kept many confidences. Your case being one of them - I knew nothing until recently. Even if I admired Miss Montgomery's work, I'd never presume to make medical recommendations."

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken accusations.

Finally, Wesley exhaled sharply. "Even if I cared for Evelyn, I'd never act on it. She sees me as nothing more than an older brother."

Like ice melting, the tension in Dominic's shoulders eased. "Good. You may leave. Evelyn will contact you when she wakes."

Once alone, Dominic moved toward the master suite. The door stood ajar, revealing Sophia hovering near the bed, studying Evelyn's sleeping form with childlike fascination.

"Do you like her?" Dominic murmured, coming to stand beside his sister.

Sophia typically shied from strangers - even Zoe had taken weeks to earn her trust. Yet here she stood, drawn to Evelyn without prompting.

"Yes!" Sophia's whisper carried the memory of gentle hands cooling her fevered brow months prior. "Very much."

Dominic's gaze flickered between the two women. "Because she's beautiful?"

"More beautiful than Dr. Montgomery." Small fingers curled around Dominic's. "Don't you think so?"

A humorless chuckle escaped him. "You're absolutely right."

Sophia tilted her head, confusion knitting her brow. "Then why aren't you with her?"

The question struck like a physical blow. Sophia's progress since her last surgery had been remarkable - soon she might live normally. But until they secured long-term treatment, Zoe remained necessary.

"That's complicated, sweetheart." He smoothed her hair, swallowing the bitterness. "Just focus on being happy."

"But you're not happy." Sophia touched his cheek with startling perceptiveness. "I can tell."

Nearby, Evelyn stirred at the murmured voices. Consciousness hovered just beyond reach as she struggled to surface.