Chapter 228

Dominic couldn't shake the uncanny familiarity that washed over him every time he caught sight of Henry's face.

It was like staring into a mirror from his own childhood.

Henry shot Dominic a defiant glare before quickly looking away.

"Did you really cut the power, Henry?" Mrs. Wilkins asked, her voice trembling. "How on earth did you manage that? Is this your laptop? You're far too young to know how to use something like this!"

Henry pressed his lips together in silence, then carefully tucked his laptop back into his backpack.

Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he walked to the base of the stairs and sat down, waiting for Evelyn to come down.

Mrs. Wilkins glanced nervously at Dominic, whose expression had darkened with barely restrained fury.

If Henry hadn’t been a child, he wouldn’t have been sitting there unharmed.

About thirty minutes later, a bodyguard entered and reported, "Sir, there's a suspicious foreigner lingering outside, watching the house. Should we bring him in for questioning?"

Nathan's face flashed through Dominic's mind.

He strode toward the front yard but spotted Nathan’s golden hair before he even reached the gates.

"Evelyn! Are you being held against your will? Scream if you need help! I’ll call the police right now!" Nathan shouted in Dominic’s direction.

Rage surged through Dominic’s veins.

Nathan still bore the bruises from last night’s beating, yet here he was, stirring trouble again.

"Grab him," Dominic ordered, his patience wearing thin.

Two bodyguards immediately seized Nathan by the arms.

"Hey! What’s the meaning of this? I haven’t broken any laws! Since when is standing on a public sidewalk a crime? I’m calling my lawyer!" Nathan yelled as he was dragged into the living room.

Henry’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Nathan.

After exchanging a quick glance with the boy, Nathan wrenched himself free from the bodyguards' grip and sauntered around the room, inspecting the decor with exaggerated disdain.

The bodyguards shadowed him closely.

"Is this your so-called 'luxury mansion'? Did the interior designer scam you?" Nathan scoffed. "It’s nothing compared to the villa Evelyn bought for four and a half million!"

Dominic sipped his tea calmly, refusing to engage.

It was clear Nathan wasn’t here for Evelyn—he was here to provoke a fight.

Still nursing his wounded pride from last night’s beating, no doubt.

When Nathan flicked the light switch on the wall, nothing happened.

His grin widened.

"Power outage? No wonder it’s sweltering in here! Aren’t you suffocating in that ridiculous robe, Blackwood? Maybe you should call your electricians—oh wait, you probably don’t have any on speed dial!"

Nathan’s laughter grated on Dominic’s nerves, his smirk infuriatingly smug.

Dominic’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white.

Just as he was about to retaliate, the crystal chandelier above them flickered to life.

The power was back.

The air conditioning hummed to life, cooling the room instantly.

Nathan stared at the chandelier for a long moment before sighing dramatically.

"Let’s settle this like men, Blackwood. I’m still pissed about last night. If you win, you can punch me again. Fair?"

Dominic arched a brow. "And if you lose?"

Nathan smirked. "If I lose, I’ll take Henry with me."

Dominic nearly choked on his tea.

Was this man out of his mind?

The bet held zero appeal for Dominic, but before he could refuse, Henry spoke up.

"Dominic Blackwood! Are you scared?"

The challenge in the boy’s voice was unmistakable, laced with mocking disdain.

Dominic knew he was being baited, but pride won out.

"What’s the bet?" he asked Nathan.

"I saw a tennis court outside. First to six games wins."

Dominic set down his tea. "Fine."

After changing into athletic wear, Dominic and Nathan headed to the court.

Nearly everyone in the house—except the gate guards and Mrs. Wilkins—followed to watch.

Meanwhile, Lily slipped unnoticed into the living room from the front yard.