Chapter 233

Dominic’s piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn as he demanded, "What have you been so busy with?"

Evelyn finished bandaging his wound and calmly packed the first aid kit away.

"Just work," she replied, her tone indifferent.

"You're lying." Dominic sat up abruptly, gripping her wrist. "If it were work, why haven’t you been going to the office?" His voice dropped lower. "Something’s off about you lately. I can’t figure you out anymore."

Evelyn pulled her arm free. "There’s nothing to figure out." She exhaled. "Look, Dominic, I appreciate you saving me last night. I can treat you to dinner—or maybe get you a medal."

Dominic released her, his expression shifting to disbelief. "I didn’t do it for your gratitude. Take your daughter and leave. And that son of yours—he hacked into my home’s power and internet today. If you won’t discipline him, I will."

Evelyn winced. "I’m sorry. I’ll talk to him. It won’t happen again."

She returned the first aid kit to its place and scooped Lily into her arms, ready to leave.

"Evelyn." Dominic stepped forward, holding out a small velvet box. "Happy birthday."

Her breath hitched as she stared at the gift. Even without opening it, she knew it was extravagant.

"Thank you, Dominic—"

Before she could finish, Lily snatched the box from his hand with a delighted squeal.

Evelyn’s lips parted in shock.

Dominic smirked, relieved she hadn’t outright rejected him.

"Let’s go home, Mommy! I miss Henry and Grandma!" Lily nuzzled against Evelyn’s shoulder, her voice sweet and pleading.

Evelyn’s chest tightened. "Alright, we’re going." She met Dominic’s gaze one last time. "Goodbye."

Dominic watched them leave, a strange ache in his chest. If only her children treated him with even half the warmth they showed her—maybe then, he could see them as his own.

At Mooncrest Manor, Clara finally saw Evelyn and the children return after hours of anxious waiting.

"Evelyn, never drive when you’re exhausted again! Do you know how dangerous that was?" Clara scolded, her eyes red-rimmed from worry.

"I know, Mom." Evelyn forced a smile, inhaling deeply. "Is that your famous lobster chowder I smell?"

Meanwhile, Henry, starving, had already washed his hands and taken his seat at the dining table.

Lily, however, dragged her brother into their room.

"Henry, guess what I did today?" she whispered excitedly. "I took something from Dirtbag Dad’s house!"

Henry frowned, crossing his arms. "Lily, stealing is wrong."

Her face fell. "But it’s not stealing if it’s from Dad!"

She wished, not for the first time, that Dominic Blackwood wasn’t such a terrible person. Then maybe she could have a real father.

Henry’s expression softened. "Fine. Just don’t get caught."

Lily beamed. "Don’t tell Mommy! She’d be mad."

"Deal. Now hide it and let’s eat."

Lily shoved the box under her bed before grabbing Henry’s hand. "You all left me alone today. I was so scared!"

Henry squeezed her fingers. "I won’t forget you again."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Lily grinned, her earlier fear forgotten. "Oh! Dirtbag Dad gave Mommy a present. Do you think he still loves her?"