Chapter 235

If Evelyn had any self-respect left, she would have hung up that instant.

The moment Zoe's voice came through the line, Evelyn snapped back to reality.

"I apologize for disturbing your evening. I'll keep the gift, but don't expect anything in return." Her voice turned icy. "And please... never send me anything again."

She ended the call before Dominic could utter another word.

The abrupt disconnection sent a sharp pang through Dominic's chest, leaving behind a lingering ache.

"I heard Evelyn locked herself in her car last night. Is she okay now?" Zoe inquired casually.

"She's fine." Dominic's tone was dismissive. "You mentioned a specialist you wanted to recommend?"

Zoe retrieved a business card from her designer purse and handed it to him.

"This is Eldermere's top psychiatrist. Her schedule is booked solid until next year." Zoe smiled knowingly. "I pulled some strings to get you an appointment next Wednesday morning. You can take Sophia then."

Dominic glanced at the embossed card.

It matched the recommendation from their family physician.

Meanwhile at Mooncrest Manor, Evelyn emerged from her shower, her damp hair wrapped in a towel. She padded softly to the children's room.

Lily was engrossed in cartoons while Henry focused intently on his puzzle.

Evelyn had set their bedtime for 9 p.m., allowing them free time until then.

"Mommy," Henry called out when he noticed her, immediately abandoning his puzzle pieces.

Evelyn sank onto the plush carpet beside her son. "Are you still upset about the laptop?" she asked gently.

Henry nodded solemnly.

Life felt incomplete without his precious device.

Yet...

"I still love you just the same," he declared with heartbreaking sincerity.

Evelyn's eyes welled up as she pulled him into a tight embrace. "I'll return it soon," she whispered into his hair.

"Okay," Henry agreed, his stern expression softening. "You should rest now, Mommy. I'll put Lily to bed."

"Alright."

At precisely nine o'clock, the room plunged into darkness as the children settled under their covers.

Lily stared wide-eyed at the ceiling, restless energy radiating from her small frame.

"Henry, I can't open that box! Will you do it for me?" She reached out, tugging insistently at her brother's pajama sleeve.

"We'll look tomorrow."

"But I want to see inside now! Maybe there's pretty jewelry!" Lily's voice rose with excitement.

"Impossible," Henry stated matter-of-factly.

Dominic Blackwood was a businessman.

What use would he have for jewelry in his study?

Lily bolted upright, suddenly wide awake.

"I won't sleep until you open it!" she declared dramatically. "I'll stay awake all night... until I collapse from exhaustion!"

Henry exhaled deeply at his sister's theatrics.

He switched on the bedside lamp, dimming it to its lowest setting.

Lily scrambled from bed and retrieved the mysterious box from its hiding spot beneath the frame.

With ceremonial gravity, she presented it to her brother like a sacred offering.

"What if you can't open it either?" Lily whispered, eyes fixed on the container.

The moment the words left her mouth, Henry flipped the lid open with ease.

Lily gasped. "What's inside?"

Henry turned the open box toward her.

No glittering treasures greeted them.

Lily's hopeful expression crumpled.

"What is that?" she asked, upending the box's contents onto the bedspread.