Chapter 263

"Mr. Blackwood, we've uncovered some intriguing information," the private investigator said, his voice low and measured. Dominic had hired him overseas to track down a specialist who could help Sophia. "It appears Miss Montgomery is also searching for a doctor—a middle-aged man, approximately 1.7 meters tall."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "Why would she be looking for him?"

The investigator leaned forward slightly. "Our theory is she's trying to secure his services for Sophia."

A flicker of hope ignited in Dominic's dark eyes. "Then we find him first."

"There's more," the investigator continued. "Before his death, Professor Whitmore reportedly took on a secret student. The records are heavily classified, but we believe this individual worked closely with him in his private lab."

Dominic's fingers drummed against the desk. "Could this student be the one Zoe is after?"

"That's our assumption as well."

At five o'clock sharp, Dominic arrived at Willowbrook Academy to collect Sophia. As he pulled into the parking lot, his gaze landed on Evelyn, who was there to pick up Henry. The four of them froze for a heartbeat, an unspoken tension thickening the air.

Dominic quickly averted his eyes, helping Sophia into the car. Evelyn, after ensuring Henry was safely buckled in, slid into the driver's seat without a backward glance.

Their cars started simultaneously, turning in unison toward the school gate. The entrance was just wide enough for both vehicles to exit side by side—one veering left, the other right.

Once on the main road, Henry's small voice broke the silence. "Mom, I want to change schools."

Evelyn glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "Which school do you have in mind? Are you ready to be around other kids now?"

Henry stayed quiet, his fingers fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.

Willowbrook wasn't terrible, but Sophia kept peeking into his classroom, her wide eyes following him. He'd only enrolled to uncover the truth about Dominic and Sophia. Now that he had his answers, he wanted out.

"Let's finish the year first," Evelyn suggested gently. "If you still hate it, we can try elementary school next fall. Deal?"

Henry gave a reluctant nod.

Meanwhile, in the other car, Sophia clutched her seatbelt, her head bowed. "Big Brother, can we invite Henry to my birthday party?"

Dominic's voice softened, though his words were firm. "He won't come."

Tears welled in Sophia's eyes. "Why don't they like me? Is it because I'm slow?"

"No," Dominic said roughly. "They don't like you because they hate me."

"But why? You're the best."

Dominic exhaled sharply. "Sophia, just because I'm good to you doesn't mean I've been good to them." He reached over, squeezing her hand. "I'll celebrate your birthday with you."

Half an hour later, the car rolled into the grand driveway of Mooncrest Manor.

After dinner, Mrs. Wilkins led Sophia to the sprawling backyard to pick fresh fruit from the orchard. Sophia adored the garden, where Dominic had planted rows of flowering trees just for her.

Alone in his study, Dominic braced himself against the desk. His father's memorial was in a week, and the nightmares had already begun—violent, suffocating visions that haunted him every year like clockwork.

He crossed to the bookshelf, his fingers brushing against a crimson box tucked between leather-bound volumes. Inside lay his darkest secret. He kept it here deliberately—because the most dangerous hiding places were often the most obvious.