Chapter 295

Evelyn gave a stiff nod.

Just as she turned to reenter the snow-covered plaza, her gaze caught Zoe Montgomery collapsing weakly in the distance. The woman's legs buckled beneath her.

Dominic moved with lightning reflexes, sweeping Zoe into his arms before she hit the ground.

The sight made Evelyn's breath hitch. The world seemed to freeze around her, time stretching into an endless moment.

"Dr. Montgomery, are you all right?" Dominic cradled Zoe protectively, his stormy eyes dark with concern.

Zoe blinked up at him, offering a fragile smile. "Dominic, I'm so sorry! I was too excited about our outing today and barely slept last night. Just a dizzy spell - it's nothing serious."

Dominic exhaled sharply. Zoe's wellbeing was crucial - she held the key to Sophia's treatment. "We're going home," he declared, carrying her toward the parking lot without a backward glance.

Meanwhile, the staff member returned with his manager's approval. "Miss, we'll accept your proposed solution. But we'll need your contact details in case Mr. Blackwood inquires later."

Evelyn barely registered the words. Mechanically, she took the offered notepad and pen, scribbling her information with numb fingers.

Across town at the Thorne residence, Clara Thorne presented expensive gifts to her younger relatives. The atmosphere was unexpectedly warm - even her usually cold sister-in-law served tea with an array of desserts.

"Clara, why didn't you bring Evelyn along?" the sister-in-law asked sweetly.

Clara accepted the teacup. "She's visiting a friend today."

"You must bring her next time! We all miss her terribly!"

Clara smiled politely. "I'll tell her, though she's quite independent now. Between Thornfield Industries and her own ventures, she's constantly busy."

"Remarkable, isn't it? Who would've thought she could turn Thornfield around!" The sister-in-law's gaze slid to her son. "Speaking of which... Our Brent just finished his master's degree. The job market has been challenging - either the salary's too low or the positions don't suit him. Perhaps Evelyn could place him in Thornfield's finance department?"

Clara's teacup clattered against the saucer. "Absolutely not. Evelyn's currently in litigation with their former finance director. I won't interfere."

The sister-in-law's face darkened. "You're her mother! If you can't influence her, who can? Or are you simply unwilling to help family?"

Setting down her cup with finality, Clara rose. "Say what you will. I won't make Evelyn's life more difficult."

"Clara, don't be upset!" Her brother intervened quickly. "Let me take you to visit mother's grave."

By five that afternoon, Clara left the Thornes after dinner. She stepped onto the curb, raising her hand for a taxi.

A yellow cab pulled up immediately. As it merged onto the highway, a black sedan swerved dangerously behind it, its drunk driver draining a whiskey bottle before slamming the accelerator.

At 5:30 PM, a devastating DUI collision occurred on Hawthorne Avenue.

When the police arrived, they retrieved the victim's phone. The call connected just as Evelyn answered, expecting her mother's voice. "Mom, we'll be home soon!"

"This is Captain Bradford from Traffic Division. There's been a fatal accident on Hawthorne Avenue. I'm calling from the victim's phone. Are you family? You need to come immediately."