Chapter 329

"Can't the security team and caretakers handle her? It's been ages since we've had a proper drink!"

Lucas declared, then leaned closer to Dominic, whispering, "Evelyn left the country today."

Dominic's expression darkened instantly.

An overwhelming urge to drown his sorrows seized him.

Lucas secured them a table at an exclusive rooftop lounge.

The two men stood against the railing, each clutching a bottle of premium whiskey, their gazes fixed on the glittering cityscape below as they drank in heavy silence.

The crisp spring air clung to their skin like a second layer of clothing.

After draining their first bottles, Lucas turned to Dominic. "Did you really agree to this engagement with Zoe just because of Sophia's treatment?"

"My mother always wanted this union. Evelyn told me to build a life with her. Sophia's condition was merely the final push."

Dominic tilted his head back, exposing the sharp lines of his throat.

His Adam's apple bobbed visibly before he rasped, "Evelyn wanted nothing more than to sever all ties between us. I'm simply honoring her wishes."

Surely Evelyn would be pleased now that he was bound to Zoe!

"Stop looking like you're attending a funeral. It's just an engagement, not a life sentence. Even marriage certificates can be shredded!" Lucas clapped Dominic's shoulder when he saw his friend's tortured expression. "Another round. We're not done yet."

A week later, Sophia appeared unexpectedly at Mooncrest Academy, standing outside Henry and Lily's classroom.

For the first time, her usual radiant smile was absent.

Previously, she'd always greeted them with unrestrained joy.

Henry and Lily emerged from the classroom.

"I came to see you one last time, Henry, Lily..." Sophia's voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes.

"One last time? Did Dominic... I mean, is Mr. Blackwood forbidding you from visiting us again?" Lily caught herself just in time.

Sophia shook her head violently, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'm dying. The doctors say... I don't have much time left."

The twins exchanged helpless glances, a wave of sorrow crashing over them.

Sophia produced a carefully wrapped package from her bag.

"I want you to have my most treasured possessions because you're my dearest friends."

She wiped her face clumsily before revealing a jewelry case and several leather-bound photo albums.

These represented her entire world's happiness.

Every item had been gifted by Dominic.

Lily's tears broke free first. "No! You can't die! Put these away! Henry and I won't accept them!"

Nearby, Mrs. Whitaker discreetly wiped her own eyes.

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Sophia had been losing consciousness nightly since the procedure.

By all logic, she should have been recovering strength during sleep.

Instead, she grew weaker each morning.

Today she'd thrown an unprecedented tantrum, demanding to see the twins.

Mrs. Whitaker had smuggled her out without Dominic's knowledge.

"Mommy's coming home today, Sophia! Let's go see her! She'll know how to help you!" Lily grabbed Sophia's hand with sudden determination.

Henry recognized the recklessness of this plan.

Evelyn might be furious, but he didn't intervene.

His chest ached with a familiar pain - the same he'd felt when they'd lost their grandmother.