Chapter 355

"It's alright." Dominic studied Evelyn's ashen face, a pang of sympathy tightening his chest. "Get some rest. I'll come by tomorrow."

"Okay."

Stepping out of the hospital, Dominic turned to his bodyguard. "What happened to the remains?"

"Mr. Montgomery took them to the crematorium."

Dominic's jaw clenched. He'd wanted a DNA test, but that option had vanished in smoke.

The bodyguard hesitated. "Sir, Mr. Montgomery was... distraught. When I offered assistance, he thought I was trying to take the child from him. He became violent."

Dominic's expression darkened as he slid into the car.

At dawn, the family physician was summoned to Mooncrest Manor.

Dominic hadn't slept. Bloodshot eyes burned beneath furrowed brows, giving him a dangerously unhinged aura.

"Mr. Blackwood, I heard about Miss Montgomery's miscarriage," the doctor ventured cautiously. "You're both young. There will be other opportunities—"

"I didn't call you for condolences." Dominic drained his espresso. "Eric Montclair's surgery. Evelyn performed it."

The doctor stiffened. "Your ex-wife? Evelyn Thorne?"

"Exactly. What's your professional opinion?"

Adjusting his glasses, the doctor exhaled sharply. "While I knew she studied under Professor Whitmore, brain surgery is... extraordinary for someone so young."

"How do I verify her actual capabilities?"

"Without witnessing the procedure or her admitting it?" The doctor spread his hands. "Nearly impossible."

"Montclair claims Whitmore designed the treatment." Dominic's gaze turned razor-sharp. "Given those plans, would you attempt such surgery?"

The doctor paled. "Why not ask her directly?"

Dominic's laugh held no humor. "If she gave straight answers, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Well... with Professor Whitmore's guidance, I might attempt it. But success wouldn't be guaranteed." The doctor swallowed. "Miss Thorne succeeded. That speaks volumes. Though whether she surpasses Miss Montgomery..."

Dominic's fingers tightened around his cup. "Even if she's brilliant, she'd never help Sophia."

"Miss Montgomery's skills are more than adequate. If Miss Thorne refuses, she remains your best option."

A curt nod.

"The remains. Cremation doesn't leave DNA evidence?"

The doctor shook his head. "You suspected paternity? Without samples, it's irretrievable. Were there other sources?"

"It happened too fast. By the time I arrived, Richard had already left with..." Dominic trailed off.

"Then no. But why doubt Miss Montgomery?"

"We slept together once. I was drunk." Dominic's voice turned gravelly. "I still don't know if it was really her that night."

The doctor blinked. "Statistically, conception from a single encounter is improbable. Even during ovulation. Didn't you investigate?"

"I asked Evelyn." Dominic's knuckles whitened. "She denied ever sleeping with me." His lips twisted. "Though I've learned her words are worthless."

"Miss Thorne doesn't strike me as deceitful."

"To others? Perhaps. To me?" A hollow laugh. "She's a master liar."

"Why?"

"If I knew that," Dominic rasped, "I wouldn't be losing sleep over her." Evelyn's words had haunted him through the night—each syllable a blade twisting between truth and lies.

"Have you seen her son?" Dominic's throat worked. "The boy... resembles me. She claims he's adopted. If she despises me so much, why choose a child who looks like me?"