Chapter 368

Dominic Blackwood let out a cold chuckle, his lips curling in amusement. "Henry Thorne wants to play daddy? How utterly ridiculous."

Yet, he couldn't deny the boy's audacity.

Dominic knew his overnight stay must have infuriated Henry beyond measure. The kid probably hadn't slept a wink, which explained this morning's cyberattack on Blackwood Group.

While Henry had every right to be angry, the image of the boy tossing and turning in rage brought an involuntary smirk to Dominic's face.

"Mr. Blackwood, should we notify the authorities?" Nathan Cross inquired, his voice laced with concern.

Descending the grand staircase, Dominic drawled, "What's the status from cybersecurity?"

"They're working round the clock to restore the system, sir."

"Estimated time?"

"Should be operational by noon," Nathan replied promptly.

Reaching the marble foyer, Dominic waved a dismissive hand. "No police."

"Understood." Nathan hesitated before adding, "Do you suspect Henry's involvement?"

"Obviously not," Dominic deadpanned.

Nathan barely suppressed his grin. "That boy's a prodigy! Our IT team fortified the firewall after his last breach, yet he still penetrated it."

"Genius or not, he's walking a dangerous path," Dominic countered sharply. "If Evelyn continues indulging his antics, he'll end up behind bars."

Nathan's amusement vanished at his boss's harsh words. Evelyn would have an aneurysm if she heard this conversation.

"Though it appears he's only targeting you... No reports of him hacking other corporations," Nathan mused. "As long as you don't press charges, prison isn't in his future."

Nathan knew Dominic would never actually send Henry to jail. No matter the provocation, Evelyn's protection shielded the boy from real consequences.

Dominic's expression darkened. "Then I can expect endless trouble ahead. That brat's skills will only sharpen with age." The thought left him unsettled, like an itch he couldn't scratch.

Meanwhile, at Mooncrest Manor...

Zoe Montgomery had been discharged prematurely from St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Though doctors recommended extended care, she couldn't bear remaining in that sterile environment.

While Dominic hadn't formally ended their relationship, everyone understood their engagement was over. Without status as his fiancée, she no longer had justification to stay in the Blackwood estate.

"Stay as long as you need, dear. Don't overthink things," Eleanor Blackwood cooed, patting Zoe's hand. "Dominic's opinions don't reflect mine. I'm still quite fond of you."

"Your kindness means everything, Eleanor. But Dominic might disapprove..." Zoe trailed off.

"Nonsense! He's not that petty." Eleanor produced an ornate velvet box. "A token of my affection. I hope you'll continue treating Sophia with your professional expertise, regardless of personal matters."

Zoe accepted the gift gracefully. Of course Eleanor remained cordial - her skills were still valuable to the Blackwoods.

"You have my word." Opening the box revealed an exquisite emerald bracelet. "This is stunning. Thank you."

"My eldest daughter-in-law coveted this piece for years," Eleanor confided with a conspiratorial smile. "That should demonstrate my regard for you."

"I harbor no ill will toward Dominic. Some things simply aren't meant to be," Zoe replied serenely.

Their conversation was interrupted when a maid whispered urgently in Eleanor's ear. The older woman's face clouded, and she hurried away without explanation.