Chapter 369

Eleanor Blackwood picked up the phone as soon as she stepped inside. "Hello, do you know Dominic Blackwood? I'm his mother."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Blackwood. How may I assist you?" The voice on the other end responded politely.

"There's a child named Henry Thorne enrolled at your kindergarten, correct?"

"That's correct."

"I need several strands of his hair. Name your price and I'll compensate you generously," Eleanor stated bluntly.

The person hesitated. "May I ask why you need his hair? It's not that I don't want to help, but Henry is... particular about physical contact. Only his sister Lily can touch him."

Eleanor hadn't anticipated such complications for a simple request.

"Then find another way! If you can't get hair, blood will suffice!" Eleanor's voice turned sharp. "Let me be frank - that boy's mother was briefly married to my son. I suspect there's more to his parentage. Help me with this and you'll be handsomely rewarded."

At that moment, the housekeeper noticed movement by the door and quickly stepped out.

"Ms. Montgomery, do you need something?" The housekeeper's expression darkened as she stared at Zoe, though she maintained professional composure.

Caught eavesdropping, Zoe panicked. "I... I wanted to return Mrs. Blackwood's gift. It seems too extravagant."

"Please wait in the parlor," the housekeeper instructed firmly.

Zoe retreated immediately.

When Eleanor finished her call, the housekeeper chose not to mention Zoe's eavesdropping to avoid unnecessary drama.

After some polite conversation, Zoe excused herself, claiming lunch plans with her father.

Outside the Blackwood estate, Zoe's mind raced.

From what she'd overheard, Eleanor suspected Evelyn's children. While Dominic claimed to dislike children, Eleanor desperately wanted grandchildren. If she discovered Henry and Lily were Dominic's, she'd undoubtedly embrace them - and side with Evelyn.

That couldn't happen.

At the restaurant, Zoe sat across from her father and Margaret Thorne.

"Why so glum, Zoe? Didn't Dominic give you that generous settlement? Money solves everything," Richard Montgomery remarked.

Zoe sipped her water. "It's not about the money. Margaret, did you finalize the acquisition of those tech firms you wanted?"

Margaret's eyes gleamed. "Nearly. It's the perfect time to invest. With Thornfield Industries dominating the market, smaller companies are struggling. Interested in joining? The returns will be substantial."

Zoe's interest piqued. "How can you be certain?"

"Because Evelyn is my nemesis," Margaret hissed. "And I will destroy her."

Convinced, Zoe nodded. "Consider me in."

Meanwhile, Evelyn was buried in work at Thornfield Industries when she noticed the time.

She hurried to a nearby pharmacy.

"May I help you, miss?" a clerk asked.

Blushing slightly, Evelyn murmured, "Morning-after pills, please."

The clerk handed her the package with a knowing look.

As Evelyn paid, Dominic's warning echoed in her mind - he'd vowed to keep her forever if she didn't conceive his child. Whether the child survived or not was irrelevant.

A chill ran down her spine. The package slipped from her fingers, hitting the floor with a soft thud.