Chapter 385

The phone trembled in Evelyn's hand as Dominic's cold voice sliced through the line. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Don't bother sending your bodyguard."

Her fingers tightened around the device. "Where are you? I'll come to you."

Dominic stood motionless in the hospital corridor, Eleanor's phone clenched in his fist. His knuckles whitened, veins bulging along his temples. Every muscle in his body was rigid with barely contained fury.

He had already made up his mind—Evelyn would tell him every word his mother had spoken in that final call. He wouldn't let Eleanor die without answers.

Gregory approached cautiously, his voice low. "Dominic, Mother is gone. Should we begin funeral arrangements?"

Dominic's voice was a whip crack. "Get an autopsy first."

He needed to rule out murder.

Eleanor had high blood pressure, but her recent checkup had shown stable health. A sudden fall? Too convenient.

Gregory nodded. "I'll speak with the doctors."

Nearby, Julian clung to his mother, barely daring to breathe. His pulse hammered in his throat, sweat slicking his palms.

He had to stay calm.

If Dominic ever discovered it was him who had shoved Eleanor down those stairs, he'd be dead before he could blink.

Julian hadn't wanted to do it. Eleanor had loved him, even if Dominic was her favorite. But Zoe had twisted his mind, whispering poison in his ear.

There was no turning back now.

Zoe couldn't risk Dominic finding out Evelyn's children were his. If he knew, he'd never let her go. And if Evelyn had Dominic's protection, Wanda—no, Margaret—would never stand a chance.

Zoe and Margaret were bound by their hatred. What hurt one, hurt the other.

After silencing Eleanor, Julian had burned the paternity test.

Then he'd threatened every witness—one word, and they'd join Eleanor in the grave.

The Blackwood staff obeyed without question. Fear kept them silent.

And with Eleanor's last call to Evelyn? All blame would fall where it belonged.

Evelyn and Zoe met in the hospital lobby.

Zoe's eyes lit up like a predator spotting wounded prey. A smirk curled her lips. "Evelyn. What a surprise." She pressed the elevator button, her tone dripping with mock concern. "You look terrible. Something wrong?"

The doors slid open. They stepped inside, the space empty except for them.

Evelyn ignored her.

Zoe wasn't deterred. "Here to see Aunt Eleanor? I heard she called you right before she died." Her grin widened. "What did you say to her, Evelyn? Must have been quite the conversation."

"Shut your mouth," Evelyn hissed.

Zoe laughed, delighted. "Oh, but this is too good. Seeing you suffer makes everything worth it." She leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. "Here's a secret—Eleanor didn't fall."

Evelyn's blood turned to ice.

"She found out your children are Dominic's. Had the test results in her hands. Was seconds from telling him." Zoe's smile twisted. "Stupid old woman. Thought she was so clever. So I sent her straight to hell."

Evelyn's chest constricted.

"You know why I'm telling you this?" Zoe pressed closer, her breath hot against Evelyn's ear. "Because Dominic will never believe you."