Chapter 401

Dominic clenched his jaw, his piercing gaze fixed on Evelyn. He set the porcelain bowl of oatmeal aside and gently helped her sit up.

With careful movements, he arranged two plush pillows behind her back for support. Then he placed the bowl back into her trembling hands.

Evelyn accepted it, but as she reached for the spoon, her left hand suddenly lost all strength. The bowl slipped from her grasp, spilling its contents across the silk duvet.

The warm oatmeal spread in an uneven pattern across the expensive bedding.

Evelyn stared at the mess with wide, horrified eyes. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

Dominic's chest tightened painfully. He knew this wasn't intentional. Evelyn genuinely wanted to feed herself, but her body betrayed her - she couldn't even maintain a grip on something as simple as a bowl.

Before tears could spill from Evelyn's eyes, Dominic swiftly removed the soiled bedding.

"Evelyn, you'll regain your strength. Don't cry!" His words came out harsher than intended, sounding more like a command than comfort.

He inhaled deeply, preparing to explain, but Evelyn had already turned away, curling onto her side.

Though no sobs reached Dominic's ears, he felt the silent tremors of her despair. He retrieved a fresh duvet from the walk-in closet and draped it over her slender form.

"I'll have the housekeeper prepare another bowl," Dominic murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He remained seated at her bedside, watching the gentle rise and fall of her shoulders.

Evelyn kept her eyes closed, offering no response. A wave of dizziness washed over her - likely from the blood loss and exhaustion.

Once her breathing evened out in sleep, Dominic finally left the room. He hadn't slept the previous night, and now a dull ache pulsed behind his temples. He retreated to his own chambers to rest.

Approximately an hour after Dominic fell asleep, flames erupted on the hillside behind Mooncrest Manor.

Every security guard on the property rushed toward the emergency, leaving the mansion temporarily unguarded.

Henry, his small backpack secured tightly, emerged from the shadows near the grand entrance. He'd hidden in the trunk of Dominic's car earlier that day.

With all staff occupied by the fire, the manor stood eerily empty. Not a single soul remained inside.

Henry's sharp eyes scanned the expansive foyer. The guest rooms and master suite weren't immediately visible - just the kitchen and staff quarters visible from his vantage point.

After memorizing the first floor layout, the boy stealthily ascended the grand staircase. He found Evelyn in the second bedroom he checked. His small feet carried him swiftly to her bedside.

"Mommy!" Henry's initial shout died in his throat when he noticed Evelyn's peaceful slumber. He whispered instead, "Mommy, I'm here."

Evelyn, weakened and deep in healing sleep, didn't stir.

Henry stood vigil beside the bed, studying his mother's pale features. He resolved to wait patiently for her to wake naturally, even if it meant risking discovery. He didn't know what Dominic would do when he found him here, but Henry refused to be separated from his mother again.

With her by his side, he feared nothing.

The commotion from the hillside eventually roused Dominic. The moment consciousness returned, he went straight to check on Evelyn. His hand turned the ornate bedroom doorknob.

Inside, Henry heard the telltale click of the turning mechanism. His head snapped toward the sound. In that instant, father and son locked eyes across the threshold.