Chapter 404

The crimson button was an emergency beacon. It linked directly to Michael. If Henry pressed it, the signal would transmit his exact coordinates. Michael would also alert the authorities immediately. Henry would never have confronted Dominic under normal circumstances! But Dominic left him no choice.

"Henry..." Evelyn murmured anxiously from her hospital bed once they were alone.

Henry rushed to her side, clutching her trembling hand. "Mommy, don't worry. I'm right here."

Evelyn's eyes darted nervously toward the doorway. "Henry, I can't move properly yet. Once I recover, I'll come home. When Dominic returns, I'll make him arrange transportation for you. You must promise to behave and listen."

Henry's small face darkened. "Mommy, don't beg him! I'm taking you home myself! I swore to Lily I'd bring you back!"

"My injuries..."

"I already contacted the police. They'll escort us home."

Evelyn's breath hitched. Over Henry's shoulder, she saw Dominic looming in the doorway. She yanked Henry closer protectively. The boy turned, following his mother's terrified gaze.

Spotting Dominic's glacial expression, Henry squared his shoulders defiantly. "I called the authorities!" he announced loudly.

"Henry, hush!" Evelyn pleaded, terrified of provoking Dominic further.

The vivid bruises circling Henry's neck served as constant reminders - she couldn't afford recklessness. She might perish here, but Henry must survive!

Dominic strode forward, his aura murderous.

"Don't push me," he warned through gritted teeth, staring down at Henry. "Leave. Now. Or I'll toss you to the wolves in the forest."

Evelyn's chest heaved. "Dominic! He's five years old! How can you threaten a child?"

"I despise children. Especially this adopted brat of yours. He disgusts me."

"He was worried about me! If anyone's to blame, it's me!" Evelyn choked back sobs. "Just send him home! I've already talked to him. He won't cause trouble!"

"Didn't he summon the police? Let them handle his transportation," Dominic sneered before turning his predatory gaze on Henry.

"That forest fire was your doing, wasn't it?"

Henry lifted his chin. "Yes."

Dominic's lips curled. "Even if I don't kill you today, you'll rot in prison someday." With that final threat, he stormed out.

The cowering doctor finally emerged from the corner, clutching medication.

"Miss Thorne, is this your son?" he asked awkwardly. "Remarkable that he found his way here alone."

Evelyn exhaled shakily. "Doctor, please examine the bruises on his neck."

Only then did the physician notice the dark fingerprints encircling Henry's throat.

"My God! What happened?"

Evelyn remained silent. Henry pressed his lips into a thin line.

The doctor cleared his throat. "Young man, I understand you dislike Mr. Blackwood, but he wouldn't harm your mother. Her leg injury came from a wolf attack in the woods."

"What about her forehead?" Henry demanded.

Before the doctor could respond, Evelyn interjected, "I did that to myself, Henry."

She couldn't let Henry's hatred fester. Against Dominic's power, her son stood no chance. Provoking him meant certain death.