Chapter 416

The estate attorney studied Lucas's confident demeanor. "After Mrs. Blackwood's passing," he revealed, "Mr. Blackwood instructed me to modify certain arrangements."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"I must decline any refreshments," the attorney continued. "Should there be any change in Mr. Blackwood's condition, please notify me immediately."

"Understood," Lucas replied smoothly. "Let me walk you out."

After seeing the attorney off, Lucas checked his watch. The evening had slipped away unnoticed - the clock now showed seven.

Evelyn finally stirred from her deep slumber, her mind still foggy with sleep.

"Evelyn! Time to go home!" Michael's voice cut through her haze. "I just returned from Metropolitan General. Dominic's alive - moved to ICU. Those vultures in the media declared him dead prematurely!"

Michael helped her sit up. Evelyn's awareness sharpened faster than expected.

"What time is it?"

"Nearly eight," Michael answered, guiding her into the wheelchair. "Hungry?"

Evelyn nodded.

Proper meals had become rare these past days. All she craved now was decent food, a hot shower, and uninterrupted sleep.

The persistent dizziness reminded her of countless sleepless nights. Rest had become her most urgent need.

"Home-cooked meal awaits! The children heard you're back - they're waiting eagerly!" Michael lifted her into the car, stowing the wheelchair in the trunk.

Thirty minutes later, their car glided through Mooncrest Manor's gates.

Evelyn gazed at the familiar surroundings, emotions swelling. A mere week's absence felt like returning from the dead.

Entering the house, she steadied her scattered thoughts.

Two small figures launched themselves at her.

"Mommy!"

"Mommy!"

Evelyn's heart swelled with bittersweet joy at seeing Lily and Henry.

"I missed you both so much."

"Mommy, we missed you too! Does your leg hurt bad?" Lily examined the injury with concern.

"Which leg is hurt, Mommy?" Henry asked.

"The right one," Evelyn answered.

"Rest at home, Mommy. No walking! It'll get better soon," Lily advised sweetly.

Evelyn smiled. "I'll stay right here."

For the following week, Evelyn remained bedridden.

Michael offered to stay, but she insisted he return to work.

Daily, the bodyguard handled school runs, groceries, and meals while Wesley came each afternoon to change dressings.

After seven days, her leg showed remarkable improvement. She could finally move about the garden.

Summer arrived abruptly. Dominic remained hospitalized - a week in ICU before transfer to specialized care.

When his eyes finally opened, white walls greeted him. His mind felt terrifyingly blank.

"Dominic! You're awake!" Zoe's voice trembled with emotion. "How do you feel?"

Dominic turned his head slightly, recognizing Zoe Montgomery.

"I'll fetch the doctor," Zoe said, eyes glistening as she hurried out.

"Patient? Sick?" he wondered. Attempting to lift his arm proved futile - his body refused to obey.

Zoe's departure brought Lucas's entrance. "Thank God you're awake." His expression mixed relief and strain. "I nearly dissolved Blackwood Group thinking we'd lost you."

Dominic's face remained impassive.

"Whatever happened before - let it go. Your mother would be devastated seeing you like this. If not for her, live for Sophia. She hasn't attended Willowbrook Academy lately - we feared schoolyard rumors. She still doesn't know about the accident."