Chapter 457

It was Dominic who had nearly strangled him to death, and it was Dominic who tormented his mother. Sophia had never laid a finger on them. Michael returned with his laptop, flashing a warm smile when he spotted Evelyn. "Hey, Evelyn!"

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

Michael's expression softened. "Did you come alone?"

"My brother's joining me later," she replied.

"Ah. How's your injury healing? Any lingering headaches?" His eyes flickered to her stylish wig as his fingers twitched toward it.

She shook her head. "Only hurts when touched."

Leaning closer, Michael parted his own hair to reveal a matching scar. "Look - battle wounds from the same war."

Evelyn blinked in surprise before chuckling. "You got hurt too?"

"Yep! But I'm all better now, so you'd better recover quickly!"

"I will! There's something important waiting for me when I do."

"Oh? What's that?"

Evelyn's smile faltered as she abruptly retreated to her security detail.

After her departure, Henry and Lily squeezed beside Michael, watching intently as he attempted to hack into their mother's phone for clues about her sudden loss of appetite.

Their surveillance was interrupted by Evelyn's unexpected arrival.

Missing her children desperately, she'd come early. Spotting Michael's laptop screen, she asked innocently, "What are you working on?"

Michael nearly jumped out of his skin, slamming the laptop shut with a bang.

"Mommy!" Lily launched herself at Evelyn. "You look like a princess!"

Evelyn wore the elegant gown purchased during her shopping trip with Sophie. Though slightly loose, the dress draped beautifully.

Sophie had arranged a professional glam squad - Evelyn's makeup had been expertly applied by a celebrity artist.

Her dark tresses were swept into an elegant updo, the soft makeup enhancing her natural beauty with understated grace.

"You're my beautiful princess, sweetheart! Who did your hair?" Evelyn lifted Lily before remembering her pregnancy and gently setting her down.

"Uncle Michael did it..."

The mention refocused Evelyn's attention. "Michael, what exactly were you doing just now? Who were you hacking?"

Michael batted his baby blues. "Nothing! Just...system maintenance."

"Really? You brought a laptop to a wedding for system maintenance?" Evelyn settled beside him with raised eyebrows.

"I always keep one in the car! We arrived painfully early - these two woke me at dawn demanding to find you at the hotel. See these bags under my eyes?" He pointed dramatically.

Evelyn studied his face, then suddenly looked past him.

Michael followed her gaze.

'Fantastic. Dominic's here,' he thought dryly.

Dominic commanded attention the moment he entered the venue. When Sophia spotted him, she dashed over and seized his hand.

Instead of pulling away, Dominic wrapped his arm possessively around her waist, their intimacy on full display. Evelyn watched, her expression darkening like storm clouds rolling in.