Chapter 496

Evelyn's mind went completely blank. All the words she had prepared vanished in an instant.

"They're not even trying to deny it! How amusing!" Wesley's mother teased with a laugh.

Wesley ran his fingers through his hair, clearly uncomfortable, before hastily changing the subject.

"The blood test results should be ready by the time we finish lunch."

Evelyn gave a small nod, then focused on her meal, keeping her gaze lowered.

After their meal, Evelyn insisted Wesley didn't need to accompany her back to St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the results. She already felt guilty for troubling him that morning.

Since Wesley's home was near the hospital, Evelyn and Dominic walked together through the bustling streets.

"Why didn't you explain earlier? Do you enjoy keeping people guessing?" she quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"We're not particularly close to Mrs. Ashford, so there was no point in arguing," Dominic replied, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings as they walked.

"You might not be close to her, but I am."

"Since you know her so well, you can clarify things whenever you want."

When the pedestrian light turned green, Dominic instinctively reached for Evelyn's hand to guide her across the busy intersection.

"I can manage on my own," Evelyn said, pulling her hand away sharply.

She shot him an icy glare before adding, "The only connection between us is that you're the father of my child. Don't expect me to acknowledge anything more."

"Whether you acknowledge it or not, the fact remains," Dominic countered, his voice steady.

"This arrangement is all we need." Evelyn had no response to that.

At the hospital, they collected her test results from the reception desk.

Evelyn carefully examined each report, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"How are they? Everything alright?" Dominic asked, unable to hide his concern.

"What exactly are you asking about?" Evelyn responded without looking up.

"Are these results for you or the baby?"

Dominic wasn't familiar with medical reports, especially when they involved two lives in one body.

Evelyn's head snapped up. "The baby's barely formed! We can only monitor its condition through ultrasounds right now."

"I see. So the blood work is normal then?"

"The tests for syphilis and gonorrhea will take another week," Evelyn said dismissively, shoving the papers into her bag.

Dominic recoiled slightly before composing himself. "There's no way you could have contracted those diseases."

"Oh? So now I'm some paragon of virtue?" Evelyn scoffed.

"Thanks for the compliment, but your promiscuity could still affect me regardless of how virtuous I am."

Dominic was rendered speechless.

"I'm taking a cab home," Evelyn announced abruptly.

"You can go now!"

She pulled out her phone and began booking a ride-hailing service.

Dominic should have stopped her, should have insisted on driving her home himself.

But her words had struck deeper than he cared to admit, leaving him momentarily stunned.

By the time he regained his composure, Evelyn had already walked away.

The accusation burned. He underwent annual medical checkups and was in perfect health, free from any such diseases. Yet Evelyn still doubted him.

That afternoon, Evelyn enjoyed a peaceful nap.

When she awoke and checked her phone, the clock showed 5 PM. Remembering their dinner plans with Dominic, she threw off the covers and hurried to get ready.

The door to the children's room stood ajar, and Lily's laughter drifted into the hallway.

Evelyn stepped inside to find complete chaos. Her eyebrows shot up in dismay.

Lily's clothes, usually neatly stored in the closet, were now strewn across every surface. Among them lay a white, puffy dress - last year's birthday gift from Sophie.

It was Lily's absolute favorite, the dress she reserved for special occasions.

Was she wearing it today because it was Children's Day... or because she was seeing her father tonight? The thought made Evelyn swallow any reprimand about the mess. She'd always known Lily had a soft spot for Dominic.

Few could resist a man who was both devastatingly handsome and extraordinarily successful, after all.