Chapter 498

Dominic didn't show up for dinner because he was with Zoe. This wasn't what hurt Evelyn the most.

The sharpest pain came from remembering Dominic and Zoe had once shared a child together.

What's worse, Zoe had accused Evelyn of murdering that child...

And Dominic had believed her.

If not for that, Evelyn wouldn't be carrying his baby now.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She hung up the phone as her legs went weak.

She gripped the edge of the dining table for support.

When Lily and Henry noticed their mother's distress, they immediately rushed to her side.

"Mommy! What happened?" Lily's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Is he not coming, Mommy?" Henry guessed correctly, his small hands balling into fists.

"Don't cry, Mommy. Let's go home!"

Evelyn swallowed hard, forcing down her emotions. "You must be hungry. Let's find somewhere else to eat."

Both children shook their heads vigorously.

"I'm not hungry! Just angry..." Lily's voice trembled as her tiny frame shook with emotion.

She had picked her favorite sparkly dress for tonight. Even bought a special gift for Sophia.

Her excitement for this family dinner had been sky-high.

Now they'd been stood up. Dominic Blackwood was a liar. So was Sophia!

"Let's get food, Mommy." Henry suggested gently, worried about his mother.

Evelyn nodded and led them out of the private dining room.

The waitress panicked at their sudden departure. "Ms. Thorne! Your dinner hasn't been served yet! Should I have the kitchen start now? Everything's prepared..."

Evelyn paused briefly. "It's fine."

The confused waitress hesitated. "The gifts in the room, Ms. Thorne. If they're inconvenient to carry, we can deliver them to your address."

"No need." Evelyn walked away with her children.

The manager immediately called Dominic to report the situation.

"Ms. Thorne's daughter was crying."

Dominic was speeding back toward Ravenshore City when the call came.

His voice turned gravelly. "And her?"

The manager understood. "Ms. Thorne didn't cry, but her eyes were red. Might break down later... Her son looked furious though."

Dominic visualized the scene perfectly.

His own eyes burned with unshed tears.

That afternoon, Zoe had called about finding a doctor who could help Sophia.

She claimed this doctor - another of Professor Whitmore's students - had reviewed Sophia's third treatment and had more experience than her.

After consideration, Dominic agreed to take Sophia for consultation.

The doctor was vacationing near a remote tourist spot, two hours from the city center.

But shortly after meeting, Zoe had an emotional breakdown. She ranted about all her efforts for Sophia's treatment. Sobbed about Dominic avoiding her despite her love.

Dominic hadn't forgotten his dinner plans.

They'd left at 4:30pm to return to the city. Zoe asked for a ride, which seemed reasonable.

The drive had been peaceful until Evelyn's call.

That call triggered Zoe's outburst. Dominic never expected her to lose control like that, leaving him momentarily stunned into silence.