Chapter 68

Dominic's words shattered the fragile defenses Evelyn had built around her heart.

She had stormed out of the mansion at dawn, turning off her phone completely. Unable to reach her, he'd tracked her down across town.

Was this concern? Genuine worry?

"You must be Dominic," Clara observed, sensing the tension thickening the air. "Evelyn had a rough night, so I brought her here to unwind. She's better now. Let me fix you some tea!"

"Mother!"

"That won't be necessary."

Their simultaneous responses made the atmosphere even more strained.

"He's just leaving, so don't trouble yourself. You should rest," Evelyn said firmly, guiding her mother back to the sofa.

The unspoken dismissal couldn't have been clearer.

Dominic rose with controlled grace.

"I'll take my leave. I'll visit properly another time," he stated coolly.

Clara moved to see him out, but Evelyn held her back. "I'm leaving too. Stay home and relax, Mother."

She followed Dominic out, the door clicking shut behind them.

Outside, she whirled to face him. "Don't ever come here again."

Dominic's expression hardened, his jaw tightening visibly. Patience stretched to its breaking point.

"Spare me your fake concern," Evelyn continued bitterly. "If you truly care, sign the divorce papers."

Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Dominic's glacial gaze burned into her retreating figure.

Physically mere feet apart, yet emotionally worlds away.

At St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Julian had undergone emergency surgery after being rushed in around midnight.

The surgeons said with proper preservation and an eight-hour window, reattachment of the severed finger stood a good chance.

Full functionality might never return, but at least he wouldn't lose it completely.

Julian didn't regain consciousness until mid-afternoon.

When his eyes finally fluttered open, they held a wild, haunted look - as if his very sanity had been stolen.

"Julian! You're safe now! You're in the hospital!" Beatrice soothed, clutching his uninjured hand. "Your father settled your debts."

Gregory's expression remained stormy. The astronomical sum he'd paid to the loan sharks sat like lead in his stomach.

He'd always known his son was worthless, but last night's losses defied belief.

Previous losses in the tens of thousands had been manageable. This time? Over eight million dors.

Of course, Gregory hadn't paid the full amount. With Julian's finger already taken as collateral, he'd negotiated the debt down to half.