Chapter 83

"I wish I could rewind time, Mom," Evelyn whispered, her voice barely audible. "Being poor wouldn't be so bad."

Clara settled beside her daughter on the couch, smoothing her hair. "Running away solves nothing, sweetheart. If Thornfield Industries is too much, let it go. Education comes first - money can always be made later."

Evelyn traced her mother's weathered cheek with gentle fingers. "I'm not running. Just... exhausted."

"Then rest. Have you eaten?"

A small head shake.

"Let me fix you something." Clara disappeared into the kitchen.

By eight, Evelyn retreated to her room while Clara took out the trash.

Rain began falling - not a storm, but a persistent drizzle.

Too lazy to fetch an umbrella, Clara dashed toward the dumpster, tossing the bag before turning back.

That's when she saw him.

A towering figure stood rigid at the building's entrance, unnoticed in her earlier haste.

Clara jogged closer, squinting through the rain.

Her breath caught when recognition struck.

Dominic Blackwood stood soaked to the bone, his aristocratic bearing drowned in the downpour.

"Dominic?!" Clara gasped. "What on earth? Come inside!"

She grabbed his arm, but he resisted.

"I can't."

Last time he'd visited, Evelyn had banned him from returning. If he crossed that threshold now...

"You're here for Evelyn, aren't you? She wouldn't tell me why she's upset, but I know it's about your fight."

Dominic wiped rainwater from his face. "I need to apologize."

"Then come inside! How can you apologize out here? She'd hate seeing you like this!"

He escorted Clara under the awning. "She won't want me in your home."

"You two need to talk properly. Let me speak with her."

When Clara entered the apartment, she rushed to Evelyn's room.

Evelyn sprang up at her mother's damp clothes. "You went out in this? You'll catch your death!" She guided Clara toward the bathroom. "Shower now-"

"Evelyn... Dominic's outside." Clara gripped her daughter's hand. "Standing in the rain, completely drenched. Did you turn off your phone? Please let him come up."

Evelyn froze.

"He wants to apologize but refused to enter. Won't you fetch him?"

A dull ache pulsed behind Evelyn's eyes. "Let him stand there if he wants." She turned away. "I'll make tea."

When Clara emerged, steam curled from a mug on the table.

Evelyn sat staring blankly.

"He needs this more than I do."

Evelyn snatched the cup. "I'll dump it then."

Clara intercepted her. "He's not as terrible as you think. The rain's worsening - have you no compassion?"