Chapter 522

Dominic's voice came out rough and strained, as though every word caused him pain.

Evelyn froze mid-step, instantly recognizing that distinctive timbre.

When she turned, she found Dominic sprawled in the shrubbery, a thin trail of blood leaking from his lips.

From his disheveled appearance, he'd clearly sustained injuries elsewhere too.

Evelyn couldn't conceal her shock at discovering Dominic here of all places - the prestigious orchestra grounds.

Her brow furrowed as she demanded, "What are you doing here?"

The orchestra maintained strict security protocols, requiring identification for all visitors.

Evelyn had never heard of any connection between the Powell family and this cultural institution.

"Curiosity killed the cat, sweetheart." Dominic pushed himself upright against the wall, his lips twisting into a mocking smirk. "Sure you want those answers?"

Evelyn immediately pressed her lips together. "Forget I asked."

"Ah... but now I suddenly feel like sharing."

Evelyn exhaled sharply through her nose.

She'd never encountered such a contrary man in her life.

Dominic rapped his knuckles against the brickwork behind him. "Know what's on the other side? That's my family's estate."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "And?"

"I took an impromptu flight over the wall."

Evelyn's eyes widened slightly.

"Help me up."

Dominic's command held no polite pretense as he gestured impatiently.

Considering the effort it must have taken for a man with limited mobility to scale and fall from a wall, Evelyn moved to assist him.

As she drew closer, the dark stain spreading across Dominic's shoulder became visible. Crimson seeped steadily through his expensive shirt.

The injury appeared serious, his forehead glistening with perspiration.

Evelyn asked, "How do we get you back?"

Dominic scoffed. "Through the front gates like civilized people! Were you planning to catapult me back over?"

Evelyn thought privately that he'd apparently managed the first launch just fine.

Finding no wheelchair available on orchestra property, Evelyn snapped a sturdy branch from the bushes, fashioning a makeshift crutch.

Dominic didn't hesitate to use her as support. Leaning heavily on the branch with one hand, he draped his injured arm across Evelyn's shoulders, deliberately shifting his weight to make her stagger.

In a tone that brooked no argument, he ordered, "Pick up that pistol at your feet and hand it to me."

Evelyn went rigid.

She'd initially mistaken it for a prop, but its substantial weight confirmed its authenticity upon lifting.

The realization struck her - Dominic's shoulder wound bore the distinctive characteristics of a gunshot.

His claim about the estate being just beyond the wall raised disturbing questions. How does one sustain such injuries in their own home?

The more plausible scenario involved Dominic scaling the wall in desperate escape, only to take a bad fall.

"I'll be right back," Evelyn said, turning to leave.

Dominic's grip on her wrist was instantaneous and unyielding.

"Going somewhere?" His voice dropped to a dangerous octave, eyes darkening. "The gun frighten you?"

"I gave my word about treating your leg, and I honor my promises. I need to retrieve my acupuncture kit from my dormitory."

Dominic's gaze sharpened. "You live here?" A slow, unsettling smile spread across his face. "How... convenient. We'll be seeing much more of each other."

Evelyn remained silent.

There was an unmistakable predatory edge to Dominic's tone.

Wordlessly, Evelyn produced a handkerchief and began binding his shoulder wound to stem the bleeding. Dominic's eyebrows lifted slightly at her competent ministrations.