Chapter 554

Dominic suspected Isabella was plotting something sinister. Had she suggested harming Evelyn directly, his dagger would have been drawn in an instant.

Yet this cowardly woman still expected his assistance.

She had her own twisted logic.

Evelyn was nothing like her.

Pregnant women were vulnerable. A single snakebite could terminate her pregnancy.

Isabella, still traumatized by her own encounter with snakes, was convinced Evelyn would react hysterically.

Dominic's voice dripped with mockery. "Don't waste my time with petty schemes. Handle it yourself."

His face remained shadowed. "If you want my involvement, make it worth my while."

Isabella froze. A chill ran down her spine—something in his tone suggested darker intentions.

Her voice trembled. "Worth your while? What exactly do you mean?"

Noticing her unease, Dominic smirked. "You'll need to cooperate fully."

She instinctively stepped closer.

When he whispered his plan, her eyes widened in horror. "You...you can't possibly—"

Dominic gave her a leisurely once-over. "This is for your benefit. Refuse, and the deal's off."

Her mind raced. Then, abruptly, she grinned.

"Fine! I accept!"

As she walked away, Dominic watched her retreating figure with cold calculation.

He flicked his cigarette aside. "What makes shallow women like her think I'd ever want marriage? Or her?"

Confidence was attractive. Delusion was pathetic.

Nathaniel, listening from the driver's seat, had heard every word of Dominic's scheme.

Dusk settled as Evelyn kept vigil at Claire's hospital bedside.

Lucas felt invisible. No matter how he pleaded, Claire refused to acknowledge him.

He needed confirmation—proof the child was his. But she gave him nothing.

His shoulders slumped. Then Julian entered the room.

The dancer's step faltered upon seeing Lucas.

Julian approached Claire's bed gently. "The nurses took the baby for neonatal care. The doctor said treatment will take about a week. If all goes well, she can leave with you."

Claire nodded. "Thank you. You should go home and change."

Julian's white shirt still bore dried bloodstains from that morning, now darkened with time.

"I packed extra clothes in the hospital bag. I'm staying to care for you."

As he retrieved fresh clothing, he smiled at Claire. "How could I leave you here alone?"

Lucas's temper flared.

He seized Julian's collar. "Enough acting! I know that baby is mine!"

This charade between Claire and Julian had gone on long enough.

Lucas snarled, "How much is she paying you? I'll double it. Get out!"

Their eyes locked—Lucas's bloodshot with rage, Julian's calm despite being manhandled.

This was between Lucas and Claire. No interlopers allowed.

Julian remained composed. "Mr. Bennett, need I remind you? You and Claire are divorced. Strangers. You have no authority here."

Lucas's lips curled. "That child's blood says otherwise."