Chapter 580

Reginald Powell showed no affection for his son Dominic, while his brothers, dripping with sarcasm, wouldn't hesitate to betray him at the first opportunity.

Only now did Evelyn realize Dominic's seemingly privileged life was nothing but an elaborate illusion.

His standing in the Powell family might have been even more precarious than her own experiences at Hawthorne Estate.

Despite his paralyzed legs, the Powells still suspected him of faking his condition.

Noticing her intense gaze, Dominic's lips curled into that familiar, sardonic smile. "Eavesdropping, were we?"

Evelyn chewed her lower lip before asking cautiously, "All these years... have you been handling the Powell family's dirty work?"

Leaning back against the headboard, Dominic closed his eyes. "Essentially."

Her suspicions were confirmed. Dominic was merely a pawn for the Powells. Nobody cared if he lived or died, if he was happy or healthy. The only concern was whether he completed his tasks without tarnishing the family name. He'd nearly died from his injuries last night, yet his so-called family couldn't be bothered. The realization made Evelyn's chest tighten painfully.

"That gunshot wound on your shoulder - was that Sebastian's doing?"

Dominic's eyes narrowed to slits. "If not him, then my dear eldest brother. What's this? Pity? No longer calling me heartless?"

"I'm just wondering... if you hadn't set fire to Willowbrook Apartments, what would have happened?"

"The Powells don't tolerate useless members. Even if I hadn't lit that match, the outcome would've been the same."

Evelyn frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You're asking too many questions tonight. Not afraid of me anymore?" Dominic's mocking gaze traveled over her face as he tilted his chin.

"I'll give you two options - leave now, or..."

He patted the empty space beside him on the bed, the unspoken invitation clear.

Evelyn didn't hesitate to choose the first option.

Nathaniel escorted her through the back exit. As they walked, Evelyn couldn't stop dissecting Dominic's words.

He wasn't merely stating facts - he was telling her that regardless of who actually set Willowbrook ablaze, the blame would have fallen on him regardless.

Dominic was the Powell family's designated scapegoat, shouldering responsibility for all their atrocities. Even if he'd been innocent, someone else's crimes would still have been pinned on him. The realization sent ice through Evelyn's veins.

The Powell family's rise from infamy to respectability was built on Dominic's suffering. He endured a decade in prison, was branded a murderer and arsonist, became the monster society feared. But that wasn't the real Dominic. The Powells had molded him into this figure of nightmares. Many atrocities attributed to him weren't even his doing - they'd simply been dumped onto his shoulders.

He was a tool for the family's advancement, disposable from the start. His cruelty was merely armor hiding his pain. Nobody cared about the real Dominic, the boy who'd never known love. Evelyn's gaze dropped to the cobblestones.

Regret twisted in her gut. She'd fought with Dominic earlier, called him merciless.

But how could someone who'd never received love or kindness be anything else?

Her words had probably wounded him deeper than any bullet.

"Ms. Carter, if you turn this corner, you'll reach your orchestra," Nathaniel said quietly.

Evelyn nodded absently, taking a few steps before hesitating. She turned back.

"Give this to Dominic for me."