Chapter 102

Evelyn's heart sank when Dominic confirmed their breakup to his mother.

Beatrice Lockwood's face twisted in theatrical distress, though her eyes sparkled with hidden delight. "What happened between you two? Surely nothing so serious it can't be fixed?"

Evelyn turned on her heel, desperate to escape.

"Wait, darling!" Beatrice called after her with feigned concern. "Please don't tell the elders yet. The shock might be too much for their health."

Dominic's piercing gaze followed Evelyn's retreating figure.

Across the room, Maxwell Lockwood watched the scene unfold before shifting his attention to his cousin.

Beatrice discreetly wiped her hands before shooting Seraphina Prescott an encouraging glance.

Seraphina seized the opportunity, bringing Dominic a glass of water. "You must be thirsty after all this."

Dominic pinched the bridge of his nose, ignoring both the water and Seraphina's presence.

Maxwell strolled to the window, lighting a cigarette as he observed Evelyn pacing in the garden below.

Even from this distance, he could see the devastation on her face.

As someone well-versed in matters of the heart, Maxwell recognized the invisible wounds Dominic's words must have inflicted.

The cheerful chatter between Beatrice and Seraphina confirmed his suspicions - his aunt had only ever approved of the wealthy Prescott heiress as a potential daughter-in-law.

Finishing his cigarette, Maxwell announced his departure. "I have reservations at the wine bar tonight."

Seraphina disentangled herself from Beatrice. "Goodbye, Aunt Beatrice."

"You must visit again soon," Beatrice gushed. "I need your advice on my new skincare routine." She turned to her son. "Dominic, aren't you going to see them out?"

Dominic remained engrossed in a business call, merely waving them off.

"Don't forget our family gathering this weekend," Maxwell reminded before leaving.

Beatrice watched them descend the grand staircase before confronting her son. "Now that you're single again, perhaps you could consider Seraphina—"

"She's ten years my junior," Dominic interrupted. "If you want her as a daughter-in-law, you'll need to find another son."

Beatrice's face flushed with anger as Dominic made another call.

"Ten years is nothing! Your father remarried an eighteen-year-old!" When Dominic remained impassive, she added, "I've already promised Seraphina an internship at your company."

"The internship stands. Nothing more." Dominic lit a cigarette, his tone final. "I'm working. Don't bring this up again."

Beatrice stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sat in the garden, her laptop open on the wrought-iron table before her.

She'd been granted extended leave to care for her ailing grandfather, though the circumstances weighed heavily on her.

"Evelyn Sinclair, was it?" Seraphina approached with outstretched hand. "We weren't properly introduced earlier."

Evelyn stood reluctantly. "Yes, nice to meet you."

Seraphina's gaze lingered on Evelyn's delicate hands with poorly concealed envy. "May I call you Evie? I'll be joining your department tomorrow. Aunt Beatrice says you're quite experienced."

"I'm still learning myself," Evelyn demurred.

Seraphina turned to Maxwell. "Shall we go?"

Maxwell offered Evelyn a curt nod before they departed.

Evelyn remained in the garden until dusk, dreading the inevitable awkwardness of facing Dominic again.

As mosquitoes began swarming around her laptop's glow, she gathered her things and retreated indoors.

Old Master Blackwood noticed her insect-bitten arms immediately. "I told you to come inside earlier!"

Young Alexander burst in with homework questions but rushed out upon seeing Evelyn's condition, returning moments later with ointment - only to collide with his father in the hallway.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Dominic's stern voice carried down the corridor.

"Aunt Evie got bitten by mosquitoes! I'm bringing her medicine," the boy explained.

Dominic confiscated the ointment. "Finish your homework. I'll deliver this."

Alexander gaped as his father strode toward Evelyn's room, the medicine clutched in his hand.