Chapter 113

Evelyn noticed the small boy clutching Aunt Evelyn's skirt hem as she returned to her station. His wide eyes stared fearfully at his towering father. Dominic Blackwood's icy gaze studied the child hiding behind Evelyn.

She knelt to gather Alexander's belongings - two pairs of shoes, his favorite dinosaur toothbrush, a wristwatch, and several crumpled shirts and shorts. Carefully, she repacked everything into the yellow suitcase.

The broken lock caught her attention. "Excuse me, do you have any tape?" Evelyn asked the cashier.

"Just a moment." The woman rummaged through drawers before producing a roll.

Evelyn secured the damaged suitcase with thick layers of tape. It wouldn't last, but at least the boy's things would stay contained for now.

"Aunt Evelyn," Alexander whispered, "can I stay with you? I'll pay rent." He remembered her refusing his summer camp request because she needed to work. He didn't want to burden her.

Dominic's voice cut through. "With what money?"

Alexander swallowed hard. "My Christmas money...and piggy bank savings." He'd calculated it carefully - enough to support himself for ten days away from home. School fees, meals, clothes - he could stretch the funds until his next birthday. His sister Isabella would be better off staying with the Blackwoods.

Evelyn returned the tape and found Alexander still clinging to her bag strap. "Sweetheart, go home with your father," she pleaded, cupping his face.

Dominic took his son's hand. "We're leaving. No more nonsense." His gaze flickered to Evelyn as she tucked hair behind her ear.

"But Aunt Evelyn said she's working, not dating!" Alexander protested, hoping to clear the misunderstanding.

Dominic's piercing look made Evelyn want to explain her white lie, but he simply turned away, dragging Alexander along. The boy stubbornly maintained his grip on Evelyn's bag.

The trio exited the restaurant under the staff's watchful eyes. "Why can't I meet men like that?" sighed the bathroom gossip. "They're either fictional or taken."

Sebastian Whitmore entered, collecting the yellow suitcase. The waitress sighed again. "If I can't have the father, I'll take the assistant. So ruggedly handsome..."

Sebastian loaded the suitcase into the Bentley RV. He glanced between his stoic boss and the comical sight of Alexander - one foot in the car, one foot out - still desperately clinging to Evelyn.

"I'll visit soon," Evelyn promised.

Alexander wrapped one arm around his father's leg while maintaining his death grip on Evelyn. "Don't lie! My friend's mom said that too. She bought him shoes and toys before leaving. Seven years later, he can't even remember her face."

Evelyn nearly pointed out she wasn't his mother, but recognized the futility of logic with an upset child.

Sebastian intervened. "Ms. Sinclair, why not accompany Mr. Blackwood to drop off the children? You can calm them and still make dinner for Old Master Sinclair."

Alexander's grip tightened. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked up pleadingly.

"The young master's injuries need proper cleaning in this heat," Sebastian added pointedly.

Evelyn relented. Between morning's visit and now, one more trip to Blackwood Manor wouldn't matter. In her distraction, she'd completely forgotten about the flash drive. Remembering en route, she called Abigail.

"Actually, I've arranged someone else to handle it," Abigail said.

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

The luxurious RV featured a compact kitchenette and plush seating. Dominic sat stiffly with jasmine tea - known for stress relief - while Alexander poured some for Evelyn and the remnants for his father.

Isabella and Alexander nestled against Evelyn on the sofa, eventually dozing off. Upon arrival, Sebastian carried Alexander inside, summoning the family doctor.

When Evelyn moved to hand Isabella over, the girl clung like a koala. "I'll take her," Evelyn offered, carefully exiting the vehicle. Dominic's hand briefly protected her head from the doorframe before discreetly withdrawing.

After settling the children, Evelyn prepared to leave. Dominic waited by the door, cigarette between his lips. As she emerged, he seized her wrist. While she struggled, he removed the cigarette, cradled her head, and crushed his body against hers in a searing, desperate kiss.