Chapter 133

Evelyn searched for Grandpa for almost an hour.

Still, he was nowhere to be found.

Panic clawed at her chest.

Returning to the empty apartment, she realized with a sinking heart that he had vanished without a trace.

His cane was missing too. Had he taken it when he left?

But Evelyn knew Grandpa only used his cane for long distances.

Her steps heavy, she entered his bedroom.

Just before her date with Harrison, Grandpa had been perfectly fine.

Yet at dinner, he'd said solemnly, "Living too long isn't always a blessing. I'm becoming nothing but a burden to you..."

Did he run away?

Evelyn dismissed the thought immediately. Grandpa would never do that.

Opening his closet, she scrutinized the contents. She couldn't recall how many outfits he'd brought to the city. Some might be missing, but the disarray suggested hasty packing.

Did he really leave on his own?

Her hands trembled as she dialed her estranged aunt.

Even if Grandpa had left, he wouldn't go there.

"The number you have dialed is not in service..."

The robotic voice confirmed her aunt had changed numbers long ago.

Next, she called her father.

Robert sounded normal, exchanging pleasantries before reminding her to rest well for work tomorrow. His usual script.

Clearly, he knew nothing about Grandpa's disappearance.

All evidence pointed to one conclusion: Grandpa had left to stop being a burden.

As anxiety tightened its grip, Evelyn spotted a food box by the doorway.

Inside lay a card with a romantic design.

No sender's name.

Her pulse quickened.

Standing slowly, she stared at the desserts for a full minute before realization struck.

Dominic had intercepted her after she left Maxwell's estate.

He must have seen Harrison's text about the trendy dessert shop.

How had Dominic reacted?

Cold. Stern. Unreadable.

But when his petty side emerged, it rivaled teenage jealousy.

She didn't need to guess who sent these.

Grabbing her purse, Evelyn rushed out while calling Dominic.

No answer.

After multiple attempts, her phone displayed: Call cannot be completed.

In the elevator, a thought crystallized. Dominic took Grandpa. He's probably sipping tea with Reginald Blackwood right now.

Last time, Dominic had "rescued" Grandpa from imaginary thugs before whisking him to the Blackwood manor.

Hailing a cab, Evelyn watched the city lights blur past.

A melancholy truth settled in her heart: Dominic would make the perfect partner—attentive, devoted.

But fate had other plans for them.

Still no answer from Dominic.

The Blackwood manor was her next stop.

"Wait here," she instructed the driver upon arrival.

The butler answered, surprised. "Ms. Sinclair?"

"Is my grandfather here?"

His reply shattered her fragile hope. "He isn't."

"Then is Dominic home?"

"Master Dominic, Young Master Alexander, and Young Mistress Isabella are all out."

Beatrice appeared, her expression frosty. "Why are you here?"

"None of your business." Evelyn turned away, unwilling to endure another confrontation.

Beatrice watched the departing cab, then summoned the butler. "What did she want?"

"She asked about her grandfather and Master Dominic."

A missing grandfather? Beatrice's lips curled. How interesting.

Downtown, Evelyn reasoned the twins must be with their father at the penthouse.

Still no contact with Dominic.

Security barred her entry until she pleaded, "My grandfather's missing. It's urgent."

They allowed her to use the intercom.

"Evelyn here. Let me up." She spoke first, voice strained.

A pause. Then Dominic's low reply: "Come up."

The elevator ascended.