Chapter 138

"Two? That's impressive! You've already had two children..." The woman holding the toddler stared at Evelyn in disbelief. "You don't look like you've given birth at all! I never would've guessed—a mother of two!"

Evelyn forced a tight smile.

Before leaving the small town, Dominic pulled his former teammate aside for a private conversation.

His expression was grave as he spoke in low tones. The other man, still holding his child, listened intently before nodding twice in understanding.

The drive back to A City passed in silence.

Exhausted, Evelyn dozed off again in the passenger seat.

Once they reached the smoother city roads, Dominic slowed the car, careful not to jostle her awake. She slept soundly until they arrived at his penthouse.

A sharp cramp tore through her abdomen, jerking her awake.

Evelyn gasped, pressing both hands against her stomach. Her face drained of color as beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

Dominic, who'd just finished a cigarette outside, threw open the car door at the sight of her distress.

"What's wrong?" His hands framed her pale face. "Are you in pain?"

Evelyn could only nod weakly, eyes squeezed shut against the throbbing ache.

"Let's get you upstairs." Without hesitation, he moved to lift her.

She resisted.

"I can walk."

"Don't argue," he warned, voice hardening. "Or I'll recall Sebastian and every police officer searching for your grandfather."

The threat worked instantly.

Nothing mattered more than finding Grandpa.

As an ordinary citizen, she had no power—no special access or privileges. Only men like Dominic Blackwood could bend the system to their will.

That was the harsh reality.

The penthouse had every luxury, but Dominic stood helpless in the kitchen, staring at pristine appliances that had never been used.

His phone rang.

Sebastian's name flashed on the screen.

"Report," Dominic answered.

Two updates. First, Mr. Sinclair still hadn't been located. The police ruled out accidents or foul play since no matching reports had surfaced. As instructed, the missing person alert would air on morning television. Now they waited for tip calls about the reward.

Second, the sleeping pill incident had been traced back to Evelyn's ex, Nathan Kensington.

Dominic's expression darkened at the name. "Have him arrested."

"I'll coordinate with the police immediately," Sebastian confirmed, recognizing the dangerous edge in his boss's tone.

The neighborhood where Evelyn rented was in chaos. Middle-aged women who'd witnessed Grandpa's last encounter with local thugs kept asking if there'd been any leads.

As Sebastian prepared to hang up, Dominic suddenly asked, "Did your ex-wife ever suffer from menstrual cramps?"

A pause. "We divorced because she claimed I wasn't attentive enough, so... no, I wouldn't know."

Dominic was about to end the call when Sebastian spotted Abigail's car approaching. "There's a woman here with firsthand experience. Should I ask her?"

"Only if the methods actually worked for her." Dominic refused to trust random internet advice that might worsen Evelyn's pain.

Sebastian approached Abigail's parked car, phone in hand. The moment she stepped out, he cornered her. "Have you ever had severe period cramps?"

Abigail blinked. "What?"

Sebastian showed his phone. "Mr. Blackwood needs to know."

She nodded.

"What remedies actually helped you?"

Abigail quickly listed what had worked for her personally. As Sebastian relayed the information, Abigail looked ready to cry. "Every woman's different! What if it doesn't work for Evelyn? Will Mr. Blackwood fire me?"

Sebastian gave her a look but said nothing.

Back in the penthouse, Dominic returned from the supermarket with supplies.

He mixed brown sugar with vodka, stirred until dissolved, then lit the mixture aflame. Once the flames died, he carried the steaming bowl to the bedroom.

"Drink this. Now."

Evelyn, now ghostly pale, eyed the concoction with distrust. "Just give me painkillers."

"Pills are a temporary fix. You'll just need more next time." Without waiting, Dominic took a sip himself, then captured her lips, forcing the warm liquid into her mouth.

It tasted vile, but he made sure she swallowed every drop.

When the bowl was empty, he propped a pillow beneath her hips.

Both fully clothed, he leaned against the headboard, cradling her against his chest. Periodically, he rubbed his hands together to generate heat before pressing his warmed palms to her icy abdomen—just like the previous night.

Evelyn watched through tear-blurred vision as he worked to drive the chill from her body.

A sob tore from her throat.

She didn't know if hiding the truth was merciful or cruel.

When she'd learned they were related by blood, the revelation had shattered her. The person who'd told her had been vicious.

Allison had inflicted deep wounds—mental scars that still burned.

She couldn't bear for Dominic to suffer the same torment.

So she alone carried this sin.

"We've crossed a line," Evelyn whispered hoarsely. "We've gone too far..."

Dominic continued massaging her abdomen. "What line?"

The weight became unbearable. She pushed away, staggering to her feet. She couldn't rely on him anymore.

He caught her arm. "Where are you going?"

Dominic sensed an invisible barrier between them. Until he destroyed it, she'd never find peace.

Anger simmered beneath his skin, but he refused to unleash it on her.

Even when she'd blamed Nathan for keeping them apart, he'd never believed it.

Nathan was trash, but Evelyn wasn't foolish enough to let that stop her.

"I need to check on the search for Grandpa." She avoided his gaze. "Cramps won't kill me. I'll manage."

The door clicked shut behind her.

Dominic's eyes burned crimson.