Chapter 150

Evelyn boarded the subway heading to her office.

Her fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone, dialing Dominic's number against her better judgment.

She needed answers. Now.

"Sorry, the number you've dialed is unavailable."

"Why is his phone off?"

She tried again immediately.

Same automated response.

This was Dominic's private line. Only family and closest confidants had access to it.

He alone controlled when it was active.

Evelyn remembered his promise - this phone would always be on for her.

The memory burned. His lips tracing her jawline, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Two passionate days that now felt like a cruel dream.

The train rattled toward downtown.

Evelyn clutched her laptop bag tighter, scrolling for Dominic's work number.

She knew the drill. His assistant Sebastian screened all calls. Only urgent matters reached Dominic directly.

First attempt - busy signal.

Second try connected.

"Sebastian Whitmore speaking."

Everyone in corporate circles knew Sebastian - the gatekeeper to the Blackwood empire.

"It's Evelyn Sinclair from design," she whispered, conscious of nearby passengers.

"Ms. Sinclair?" Surprise colored his professional tone. "How may I help you?"

"I need to speak with Mr. Blackwood."

Sebastian hesitated. "He's unavailable. Have you tried his personal line?"

"It's switched off."

A beat of silence. This was highly unusual.

"Mr. Blackwood left the office thirty minutes ago. His private schedule isn't my purview..." The unspoken message: I can't help you.

"Thank you anyway." Defeat weighted her words.

The call ended.

Underground, Evelyn scrolled through old contacts desperately.

The Blackwood family landline appeared like a beacon.

"Hello, is... Alexander's father home?" She caught herself last second.

The housekeeper recognized her instantly. "Ms. Evelyn? Master Dominic hasn't returned since morning."

"Never mind then." She hung up, cheeks burning.

Evelyn leaned against the subway wall, exhaustion pressing down. In this sea of strangers, she felt untethered, adrift without Dominic's anchoring presence.

Before returning to work, she detoured to Dominic's penthouse.

The concierge remembered her from last week's visit.

"Apologies, madam. The gentleman hasn't been home in days."

Evelyn nodded stiffly and turned away.

The office loomed nearby.

As she approached, she spotted Sebastian at the curb, accepting car keys from the valet.

"Mr. Whitmore!" She intercepted him.

He paused, assessing her frantic energy. "Yes?"

"Do you know Margaret Whitmore?" The question tumbled out. "I saw her with Mr. Blackwood's children this morning."

Sebastian's expression shuttered.

Margaret had handled Dominic's most sensitive affairs before retiring abruptly five years ago - exactly when the twins were born.

Evelyn pressed: "She worked for Mr. Blackwood previously, correct?"

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably. "I can't discuss Mr. Blackwood's private matters. Margaret was employed here but retired five years back."

The timeline confirmed everything.

"Thank you." Evelyn walked away mechanically.

In the elevator, Alexander and Isabella's faces flashed behind her eyelids.

Her children.

Tears spilled over as the truth settled in her bones.

Ten minutes ago, she'd been chasing Dominic across the city. Now Sebastian's careful words had answered every unspoken question.