Chapter 172

Evelyn felt utterly powerless.

If Dominic, that man who always commanded attention, stepped outside like this, the paparazzi would undoubtedly swarm him.

Those vultures lived to invade his privacy. They'd twist any photo into scandalous headlines.

But changing clothes wasn't an option either. Sebastian, his usually flawless assistant who never made mistakes, had chosen tonight of all nights to go on a date.

Evelyn understood breaking up a relationship was wrong. Sebastian wasn't young anymore - finding love again wouldn't be easy.

Yet what could she do now...

She checked the time, her lashes fluttering. "It's too late now. The stores are closing soon. Even if I rushed out to buy you pants, I wouldn't make it before they shut."

"So after all that, you're saying I have to stay the night and leave tomorrow?" Dominic's expression darkened as he spoke. Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the bathroom.

Evelyn stood frozen by the doorway, fingers gripping the frame.

She'd never suggested he stay over.

And that disgusted look on his face...

Was her apartment really that terrible?

"Miss Evelyn, where do I sleep?" Isabella rubbed her red-rimmed eye, clinging to Evelyn's leg.

Evelyn scooped up the drowsy child. "We'll share my bed tonight, okay?"

"Okay..." Isabella buried her face happily into Evelyn's neck.

Dominic stood smoking in the kitchen, the stove's blue flame flickering. Alexander lingered in the living room, uncertain where to sleep.

Clearly, Evelyn's bed only fit two.

If she slept with Isabella, that left... the other room for him?

He wanted to sleep near Miss Evelyn too.

At least he was brave. Used to sleeping alone, he wouldn't feel scared.

"Dad, you're still here?" Alexander tiptoed into the kitchen with his empty cup, surprised to find his father lingering.

Dominic turned, glowering at his son.

Did everyone want him gone?

Alexander froze under that stare. Filling his cup, he peeked up. "Do you want to stay too? Will you sleep on the couch or share with me?"

After bathing Isabella in the cramped bathroom with its temperamental shower, Evelyn helped her into an oversized T-shirt.

"Put this on so you don't catch cold." Summer's warmth was fading into autumn's chill.

Worried about the gauze on Isabella's forehead getting wet, Evelyn had skipped washing her hair.

"Let's tuck you in." Evelyn carried her to bed, kissing her forehead.

"Goodnight, Miss Evelyn!" Isabella smiled sleepily with one eye.

"Goodnight." Evelyn watched as the child obediently closed her eyes, clearly trying not to be a burden.

Alexander emerged from his shower shyly, covering himself with his clothes and a towel. Without a word to his father, he slipped into Grandpa Robert's old room.

The simple blanket smelled faintly of detergent. Not luxurious like home, but Alexander preferred it.

Once Isabella slept, Evelyn stepped out to find Dominic watching CNBC on her tiny TV.

Men and their dull news programs.

His sharp profile held her gaze - those striking features, that commanding presence. Even his hands fascinated her, recalling teenage fantasies of gentle touches.

Her shabby sofa somehow looked refined beneath him, though his frown suggested the small screen strained his eyes.

Evelyn ignored him, quietly checking on Alexander. He slept like an octopus, blanket kicked aside. Both children kept strict schedules, thanks to Blackwood upbringing.

Returning to the living room, she poured Dominic water. "It's late. You can use my grandfather's room after the news. I'm going to bed."

Their eyes met briefly. Had he just glanced at her stomach?

"Do you plan to have more children?" Dominic took the glass but didn't drink.

The question startled her. "Before, maybe. But first I'd need a man worth having children with."

"Found him yet?" Dominic stood, towering over her as he turned off the TV.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't want more children." Her heart belonged to Isabella and Alexander now.