Chapter 19

Alexander watched Dominic's car disappear down the driveway. His small hands clenched into fists. He knew his words had struck deep this time - straight into his father's icy heart.

Isabella came skipping down the stairs, her pigtails bouncing. "Where's Daddy going?" she asked, peering up at her brother.

"He left." Alexander scuffed his shoe against the pavement. "I think... I hurt his feelings."

The little girl merely shrugged. "I miss Miss Evelyn!"

Their father? Who cared about him? He never smiled, never played, always glared with those stormy eyes. She liked him even less than her boring math teacher. Isabella Blackwood couldn't care less whether her father spent weekends at home.

But Miss Evelyn? She smelled like flowers and always had candy in her purse.

"Want me to take you to Miss Evelyn's place?" Alexander offered, grabbing his sister's hand. "I remember where she lives."

Isabella nodded eagerly.

The twins exchanged conspiratorial grins.

They flagged down a rideshare, giggling as they climbed into the backseat. Unbeknownst to them, one of the Blackwood family drivers tailed the vehicle at a discreet distance.

When they arrived at the gated community of Royal Heights, the driver immediately called Dominic. "Sir, the children are waiting outside Royal Heights. They seem to be expecting someone."

"Keep watching them," Dominic's cold voice crackled through the phone.

The driver kept his eyes glued to the small figures, not daring to blink.

"Should we call Miss Evelyn?" Isabella whispered, shrinking under the curious gazes of passing residents.

Alexander frowned. He only knew which building she lived in, not the exact apartment. His gaze flickered to the familiar Blackwood car parked nearby. Of course Father would have them followed.

Just as he was about to lead his sister to a payphone, a familiar figure rounded the corner.

Evelyn froze when she saw the two children clutching hands on her doorstep. Again? Why did her boss's kids keep appearing at her home?

She adored these two, but getting too close was dangerous. Rumors could spread. Her job could be at risk.

Sighing, she approached them. "What are you two doing here?"

Alexander spoke first, his voice wobbling. "We took a cab. Daddy yelled at Isabella and made her cry. We... we didn't know where else to go."

Evelyn crouched down, studying their pitiful expressions. She gently wiped a smudge from Isabella's cheek. "You should go home, sweethearts. Parents don't stay angry for long. I'm sure your father already regrets it."

Their excuse had failed. Alexander squeezed his sister's hand - their secret signal.

On cue, Isabella's lower lip trembled. Big tears welled in her eyes.

"Fine. We'll leave you alone." Alexander tugged his sister's arm dramatically. Isabella resisted, then "accidentally" tumbled onto the gravel path.

"Oww!" A tiny scrape bloomed on her knee.

Evelyn's resolve shattered. She scooped the sobbing girl into her arms. "Shh, it's okay. Let's get you cleaned up." She shot Alexander a look. "Both of you, come inside."

Isabella's tears vanished instantly. She nuzzled into Evelyn's neck. "Miss Evelyn, you're my favorite!"

Evelyn sighed but couldn't suppress a smile.

Inside the modest apartment, Evelyn sat Isabella on the couch and fetched her first aid kit. The girl bravely endured the stinging antiseptic, fascinated when Evelyn tied the bandage into a perfect bow.

Glancing at the clock, Evelyn realized it was nearly lunchtime. "Hungry?"

Two eager nods answered her.

While cartoons played in the background, Evelyn rummaged through her fridge. She'd feed them well before sending them home.

The rice cooker hummed. Evelyn bit her lip. She'd deliberately avoided saving Dominic's number, though the digits were seared into her memory. Even if she had it, calling that intimidating man was unthinkable.

Better to put them in a cab later and secretly ensure they got home safely.

She prepared three simple dishes and a light soup - nutritious but kid-friendly. Her cooking skills were decent, at least.

"Stay here," she instructed before dashing out to buy fried chicken from the clean-looking shop downstairs.

Keys jingling as she returned, Evelyn expected to find Isabella waiting by the door. Instead, she came face-to-face with a towering, broad-shouldered figure.

Her smile died. Her grip on the chicken bag tightened. Every instinct screamed to flee.

But this was her home.

Dominic Blackwood stood in her living room, his storm-gray eyes boring into hers.