Chapter 206
Evelyn shook her head stiffly, signaling she was fine. Worried his dark expression might scare the children, she quickly stepped out of his embrace and gave him a grateful nod.
Dominic's arms felt abruptly empty. He watched as Evelyn led their children away, his gaze a turbulent mix of concern and growing resentment.
Her coldness earlier had stung, even if she'd only acted that way because others might see. What frustrated him more was this unbearable need to claim her as his own. How he longed to stride over, pull her into his arms, and declare to the world that Evelyn Sinclair belonged to Dominic Blackwood!
That this woman had borne his children.
Not just one, but two perfect twins.
Evelyn kept her head low as she nodded at the town officials before practically fleeing the scene. The last thing she needed was for them to get the wrong idea.
"Quite the tender moment, Mr. Blackwood! Why don't we ever see that side of you during our dinners?" One of the middle-aged officials chuckled at the display.
Dominic's masculine appeal was undeniable.
He carried himself with mature authority, yet possessed striking features that put even celebrities to shame. That chiseled jawline and intense gaze could make any woman's heart flutter with just one look.
Yet this seemingly unattainable man had never shown interest in any of the women who'd thrown themselves at him.
Everyone present witnessed how his eyes tracked that ordinary young woman's retreating figure...
Evelyn overheard the comment and quickened her pace, putting more distance between them.
Throughout the river survey, she deliberately avoided Dominic, terrified someone might notice their interactions and start rumors.
They skipped lunch, settling for an early dinner instead.
Dominic and Sebastian were dining with the officials, leaving the communal table unusually quiet.
According to veteran colleagues, these official dinners were merely preludes to more... colorful after-hours activities.
The ways men entertained themselves could defy imagination.
Everyone had seen Dominic steady Evelyn by the waist earlier. Since she was his cousin's widow holding his son, they assumed it was just familial concern.
They saw it as proof their cold exterior boss had a warm heart—at least toward relatives. No one suspected anything more.
As chatter continued, Julian spoke up in defense of men. "Stop generalizing! We're not all walking stereotypes!"
A female colleague scoffed. "Relax, you're not even on our radar." She turned to Evelyn. "You don't mind us gossiping about the boss, right?"
They wanted to indulge but needed to consider Evelyn's position.
"I'm not that close to him anyway," Evelyn said carefully.
They bought it.
The woman leaned in. "Last year, a young actress was hospitalized for a month after one of those after-dinner parties. Rumor has it she was sitting in the boss's lap. Of course, no photos ever surfaced."
How horrifying...
Evelyn prayed it was just vicious gossip.
At dusk, she brought the twins inside from the courtyard.
Colleagues asked if Dominic would collect them, but Evelyn made excuses.
By nine, everyone had retired, lulled by the town's nighttime tranquility.
Her vibrating phone startled her awake.
She'd silenced it to avoid disturbing the children.
Recognizing the number, she hesitated before answering. "Yes?"
"Why the delay? Open the door." Dominic's deep voice commanded through the phone.
Glancing at the sleeping children, she whispered, "It's late. Let them stay tonight. You can return to A City alone." She couldn't bear to wake them—or part with them.
One more night was all she asked.
Business dinners meant alcohol. Surely he'd forget about the kids tonight.
But his next words proved him sober. "I'll decide after I'm inside. Open the door."
Evelyn eyed the door warily. "Have you been drinking? Maybe Sebastian should take you to an inn—"
The small town's silence amplified every sound.
If alcohol-fueled Dominic caused a scene, she'd have no explanations left.
"Afraid I'll want you? We've done it before. Didn't you enjoy it?" His husky voice sent heat rushing from her ears down her neck.
"Quiet!" Her pulse raced.
The upstairs landing connected multiple rooms where colleagues slept.
If they saw Dominic at her door, they'd assume he came for the children.
But if anyone overheard that remark... How would she ever face them at work again?