Chapter 212
Dominic's entire being radiated an icy chill that warned everyone to keep their distance.
Evelyn tightened her jacket and turned her head weakly toward the window. She remained silent.
After Sebastian helped Evelyn into the car and shut the door, he went to retrieve the two children who were doing their homework and brought them to the vehicle.
The backseat of the Bentley was spacious. The children climbed in one after another, but their father made no move to assist them. His gaze held nothing but disdain when it landed on them.
The twins were accustomed to this treatment and didn't seem particularly upset.
Isabella scooted closer to Evelyn. "Can I sit with you, Miss Eve?"
"Of course, come here..." Evelyn replied softly.
She took Isabella's small hand and pulled the girl into her arms.
To an outsider, it might have looked like a family outing, except for the father's obvious detachment...
Alexander wanted to join them too, but when he saw his father's stormy expression, he hesitated and stayed put.
The observant boy could sense his father's foul mood.
He sat across from Dominic on the plush leather seat, buckled himself in, and stared wordlessly at his father.
———
In the city...
After Maxwell cleaned up and changed clothes, he left the bar with Sophia in tow.
His only reason for bringing her along was her claim of being Evelyn's elder sister...
To Maxwell, Sophia was no different from any other cheap woman—until he learned she was a Montgomery and Evelyn's half-sister. That made her suddenly interesting.
Being with Sophia gave him a twisted sense of satisfaction, even though they shared no blood relation to Evelyn.
He even entertained the sick fantasy that they were full sisters. That way, he'd have some twisted victory over Evelyn.
Unfortunately, they weren't.
From the passenger seat, Sophia studied Maxwell's expression carefully.
The car sped down the road as Maxwell's face remained unreadable. His eyes were dark and dangerous, lips pressed into a thin line. Occasionally, he took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled through his nostrils.
He parked outside an exclusive restaurant.
Lillian was dressed casually in a hoodie and oversized sunglasses, her hair in a ponytail. She looked like any ordinary college student.
The restaurant belonged to a close friend, so she didn't worry about paparazzi. Still, she remained cautious—they seemed to lurk everywhere. Just last night, despite her precautions, they'd managed to snap photos...
When Maxwell entered the private dining room, Lillian glanced at his companion. "Who's this?"
Sophia froze. This was her first time meeting a real celebrity face-to-face. Up close, Lillian wasn't as flawless as she appeared on screen—most of her photos were clearly edited.
Even so, Lillian's beauty was undeniable. Her features were striking, her figure enviable.
Sophia burned with jealousy—why were some people simply born luckier?
"A friend," Maxwell answered dismissively. He sat down and stared at Lillian without preamble.
Lillian knew what he wanted. "My mother says my father's in a meeting at the Capital. He probably hasn't heard about the incident yet."
Realizing the suppression didn't come from Lillian's parents or agency, Maxwell lit another cigarette and pondered. When his thoughts landed on Dominic, he smirked coldly. "He's always one step ahead."
"What? Who is?" Lillian asked.
"Nothing." Maxwell tossed his lighter onto the table, ignoring Sophia completely. "Didn't you want to meet my wife? We'll go after lunch."
"So soon?" Lillian looked surprised.
Sophia watched their exchange silently. When her eyes met Lillian's, she offered an awkward smile.
Noticing Sophia's nervousness, Lillian remained polite despite not knowing who she was. "Nice to meet you."
"N-Nice to meet you too! I'm Sophia Montgomery!" Sophia stammered, flustered by the celebrity's attention.
Maxwell eyed her pathetic display with disdain. He took another drag and closed his eyes. "She wants into the entertainment industry. If possible, mentor her. She says she doesn't mind starting as an extra."
Though not part of high society, Lillian and Maxwell moved in exclusive circles far removed from ordinary wealth.
Recognizing Sophia's surname and Maxwell's tone, Lillian nodded. "You want to be an actress? It requires patience. If you're willing, I'll mentor you and pass along suitable opportunities."
"Really?" Sophia's jaw dropped. "Thank you, Ms. Prescott! Thank you so much!"
Her shrill voice echoed through the room. She looked ready to kneel in gratitude.
With Lillian's agreement secured, the three set off for the small town to find Evelyn.
———
Meanwhile, in the small town...
The entire car ride passed in silence.
Isabella sat comfortably on Evelyn's lap and soon dozed off.
The other two cars arrived first. T Corporation executives, town officials, and Evelyn's colleagues stepped out.
Evelyn glanced at the sleeping girl in her arms, conflicted.
Sitting beside Dominic already felt unbearable, but the man's terrible mood made her hesitate to switch cars—who knew what he might do?
She didn't dare show too much affection toward his children in front of strangers either, lest it spark gossip. "Could you carry the children?" she asked the man beside her.
Dominic had drunk too much last night and slept poorly. His physical intimacy with Evelyn had left him frustrated, his temper fluctuating with his hormones.
This morning brought no peace either—photos of Maxwell and the woman in his arms were plastered all over the internet...
His anger wouldn't subside until his and Evelyn's names appeared on a marriage certificate.
Rubbing his temples, Dominic exited the car and walked to the other side. As he took his daughter from Evelyn's arms, his hand accidentally brushed against her chest.