Chapter 213
"I'm sleepy, Daddy..." Isabella slumped drowsily against Dominic's shoulder, her tiny lips forming a pout.
Evelyn stepped out of the car, lifting her gaze to meet Dominic's intense dark eyes.
Her chest still ached where he'd touched her earlier—more sensitive than yesterday. A quick mental calculation confirmed her suspicion. It must be that time of the month.
Dominic adjusted his daughter in his arms, glanced at his son who was preoccupied with a stick, then locked eyes with Evelyn. "Stay here with the kids."
At the same time, he signaled the nanny inside the vehicle.
Sebastian had his own tasks. An executive assistant's job never ended—always juggling his boss's needs alongside his own workload, often busier than the man himself.
The car was parked near the rural outskirts, with a five-year-old girl napping inside. No responsible parent would leave her unattended.
Evelyn was more than willing to stay, but she hesitated, eyeing her coworkers gathered nearby. "What will they think—"
"Let them speculate," Dominic said coldly. After setting Isabella down, he lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled slowly. As he passed Evelyn, his gaze bore into hers. "Regardless of anything else, remember—you're the one who shared my bed."
His voice was low, but the words pierced Evelyn's ears like shards of glass.
She suspected jealousy drove Dominic's behavior today, though he'd never admit it.
A truly considerate man would prioritize the bigger picture, ensuring no situation escalated. That was maturity. Responsibility.
Evelyn admired men like that—strategists, thinkers. Not arrogant brutes who defaulted to aggression.
Dominic's exterior radiated calm control, but beneath it simmered possessive fire.
Evelyn exhaled in relief as he walked away, his brow furrowed. She slid back into the car, leaning over to press a tender kiss to her daughter's rosy cheek.
Meanwhile, the team continued their site tour. Workers jotted down the boss's notes for later revisions.
Lunch arrived via a town delivery—limited options in this rural area meant identical meals for all.
Once Isabella woke, Evelyn led both children outside. She couldn't hide in the car all day—people might accuse her of slacking.
She refused special treatment, even as the boss's cousin's wife. Her colleagues would resent that.
Isabella played with her brother while Evelyn alternated between work and keeping watch.
As Evelyn fed Isabella sauerkraut—the child's first taste, judging by her delighted expression—a Porsche kicked up dust in the distance.
The car splashed through a puddle before halting before the group.
Evelyn's hand froze mid-air.
She recognized that vehicle instantly. Maxwell's.
Why was he here?
"Uncle Max!" Isabella chirped, spotting the man exiting the car. He looked well-rested, energetic.
Evelyn's coworkers erupted in whispers.
She couldn't decipher the words, but the topic was obvious—this morning's scandalous headlines.
They assumed Maxwell came to apologize for his affair with celebrity Lillian Prescott.
Some probably believed Evelyn had known all along—hence the divorce filing.
Now the entire world knew.
No woman would tolerate such humiliation.
Why Maxwell resisted the divorce remained a mystery.
Wealthy families bred endless scandals. The truth behind their gilded walls often surpassed the wildest rumors.
Maxwell carried a crate of premium imported drinks—the kind that cost six dollars per tiny bottle at gourmet stores.
Average office workers rarely indulged. Six dollars bought a Starbucks coffee.
"Appreciate everyone's hard work," Maxwell announced, setting the crate down. "Enjoy."
"Hello, Uncle Max," Isabella greeted politely.
Maxwell crouched, arms outstretched. "Give uncle a hug!"
"Finish your lunch first." Evelyn pulled Isabella closer, settling her on a rock before resuming feeding.
Isabella obediently opened her mouth for another bite of sauerkraut, savoring the new flavor.
Colleagues collected drinks with murmured thanks.
One woman gulped hers and nudged Julian. "See? He probably does this on Lillian's film sets too. Recycling his playbook for the wife."
Julian pretended not to hear. Some battles weren't worth fighting.
No one recognized Lillian in her casual disguise—just two women accompanying Maxwell. Perhaps here to convince Evelyn to reconsider.
Workers dispersed with their drinks, stealing glances at Evelyn while pretending to review blueprints.
Someone snapped photos—Evelyn, Maxwell, and the slender mystery woman whose face remained obscured.
Evelyn stood abruptly, preparing to leave with Isabella.
"Excuse me, I have work—"
She turned directly into Dominic descending the hill with Sebastian and two surveyors.
The employees collected their lunches while Dominic approached Evelyn.
His gaze flicked to Maxwell, then the woman—undoubtedly Lillian, though he showed no reaction.
"Unexpected visit?" Dominic's tone was neutral. One hand ruffled Isabella's hair while the other claimed Evelyn's water cup, drinking deeply from the rim where her lipstick faintly lingered.
Evelyn's pulse stuttered.
Lillian's eyes widened. That cup bore the imprint of Evelyn's lips...