Chapter 217

Evelyn tucked the keys into her purse, slipped into her house shoes, and crept toward the bedroom. Two small figures lay sleeping - one curled on the bed, the other sprawled across Dominic's chest.

She carefully draped blankets over both Isabella and Alexander before turning to leave. That's when Dominic's bloodshot eyes snapped open. Exhaustion carved deep lines beneath his furrowed brows, crimson veins spiderwebbing across his tired gaze.

Normally, she'd remind him to rest - whether as his employee or the mother of his children. But tonight, words failed her. Sebastian's frantic phone call still echoed in her mind.

"Mr. Blackwood attended a dinner meeting after returning yesterday. The children were left alone in the penthouse with no supervision."

"He overindulged last night. We've lost contact at the hotel..."

Dominic Blackwood was failing spectacularly at single parenthood.

As Dominic stirred, Isabella woke with a start, jostling Alexander awake in turn. The little boy rubbed his eyes, blinking up at Evelyn before clutching her leg. "Why are you here, Miss Eve?" His voice wobbled with sleep.

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes as she knelt to cup his face. "Where did you take your sister yesterday? Do you know how worried we all were?"

Alexander's mind raced back to yesterday's events - napping with Daddy and Isabella, Dominic's disastrous attempt at breakfast despite his foul mood, then the stern instructions before he left for work. They needed to make Daddy the villain in their story if they wanted Miss Eve to stay forever.

Now the boy buried his face in Evelyn's sweater. "I'm sorry, Miss Eve. I won't do it again."

Evelyn pulled him close, kissing his tousled hair. "Where did you go last night? Were you frightened? How did you get home?" The rapid-fire questions overwhelmed the unprepared child, who shot a panicked look toward the bathroom where Dominic was washing up.

"Took shelter in a McDonald's overnight," Dominic called hoarsely over running water. "My phone died. The manor was empty."

Perhaps the children had called the estate. Perhaps they'd considered a taxi. But with no one answering and no way inside, what choice did they have?

"Why didn't you contact your father or Uncle Sebastian?" Evelyn pressed.

Alexander bit his lip. Stupid Daddy! You expect me to spin all these lies? "I... didn't have cab money. Scared of bad drivers who might kidnap us."

Isabella's trembling lip and wide eyes sold the story better than any words. After comforting both children, Evelyn tucked them in. "You must be exhausted after your adventure. Try to sleep."

The children obediently closed their eyes, though neither felt tired. Evelyn waited until their breathing evened out before slipping from the room.

She found Dominic on the balcony, cigarette smoke curling around his broad shoulders - shoulders that once made her feel safe. Now they only reminded her of his unreliability.

Stepping outside, she spoke without thinking. "If you can't care for them properly, let me help."

No mother should endure the terror of missing children.

Dominic stubbed out his cigarette. "I've never denied you that right." The cramped balcony forced them into uncomfortable proximity. Evelyn searched his face for answers, but the polished businessman remained inscrutable.

She remembered Sebastian mentioning an important dinner. What could possibly justify abandoning your children overnight? Anger simmered beneath her skin, but she bit it back. What right did she have to judge?

Dominic's next question struck like a blade. "In your current situation, how exactly would you care for them?"

Evelyn's mouth opened, then closed. She stood frozen until Dominic brushed past her, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Five-year-olds couldn't care for themselves. Grandfather Blackwood was hospitalized. The manor staff had other duties. That left only Beatrice Lockwood - capable, but unpredictable.

Evelyn found Dominic shaving in the bathroom. "I could commute between towns. The trains run frequently, though school pickups would be difficult."

Dominic continued scraping the razor across his jaw, his reflection revealing nothing. When he finally turned, the sharp scent of aftershave filled the space between them. "I won't object. But my mother might."

Beatrice. Of course.

Dominic seemed to reach a decision. "We'll do a DNA test this afternoon." His gaze held hers. "No one can keep a mother from her children."