Chapter 239

The boardroom meeting had drained everyone's energy, except Dominic Blackwood. He moved through the corridors like a machine, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floors.

"Papa...mmm..."

Isabella stirred first at the sound of her father's footsteps. She rubbed her sleepy eyes with tiny fists.

Dominic attempted a smile at his daughter, though it came out more like a grimace. Fatherhood had always been a duty to him, not a joy.

This was the first genuine attempt at affection he'd ever shown them.

Isabella froze. His forced smile looked more terrifying than when he'd cried yesterday. She needed to tell Evelyn immediately - Papa was acting strange, like a wolf pretending to be a sheep before pouncing.

Whoosh! She ducked behind the sofa.

Maybe aliens had replaced her father.

Dominic remained oblivious to his daughter's thoughts. In his mind, that smile had been perfectly paternal.

Settling into his leather chair, he pondered how to connect with his children. His secretary entered silently, placing a steaming espresso on his desk before retreating.

Dominic sipped the bitter brew. His gaze shifted between the confused twins before he opened a drawer, retrieving three items.

Two colorful picture books. One kraft paper envelope tied with string.

Alexander and Isabella blinked in unison, exchanging puzzled glances.

Dominic wasn't accustomed to spoiling children. He tossed the books onto the mahogany desk. "Take one each."

"For us?" Alexander scrambled down first, his small hands barely reaching the desktop. Isabella followed, her eyes darting between the books.

The vibrant covers immediately captured their attention.

"Thanks, Papa!" Alexander ripped off the wrapping and dove into his book.

Isabella tore at hers more slowly, sneaking glances at her brother's pages as if his story might be better.

Dominic observed them quietly.

Who knew such simple gifts could bring such joy? They'd even forgotten their hunger.

Pleased with himself, he turned to the DNA report in the envelope. If he'd guessed right about the books, surely his planned speech would work too.

Meanwhile, Katherine Prescott arrived at the police station with her lawyer.

After endless formalities, they were finally led to Seraphina.

Seraphina thought she'd cried herself dry after countless panic attacks in the holding cell. But seeing her mother unleashed fresh tears. "Mama! You have to get me out of here!"

Katherine embraced her daughter. "Hush now. Mr. Langley is here to help."

Though not particularly intelligent, Katherine had mastered the art of seduction, which secured her current wealthy husband. Now obsessed with having a test-tube baby to cement her position, she'd neglected her daughter.

Victor Langley remained impassive. "Ms. Prescott, your mother briefed me. But I need the complete truth - I'm your only hope when this goes to trial."

Seraphina nodded frantically. "I'll tell you everything."

"Were you involved in kidnapping Evelyn Sinclair's grandfather?" Victor's pen hovered over his legal pad.

Seraphina's eyes darted to her mother.

Katherine, who couldn't decide between bridge games and her latest cosmetic procedures, only shrugged. "Just answer him."

Her current husband had refused to help - the forces behind Evelyn were too powerful, their identities shielded even from the police.

"I only suggested the idea!" Seraphina blurted. "Maxwell Lockwood arranged everything! I just wanted Evelyn to marry him!"

Victor scribbled notes. "Explain your relationship with Mr. Lockwood."

Seraphina hesitated before naming Dominic's cousin, shifting all blame onto him.

Victor recorded every detail.

Seraphina relaxed slightly - until remembering she'd spend another night in custody. For someone drowning in fear, each minute stretched into eternity.

Dawn broke early the next morning.

Evelyn awoke stiffly in her hospital bed before six. Every bone ached from staying still all night.

Her eyes flew open when she saw the twins standing by her bed, their faces glowing.

"You two..."

Before she could finish, Isabella threw herself forward, planting a wet kiss on Evelyn's cheek. "Love you, Mama..."

Evelyn froze.

Alexander remained calmer, offering a glass of warm milk. "Morning, Mama. First of many morning greetings."

Evelyn accepted the glass numbly, throat too tight to speak.

Alexander's cheeks pinked. "We saw the DNA test. Don't understand all the big words, but Papa says it proves we're family."