Chapter 248
Evelyn wasn't used to cooking for a family yet.
She wanted to make sure Alexander and Isabella had plenty of options, so she prepared an elaborate spread.
The dining table was laden with ham sandwiches, fluffy scrambled eggs, and golden French toast.
Fresh milk steamed in porcelain cups beside bowls of cinnamon-vanilla oatmeal.
At the center sat a perfectly grilled salmon steak, its aroma filling the air.
Dominic sat impeccably dressed in his tailored suit, his aristocratic bearing evident even in his relaxed posture.
His chiseled features remained impassive as he ate with refined elegance.
The twins sat quietly beside Evelyn, struggling with their utensils.
Seeing their clumsy attempts, Evelyn's maternal instincts kicked in.
She speared a slice of ham and brought it to Isabella's lips. "Open wide, sweetheart," she cooed.
Isabella's eyes sparkled as she accepted the bite. Though she'd eaten ham before, this tasted infinitely better.
She flashed a triumphant look at her brother, silently boasting about their mother's attention.
Alexander watched with wide eyes, shoveling oatmeal into his mouth.
After swallowing, he gazed hopefully at Evelyn.
"Feed yourself," Dominic interjected sharply, anticipating his son's request.
Even he hadn't been fed by Evelyn - he wouldn't tolerate such indulgence in his children.
Alexander reluctantly picked up his spoon.
Isabella, sensing the reprimand applied to her too, pushed away Evelyn's helping hand.
Evelyn frowned at Dominic's harshness.
Suddenly, a forkful of salmon appeared before her lips.
The twins gasped. Daddy was feeding Mommy!
Blushing, Evelyn accepted the bite, searching Dominic's enigmatic expression.
Their children stared with hopeful eyes.
Under their expectant gazes, Dominic's stern facade cracked slightly.
He portioned the salmon between their plates.
"But Daddy," Alexander protested, "we don't like fish!"
Isabella nodded vigorously. "Daddy's being mean on purpose!"
She turned to Evelyn for support.
"You don't have to eat it, darlings," Evelyn soothed.
Dominic's voice cut through like steel. "Children shouldn't be picky. You'll finish every bite."
He knew their preferences, but refused to enable bad habits.
"Mean Daddy! I hate you!" Isabella shouted, emboldened by Evelyn's presence.
She shoved her plate away dramatically.
Dominic's fist slammed the table, making the dishes rattle.
Alexander recoiled. Daddy's temper was legendary.
"See, Mommy? Daddy's bullying us!" Isabella wailed, sliding off her chair.
Dominic's icy command froze her mid-escape. "Leave now, and don't come back."
The ultimatum worked instantly.
Tearfully, Isabella returned to her seat and picked at the fish.
Evelyn was appalled. "They're only five, Dominic! This is too harsh!"
"Not a single scrap remains," he ignored her, watching the children.
Isabella viciously mashed her fish in rebellion.
"Please Daddy, I'm full," Alexander tried negotiating.
Dominic's glare silenced further protests.
The twins ate their portions with miserable resignation.
Evelyn stared in shock. She'd seen Dominic's gentle side - this authoritarian behavior was new.
Now she understood why the children feared him.
There were better ways to handle this!
Evelyn's fork clattered loudly. "Is this how you always treat them?" she demanded.
Dominic finally noticed Evelyn's disapproval.
In his household, mealtime discipline was routine.
He'd forgotten Evelyn's presence complicated matters.
How would he smooth this over?