Chapter 262

The twins headed straight to the study to tackle their homework while Evelyn busied herself in the kitchen.

A basin of water sat in the sink, two fish swimming lazily inside. Dinner tonight would be fish—nutritious, perfect for growing children.

Even if Alexander and Isabella were picky eaters, Evelyn was determined to expand their palates.

Her hands moved mechanically as she prepped the ingredients, but her mind was elsewhere.

Seeing Dominic and Vivienne in the same car earlier had unsettled her.

She tried to push the thought away, but unease clung to her like a stubborn shadow.

Grabbing the first fish, she imagined it was Dominic.

Thwack! Thwack! The rolling pin came down hard. The fish went still.

Part of her wanted to call him, but pride held her back.

If this really was just business, her call would only be a distraction.

Yet Xavier's warning echoed in her mind, making her stomach twist.

She shoved the thought aside.

Soon, the table was set—roasted fish with a side of maple-glazed mashed potatoes.

Evelyn called the children to dinner.

"Mmm, it smells amazing! I'm starving..." Isabella rubbed her belly dramatically.

Evelyn tapped her daughter's nose playfully. "Then eat up tonight."

"Isn't Daddy joining us?" Alexander asked between bites.

Evelyn glanced at the clock. It was getting late.

She shook her head. "He's busy with work. Be good and finish your food."

Dinner was unusually quiet. The twins ate without complaint, their eyelids growing heavy.

Afterward, Evelyn bathed them, tucked them into bed, and smoothed their hair.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

They murmured sleepy replies, their identical faces peaceful in the dim light.

Evelyn traced their soft cheeks, smiling faintly. These two were proof of the love she once shared with the man of her dreams.

But as the hours ticked by with no sign of Dominic, her smile faded.

Soft classical music filled the upscale restaurant, a favorite spot for couples.

Dominic sat at the table, his tailored Armani suit and sharp features exuding an air of effortless power.

The angled lighting cast intriguing shadows across his face.

Vivienne picked at her foie gras, struggling to hide her infatuation. "Now that Alexander and Isabella are older, have you considered pursuing a relationship, Mr. Blackwood?"

Dominic leaned back, studying her. "I didn't realize my personal life interested you, Ms. Laurent."

She forced a light laugh. "Age changes priorities. Work used to be everything, but now I value relationships more. You're an exceptional man. What kind of woman would be your ideal match?"

In all her years working for him, Dominic had kept his private life fiercely guarded.

Public appearances were rare. Romantic entanglements? Nonexistent.

She'd once assumed he simply wasn't interested—until she learned about the twins.

The discovery had stunned and infuriated her. Worse, the mother remained a mystery.

But Dominic wasn't married. That left the door open.

And Vivienne intended to walk through it.

As Dominic considered her question, Evelyn's face flashed in his mind.

"About five-foot-five. Straight black hair. Big eyes. Fair skin. Quiet demeanor."

Vivienne's stomach dropped.

At five-eight with curly hair and an assertive personality, she was the opposite of everything he'd described.

Years ago, his answer had been different—he'd wanted a driven, ambitious partner.

She'd molded herself into that woman. Now, his preferences had shifted.

It enraged her.

She was beautiful, wealthy, capable. No one was better suited for him.

Yet as he spoke, his gaze softened in a way she'd never seen before.

It made her want to destroy something.

Five-foot-five. Straight black hair. Big eyes. Fair skin.

The description fit only one person: Evelyn.

Vivienne kept eating, her expression neutral. But her grip on the fork tightened, betraying her fury.

Evelyn...

I won't let anyone stand in my way.

Later, as Dominic's car passed a convenience store, Vivienne spoke up. "Could we stop? I need to pick something up."

Though eager to get home, Dominic signaled the driver to pull over.

Vivienne hurried inside, returning moments later with a small black bag.

The car resumed its journey, dropping her off before continuing to the estate.

Unnoticed beneath the seat: a crumpled pair of black lace panties, price tag torn off.