Chapter 346

Margaret Lockwood jabbed a finger at Julian Blackwood's face. "Look at your brother. He already has two children, so when is your turn to settle down? You're getting married tomorrow! I've arranged several matchmaking sessions for you."

Julian groaned. "No way, Mom! I'm still young—"

"Enough excuses," Margaret interrupted. "If you don't want marriage, then give me a grandchild like Dominic did."

Julian stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Now that's an idea worth considering."

One baby could buy him years of freedom from his mother's nagging.

Reginald Blackwood's cane came down hard on Julian's leg. "Over my dead body, you scoundrel!"

"That's not fair, Grandpa!" Julian protested. "Why can Dominic have kids out of wedlock but not me? The twins—"

Dominic's sharp glare silenced him immediately.

Julian suddenly noticed Alexander and Isabella staring at him with wide eyes. He'd nearly made a terrible mistake.

"My bad, bro," Julian muttered sheepishly.

"Enough chatter. Let's eat," Reginald declared, ending all discussion.

The meal passed in tense silence for most adults, though the twins devoured their food with gusto.

Evelyn Sinclair kept feeding the children, occasionally wiping their messy faces with a napkin.

Reginald observed her maternal care approvingly. His opinion of Evelyn rose slightly.

Beatrice Lockwood maintained her sour expression, silently cursing Evelyn's deceptive act.

Midway through breakfast, Margaret excused herself, claiming illness.

The doorbell rang moments later.

"Mr. Blackwood, Miss Prescott is here," announced the housekeeper through the intercom.

Evelyn's head snapped up. She shot Dominic a questioning look.

Why would Lillian Prescott visit so early?

Beatrice brightened immediately. "Father, please let Lillian in. It's the fifteenth—she must be here to see you. So thoughtful in this cold weather."

Reginald glanced at Evelyn's composed face before murmuring, "Very well."

He wasn't senile. He knew Lillian came for Dominic, not him.

While he tolerated Evelyn's presence, she needed occasional reminders. After all, she'd dragged his grandson through unnecessary scandals.

Lillian swept in wearing knee-high boots.

Her perfect smile faltered when she saw Evelyn seated beside Dominic, feeding the twins.

'That bastard! After last night with me, he brings Evelyn here? What game is he playing?'

But Lillian mastered her emotions instantly.

"Grandfather Blackwood, Aunt Beatrice..." she greeted sweetly, showcasing her designer winter dress that accentuated her curves.

Her graceful demeanor radiated aristocratic breeding—exactly what elders appreciated.

She shot Evelyn a contemptuous glance.

Evelyn's plain T-shirt looked pathetic compared to Lillian's glamour.

"You must join us for breakfast," Beatrice insisted, dragging Lillian to the table.

After token protests, Lillian sat down, stealing resentful glances at Dominic.

Evelyn's appetite vanished.

Dominic frowned at their uninvited guest.

'Why does Lillian keep looking at me like I've wronged her? Is she delusional?'

"Aunt Beatrice, when did Ms. Sinclair arrive?" Lillian asked casually.

Before Beatrice could answer, Alexander patted his full belly. "Mommy slept in Daddy's room last night! They were very nice to each other!"

The boy instantly disliked Lillian.

Lillian paled. "Dominic, you weren't home last night, right?" Impossible. He'd been with her.

Dominic ignored her. Noticing Evelyn's discomfort, he stood abruptly.

"Grandfather, we're finished." He took Evelyn and the twins' hands. "We'll be upstairs."

"Dominic, wait—" Lillian called uselessly as the family disappeared up the staircase.

Her fists clenched. That perfect family tableau burned her eyes.

"Don't mind him, dear," Beatrice soothed. "He'll regret this soon."

Lillian forced a smile, appetite gone.

"Was Dominic really home last night?" she pressed.

"Who knows? I didn't see the ungrateful boy when I went to bed at one. Then he brought Evelyn here this morning! Infuriating!"

Reginald cleared his throat. "Excuse me." He retired with the housekeeper's assistance.

Julian also fled the two women's company.

Alone with Beatrice, Lillian considered confessing last night's encounter but decided against it. The timing wasn't right.

Upstairs, Dominic and the twins worked to lift Evelyn's mood after Lillian's appearance.

Then Evelyn's phone rang.

It was Olivia Kensington.

Evelyn answered immediately.

"I'm... I'm pregnant," came Olivia's panicked whisper.