Chapter 35

Footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Miss Sinclair, is Mr. Blackwood with you?" Sebastian Whitmore's professional voice carried through the door.

Evelyn's breath hitched as she turned toward the sound.

"Daddy?" Alexander's voice piped up.

The moment he'd heard Miss Evelyn was hospitalized, the boy had rushed over. Now he stood bouncing at the threshold, but Sebastian held him back.

"Let me in!"

"Shh." Sebastian pressed a finger to his lips.

The assistant maintained a respectful distance. As a professional, he knew better than to witness anything inappropriate between his boss and the woman.

"Daddy?" Alexander raised his small fist to knock.

The door swung open before he could. Dominic Blackwood glared down with icy eyes.

How dare Daddy visit Miss Evelyn without him! Alexander ignored his father's expression and dragged in an oversized fruit basket and stuffed animal. He launched himself at Evelyn. "Miss Evelyn! Are you feeling better?"

Evelyn's smile froze. Heat still lingered on her cheeks.

Sebastian caught Dominic's subtle nod and discreetly exited.

Dominic turned his glare toward his son, now receiving head pats from Evelyn. "Stop clinging to her. She needs rest."

Alexander immediately released her.

"You should lie down, Miss Evelyn..."

Evelyn shot Dominic an exasperated look. The man who'd kept her up all night had no right to talk about rest.

Dominic's sculpted features remained impassive as he strode into the bathroom and locked the door. The exhaust fan whirred to life, followed by the distinctive click of a lighter.

"Miss Evelyn, does Daddy's smoking bother you?"

She shook her head.

"Do you have a fever?" Alexander set down his toy and pressed one hand to Evelyn's forehead, the other to his own. "You feel warmer than me."

Evelyn nodded. "A little."

She certainly couldn't explain she'd been hospitalized due to... certain pharmaceutical effects.

Alexander pushed the gifts toward her. "I brought fruits and this teddy because Isabella says girls heal faster with stuffed animals."

"You're so thoughtful." Evelyn couldn't resist pinching his cheeks.

Spending time with father and son had revealed stark contrasts.

One was considerate and kind.

The other was domineering and selfish.

Would Alexander develop properly under such influence?

Noticing Evelyn's frown, Alexander followed her gaze to the bathroom door. "Daddy's actually nice," the boy declared, scrunching his face in concentration. "Sure, he's moody and obsessive about weird things. He hates most people and only eats seven specific foods. But deep down, he's good."

From the bathroom came the sound of a cigarette being crushed with unnecessary force.

Evelyn moved to the mini-fridge. "Would you like some water?"

The appliance was nearly empty - just a half-finished bottle remained. She poured the last into a glass.

Alexander gulped it down instantly.

Evelyn stared at the empty bottle.

"I'm totally full now!" the boy announced, patting his stomach with transparent falsehood.

Children's lies were endearingly obvious. Evelyn checked the clock - 7:30 PM. She needed to end this visit before boundaries blurred further.

After ruffling Alexander's hair, she approached the bathroom door. "Are you finished?"

Silence.

"I need to use the facilities." Her dismissal couldn't be clearer.

Still no response.

Evelyn's cheeks burned as she recalled what awaited inside. Earlier, she'd showered and left her lace underwear soaking. The delicate garment with its strategic cutouts wasn't something she could casually replace.

Worse, the evidence of her... episode... remained clearly visible on the fabric.

There was no way Dominic hadn't noticed.

Gathering courage, Evelyn pushed the door open.

Dominic's smoldering gaze locked onto her. "Out!" he growled.

"Sorry! I-" She slammed the door shut, heart pounding.

"Was Daddy peeing?" Alexander asked innocently, looking up from his homework.

Evelyn's face flamed.

The image was seared into her mind - Dominic standing at the toilet, belt undone, cigarette dangling from his lips while he...

How would she ever sleep tonight?

That visual would haunt her forever.

"Girls can't watch boys pee. Naughty!" Alexander stuck out his tongue.

Evelyn wished the floor would swallow her. To be chastised by a child about adult matters...

Her legs trembled as she retreated to the farthest corner of the room.