Chapter 358

Evelyn Sinclair's fingers dug into her handbag, her knuckles turning white as she took in the scene before her.

A hurricane raged inside her chest, yet her face remained an impenetrable mask of calm.

"Scarlett Fairchild, room number three!" A sharply dressed hostess called out urgently.

"Coming!" Scarlett flashed an apologetic smile at Margaret. "Please excuse me, I'm needed elsewhere."

Margaret nodded graciously, waving her off.

Dominic swept Margaret off her feet in a bridal carry, disappearing into their private dining room.

The sight of Dominic's tenderness toward Margaret sent daggers through Lillian Prescott's heart.

'Margaret Sinclair?!'

'That washed-up nobody?!'

'How dare Dominic treat her like some precious treasure when he's never shown me such affection!'

Lillian's nails bit into her palms as she recalled every sacrifice she'd made for Dominic, every ounce of devotion she'd poured into their relationship. The injustice burned like acid in her throat.

The picture-perfect family of four twisted the knife deeper. While Margaret basked in Dominic's public affection, Lillian remained invisible in the shadows. Unacceptable!

Jealousy curdled into something darker, more dangerous.

She was Dominic's woman now. One way or another, she would claim what was rightfully hers. If she couldn't have his heart, she'd settle for his body.

Lillian's face contorted as she watched the happy family retreat. She wasn't done fighting.

Her gaze landed on the regal Persian cat cradled in Isabella's arms. A cruel smile twisted her lips...

Lillian adjusted her oversized sunglasses and wound a silk scarf tightly around her face.

She slipped into the restroom.

After ensuring she was alone, she made a discreet phone call before exiting.

Blue Honors' private rooms bore poetic names like Gilded Chrysanthemum, Azure Pavilion, Moonlit Courtyard, and Oceanview Terrace.

Each space was a masterpiece of design.

The Sinclair-Blackwoods had been seated in Crystal Brook - the establishment's crown jewel. The duplex VIP room transported guests to an enchanted forest with its towering century-old pistacia tree whose branches stretched across the ceiling.

A babbling brook wound between smooth stones beneath the flowering canopy. The whisper of pine needles mimicked ocean waves.

Antique coral displays and silver artifacts completed the breathtaking tableau.

Evelyn marveled at the ingenuity. No wonder the prices were astronomical. This was no ordinary dining experience.

"The ambiance is extraordinary," Evelyn remarked, running her fingers along the glass floor that revealed colorful koi swimming beneath their feet.

"If you enjoy it, we'll make this our regular spot," Dominic murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Having frequented such establishments countless times - not to mention his investments in their design - Dominic remained unfazed. But Evelyn's wonder was infectious.

Their children sat with impeccable posture, table manners honed by Dominic's exacting standards.

The Persian cat lounged in Isabella's lap like royalty, purring as the girl stroked its lustrous coat.

A waiter in crisp blue livery served their meal with silent efficiency - Alba truffles, golden caviar, Royale pizza, seafood curry - each dish rarer than the last before bowing out.

"My darlings, you need proper nutrition to grow strong," Evelyn began, reaching for the serving utensils.

Dominic was already plating her meal. "Try this first. The flavors are exceptional."

Evelyn glanced at Alexander and Isabella's expectant faces, flushing. "The children should—"

"They have functioning limbs," Dominic stated matter-of-factly. "I serve my wife first."

"..." The twins exchanged exasperated looks.

They might as well have shouted, 'Must you flaunt your favoritism so blatantly, Father?'

But years of witnessing Dominic's devotion had inured them to such displays. They simply picked up their utensils with resigned sighs.

The rich aromas roused the dozing Persian cat. Its golden eyes snapped open, pink tongue darting out as its tail twitched with excitement.

The feline's comical yearning drew laughter from the table.

Alexander and Isabella prepared a plate for their furry companion, who ate with dainty relish, eliciting more amusement.

The Blackwood family's laughter echoed through Crystal Brook as they enjoyed their meal with their pampered pet.

Meanwhile, in a shadowed alley, Lillian exchanged a thick envelope with a masked figure.

The raspy-voiced man handed her a tin of cat food and a syringe filled with emerald liquid.

"You're certain this works?" Lillian eyed the concoction skeptically.

"After all our years working together, you question me now?" The man's chuckle was dry as parchment. "One injection will drive any cat to madness. But be warned - an enraged cat is formidable. Its claws will shred flesh from bone."

Lillian's lips curled. "Precisely what I require."

She intended to leave Evelyn's pretty face in ruins.