Chapter 361
The entire scene unfolded in a heartbeat, leaving everyone stunned.
Little Isabella's eyes widened in terror as the once docile Persian cat suddenly lunged at her with wild fury.
The child's breath hitched, frozen in place.
"Isabella!"
Evelyn's maternal instincts kicked in instantly. She swept both Alexander and Isabella into her protective embrace, shielding their small faces against her chest while turning her back toward the rabid animal.
The white feline had transformed completely - its pristine fur now bristled like needles, sapphire eyes glowing crimson. Razor-sharp claws tore through Evelyn's cashmere sweater.
"Get off!" Evelyn shoved violently at the creature.
She couldn't comprehend how this gentle pet that had been purring contentedly moments ago turned into this savage beast.
What kind of drug could alter an animal's temperament so drastically within minutes?
The chemically-enhanced cat resisted Evelyn's attempts to dislodge it, only growing more enraged. Its claws raked across her delicate neck.
White-hot pain exploded. Warm blood trickled down her collarbone.
Evelyn's palms turned clammy. She remained statue-still, terrified any movement might endanger her children.
She prayed security would arrive before this crazed animal attacked more innocent guests.
Nearby, another victim clutched her bleeding face, screaming as she fled toward the dining area.
"Help! There's a rabid cat in the restroom!" The woman gasped between sobs to passing waitstaff. "It attacked me! A mother and two children are still trapped there!"
The staff paled, immediately dropping their trays to summon security through their earpieces before sprinting toward the crisis.
At that precise moment, the VIP suite doors swung open. Dominic Blackwood emerged, his towering frame radiating lethal energy.
The injured woman froze upon seeing him, momentarily forgetting her wounds.
Dominic didn't spare her a glance. His obsidian eyes darkened dangerously as he stormed toward the restroom.
Inside, chaos reigned.
Evelyn huddled in a corner, clutching her sobbing children. Blood seeped from her neck wound as she stared at the twitching feline on the floor.
Both children trembled violently, traumatized by witnessing their beloved pet turn vicious. They'd never forget how this creature nearly mauled their mother.
Outside, security personnel gathered with riot gear, prepared to euthanize the animal if it revived.
One glance at the cat's condition told them survival was unlikely. James Kensington's brutal kick had shattered its skull.
Evelyn murmured soothing words to her children before addressing their unexpected savior. "Thank you, Mr. Kensington."
Had James not arrived when he did, the outcome could've been catastrophic.
The Holston Group CEO stood impeccably dressed, diamond cufflinks glinting as he idly held a cigarette between his fingers.
He glanced disdainfully at the dying animal. "Unacceptable security lapse for an establishment of this caliber. Preston's team grows more incompetent by the day."
"Ma'am, are you alright?" Scarlett Fairchild arrived breathlessly in her uniform, forehead glistening with sweat.
Her face drained of color upon seeing Evelyn's injuries. "I'm so sorry! My cat's never behaved this way before!"
Tears streamed down the waitress's cheeks as she spotted her barely breathing pet. Though heartbroken, she knew she'd face consequences.
Evelyn couldn't bring herself to blame the distraught girl. "Just don't bring pets to work anymore, Ms. Fairchild."
Scarlett's trembling shoulders and quiet sobs stirred something primal in James. That vulnerable sound...
It reminded him of that drunken night years ago when he'd taken a woman violently. Her pleading whimpers still haunted him, though her face remained blurred in memory.
As Scarlett lifted her tear-streaked face, an overwhelming presence approached.
Simultaneously, Evelyn found herself swept into powerful arms - Dominic Blackwood had arrived.