Chapter 362

Dominic's familiar, scorching breath washed over Evelyn.

His masculine scent enveloped her, that distinctive blend of sandalwood and mint that always calmed her nerves. As his strong arms tightened around her neck, Evelyn felt her initial panic subsiding.

The fear that had gripped her moments ago melted away under his touch.

She hadn't realized how shaken she was until seeing Dominic. Now the floodgates opened, emotions pouring out uncontrollably.

"Dominic..." Evelyn whispered hoarsely.

Without hesitation, Dominic swept her into his arms and carried her to a nearby bench. His stormy gaze immediately zeroed in on the angry scratches marring her delicate neck.

Pain flashed across his handsome features, quickly replaced by barely contained fury.

Evelyn instinctively raised a hand to cover the wounds, self-conscious about their ugliness.

Dominic gently brushed aside a stray lock of hair clinging to her damp cheek. His fingers tilted her chin upward. "One minute out of my sight and you're injured?" His voice held that dangerous edge she knew too well. "How am I supposed to let you out alone if you can't even protect yourself? You're worse than the twins."

Evelyn surrendered to his possessive embrace.

Pressed against his chest, she could hear his usually steady heartbeat racing wildly.

Dominic Blackwood never lost composure.

Yet now his heart pounded like a drum, betraying his distress.

"That Persian cat just... snapped. It went straight for Isabella. I didn't have time to think." Evelyn frowned. "That's what's strange - it was perfectly calm during dinner. Why would it suddenly attack?"

Dominic stroked her hair soothingly. "Leave it to me. I'll get to the bottom of this." His icy glare fell upon the lifeless feline. 'No animal turns violent without cause. Someone must have drugged it.'

Nearby, James Kensington expertly comforted the still-sobbing twins.

The seasoned father had far more experience handling children than Dominic.

After years dealing with his own mischievous son Oliver, James had mastered the art of distraction. With Alexander and Isabella being naturally well-behaved, it took mere minutes before their tears turned to giggles.

Scarlett Fairchild watched guiltily, torn between the children and her dying pet.

Finally, compassion won.

She knelt beside the stiffening Persian cat, cradling its bloodied form. Tears fell freely onto its matted white fur.

When her blurred vision accidentally met James's intense stare, Scarlett froze.

The man was breathtakingly handsome - tall and lean with model-perfect proportions. His crisp dress shirt hugged his frame impeccably, cufflinks glinting under the lights.

But when their eyes locked, Scarlett's stomach dropped.

She realized with discomfort that he was studying her intently.

Something calculating lurked in James's gaze...

The blue-uniformed waitress had her chestnut hair pinned up, revealing an exquisite oval face. Her porcelain skin and mesmerizing eyes - shaped like almond leaves, shimmering like spring pools - gave her an ethereal beauty.

James's scrutiny made Scarlett's skin prickle.

She couldn't decipher his expression, but instinct screamed this man was dangerous.

Shifting awkwardly, she focused on her cat. It needed immediate veterinary care, but protocol demanded she stay until the guests resolved the incident.

Preston Worthington arrived hastily, a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers.

Trailing behind were a white-coated physician and two nervous club managers. Elite establishments like Blue Honors prided themselves on impeccable service, including on-site medical care for emergencies.

Preston stubbed out his cigarette, approaching Dominic and Evelyn with an apologetic smile. His androgynous beauty looked genuinely contrite. "My deepest apologies, Evelyn. This should never have happened here. Dr. Lawrence will examine your injuries immediately."

"It's alright, really. Just an accident. The children and I are fine." Evelyn offered him a gentle smile, the kind that made her lips bloom like roses, radiating warmth.

Preston suddenly understood Dominic's obsession.

In their world of calculated glamour and cold extravagance, Evelyn's genuine warmth stood out like sunshine. Had she been unattached, even he might have fallen for such sincerity.

Dr. Lawrence inspected Evelyn's wounds with growing concern. "These lacerations require immediate treatment. Without proper injections, you risk cat scratch disease - swollen lymph nodes, blistering..."

"Then stop wasting time and treat her!" Dominic's voice could have frozen hell.

The doctor flinched at his glacial tone.

The contrast between Dominic's tender care for Evelyn and his murderous glare was jarring.