Chapter 379

Dominic Blackwood had never received extra money from his family, not even as a child.

His grandfather Reginald had been strict with him. Margaret Lockwood treated him with open hostility.

Meanwhile, his mother Beatrice was the one constantly asking him for financial support instead.

The envelope in Dominic's hand made his emotions surge unexpectedly.

Though physically light, it carried such emotional weight that his fingers trembled slightly.

Dominic hesitated to accept money from an elderly man, but the gesture held profound meaning. He couldn't refuse.

"Dominic, Grandpa won't let you leave without taking it. It's our family tradition," Evelyn Sinclair murmured, gently squeezing his arm.

She knew her grandfather's stubborn nature all too well.

If Dominic refused the envelope, Old Master Sinclair wouldn't allow their departure.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Dominic's throat felt dry, yet warmth flooded his heart.

"We got envelopes too, Daddy! Great-Grandpa and Great Aunt Gwendolyn gave them to us."

The twins rummaged through their backpacks excitedly.

Moments later, Alexander and Isabella proudly displayed two envelopes each.

Their elders had given them the gifts before bedtime, which they'd forgotten to mention earlier.

Seeing their father receive an envelope triggered their memory.

Dominic fixed his children with a stern look. "Hiding money from me now, are we?"

The twins immediately ducked behind their mother.

Alexander hung his head guiltily while Isabella protested, "We weren't hiding it! We were just tired yesterday and forgot to tell you this morning. Sorry..."

Old Master Sinclair's heart ached seeing the children's fearful reaction.

He comforted them with gentle head pats. "Don't scold them. I insisted they take the envelopes."

The old man adored his great-grandchildren.

"Grandpa, you shouldn't spoil them," Evelyn sighed. "We should get going now. We'll visit whenever possible. Take care of your health. Goodbye, Aunt Gwendolyn..."

After farewells, the family departed.

Old Master Sinclair remained motionless by the doorway, leaning on his cane long after their car disappeared.

Gwendolyn gently tugged his arm. "It's chilly outside. Let's go in."

Supported by his daughter, the old man shuffled inside. "Gwendolyn, do you think Dominic minds the small amount? He's so wealthy," he fretted.

"How much did you give him, Father?" Gwendolyn asked curiously.

"Eight hundred dollars. An auspicious number."

"That's more than enough, Father. It's generous by our hometown standards. The thought matters most, and your grandson-in-law certainly isn't lacking funds."

Dominic could drop eight hundred dollars without blinking - he'd earn a hundred times that amount in the time it took to pick it up.

Yet this envelope symbolized the old man's blessing, making it priceless to him.

"Our Evelyn is fortunate. I've no complaints about Dominic, but his family... Just like you - I warned you against marrying that Japanese man, but you wouldn't listen. Now look..."

Mentioning his daughter's failed marriage deepened the wrinkles on Old Master Sinclair's face.

A flicker of pain crossed Gwendolyn's expression before she composed herself. "Father, Evelyn and I are different. My unhappy marriage doesn't mean hers will be. Dominic is a good man who'll treat her well. Don't worry - she'll be happy with him."

"I pray you're right..." The old man sighed, his stooped shoulders seeming to sag further.

Monday arrived swiftly.

Evelyn plunged into work. The T Corporation-Vivi Group collaboration would break ground after New Year's, requiring her team to brave the cold for site inspections.

Returning to the office around two p.m., Evelyn immediately began preparing her presentation.

Midway through, Bernadette Worthing entered.

She rapped sharply on Evelyn's desk. "Advertising needs extra hands. Come assist immediately."

Evelyn bristled at the interruption but kept her tone polite. "I have pressing deadlines, Madam. Besides, Advertising has more staff than our department. Why the shortage?"

Bernadette looked down her nose at Evelyn's conservative attire.

"When I give an order, you obey. As your superior, I decide your assignments. Celebrity Lillian Prescott is shooting a commercial today - half the company wants to help. She specifically requested you. Cross her, and not even I can protect you!" Bernadette snapped before strutting out.

Evelyn's expression darkened at Lillian's name.

Abigail Thornton threw down her pen. "What's her problem? Plenty of others could help! That Lillian's insufferable - why demand you specifically? Don't go! She can't touch you here."

Evelyn considered briefly. "I'll see what she wants."

Though lacking proof, Evelyn suspected Lillian's involvement in the Blue Honors Persian cat incident.

This confrontation might reveal answers.