Chapter 399

Evelyn Sinclair stood frozen in Dominic Blackwood's bedroom, her eyes locked on the breathtaking oil painting. The half-finished masterpiece depicted Diana, the Roman goddess, in a vibrant crimson gown playing with Cupid. The intricate details made the scene come alive.

Dominic's deep voice broke her trance. "Just something I do to pass time."

Her jaw dropped. "You painted this? All these?" She gestured at the other artworks adorning his walls.

He shrugged. "Doodles."

Evelyn couldn't believe it. This man kept surprising her at every turn. First his business acumen, now this artistic talent. Was there anything he couldn't do?

Downstairs, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Beatrice Lockwood's bridge party had come to an abrupt halt when Dominic walked in with Evelyn, completely ignoring Lillian Prescott's presence.

Lillian's manicured nails dug into her palms as she forced a smile. The other society ladies exchanged knowing glances. Mrs. Ashford's shrill voice cut through the silence. "Beatrice, darling, if my son brought home some... questionable company, I'd have his head!"

Beatrice's face turned crimson with embarrassment. "My Dominic will marry whomever his grandfather approves," she snapped. "And in my book, that's only Lillian!"

The unspoken words hung heavy - Evelyn Sinclair wasn't worthy.

Lillian maintained her gracious facade, though jealousy burned through her veins. The thought of Dominic taking Evelyn to his bedroom made her physically ill. Were they...? She couldn't even complete the thought.

Upstairs, Evelyn traced the edge of the easel, marveling at Dominic's hidden talent. The man was an enigma - ruthless businessman by day, passionate artist by night.

"Teach me?" she blurted out.

Dominic's lips quirked. "You want painting lessons from me?"

"Unless you're afraid I'll surpass you," she teased, emboldened by their growing closeness.

His dark eyes gleamed with amusement. "We'll see about that."

The moment was interrupted by raised voices from downstairs. Evelyn tensed, recognizing Beatrice's angry tones. Dominic's expression hardened as he moved toward the door.

"Stay here," he commanded.

But Evelyn followed anyway. She wasn't about to hide while others decided her fate. As they descended the grand staircase, all eyes turned to them - some curious, most hostile.

The real battle was just beginning.