Chapter 400

Evelyn had always assumed the oil paintings adorning the living room of Blackwood Manor and Dominic's bedroom were priceless antiques.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Dominic himself had painted every single one.

Painting was Evelyn's secret passion too.

She had a natural talent for it. During her studies abroad, she'd taken oil painting classes where her instructor constantly praised her work.

But art supplies were expensive. Juggling work and studies left little time for creative pursuits. Eventually, she abandoned painting altogether.

Whenever she passed the art studio and saw students absorbed in filling their canvases with vibrant colors, an ache of longing would grip her heart.

Dominic's commanding presence translated effortlessly onto canvas through bold, unrestrained brushstrokes. His paintings, much like the man himself, exuded nobility, elegance, and an air of mystery...

"If you enjoy painting, I'd be happy to teach you when we have free time."

Dominic opened a paint box, expertly mixed several colors, and placed a brush in Evelyn's trembling hand.

His calloused palm enveloped her smaller one as they continued working on the half-finished "Diana and Cupid" together. "I-I'm not very good. What if I ruin your masterpiece?" Evelyn's voice wavered despite Dominic's steady grip.

She felt utterly inadequate compared to Dominic's skill. The thought of damaging his work terrified her.

"Oil paints are forgiving," his voice, clear as a mountain stream, soothed her nerves. "Unlike watercolors where one wrong stroke means starting over, mistakes here can be corrected."

Though intellectually understanding this, Evelyn couldn't shake her nervousness.

Once she'd relaxed slightly, Dominic began instructing her like a seasoned master guiding his apprentice.

Their joined hands moved across the canvas, adding color stroke by deliberate stroke.

Gradually, Diana's crimson gown took shape while Cupid's bow and arrows materialized on his back.

Their first artistic collaboration flowed with surprising harmony.

Though Dominic did most of the work, the finished "Diana and Cupid" bore traces of both their styles - a perfect fusion of classical and impressionist techniques that left Evelyn swelling with pride.

Dominic found himself pleasantly surprised by Evelyn's natural ability.

Most beginners produced stiff, lifeless work. Yet despite her awkward movements, Evelyn's painting pulsed with genuine emotion.

Overcome, he kissed the woman who never ceased to amaze him.

Their intimate moment shattered when knocking interrupted them.

Lillian's voice floated through the door. "Dominic, Grandfather Blackwood requests your presence for dinner. Are you occupied? May I enter?"

Evelyn shot Dominic a suspicious glance at Lillian's intrusion, her displeasure evident.

Dominic pressed a finger to his lips before responding coldly, "Ms. Prescott, my fiancée and I are currently engaged in a rather private activity we both enjoy. Your interruption is most inappropriate. We'll join dinner shortly."

Lillian's outstretched hand froze mid-air.

Dominic's blunt description of their activities painted her cheeks scarlet.

The next instant, tendrils of hatred coiled around her heart, making breathing difficult.

Her angelic features twisted briefly before she schooled them into calm composure.

Lillian had always been obsessive. What she desired, she obtained - or destroyed trying.

This man would be hers, no matter the cost.

Even if Dominic married Evelyn, she'd ensure their divorce. For now, simple schemes would suffice to break them apart.

This thought calmed her as she descended the grand staircase in her designer heels.

In Blackwood Manor's dining room...

Lillian had Reginald Blackwood and Beatrice Lockwood in stitches with her witty anecdotes.

Meanwhile, Alexander and Isabella sat ignored at the table, exchanging unhappy glances at this "interloper" who'd somehow charmed their great-grandfather and grandmother.

Isabella whispered to her brother, "She's not half as pretty as Mommy, and her jokes aren't funny. Why are they laughing? I don't like her, Alex..."

Alexander's eyes sparkled mischievously as he whispered back, making his sister giggle.

While the adults conversed, the twins slipped unnoticed into the kitchen.

The busy chef paid them no mind as Alexander climbed onto a stool and ladled soup into a bowl.

Isabella gleefully added every spice and condiment within reach, while Alexander dumped in an entire jar of mustard. After thorough stirring, they carried their creation back to the dining room.

"Auntie Prescott," Isabella blinked her starry eyes innocently, "you must be thirsty after all that talking. We brought you soup from the kitchen..."

Lillian looked genuinely surprised.

Dominic's children had always been hostile toward her. This unexpected kindness touched her.

"Thank you, Isabella. How thoughtful." Accepting the bowl, she patted the girl's head before taking a large spoonful.

The moment the vile concoction hit her tongue, tears sprang to her eyes as her throat burned...