Chapter 411

The grand ballroom glittered with high society's elite. Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light over the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits.

Evelyn's gaze locked onto the center of attention across the room.

Dominic stood with an aura of dangerous elegance, his sharp features carved from ice. Genevieve held Jonathan's hand as they posed together with Dominic and Lillian - the perfect picture of a happy family.

The sight made Evelyn's chest constrict.

She willed Dominic to glance her way, just once.

But his attention never wavered from Lillian. Those piercing eyes saw only her.

The lively chatter around Evelyn became unbearable white noise.

Retreating to her suite, Evelyn changed into a daring crimson gown that hugged every curve. When she reentered the ballroom, heads turned. She basked in the admiring stares.

Dismissing several dance requests, she made her way toward Dominic.

Jonathan was deep in conversation with him, clearly impressed by the younger man's business acumen. Genevieve whispered something that made Lillian smile sweetly.

"We're honored you could attend our daughter's celebration, Dominic," Jonathan said with a politician's practiced charm.

Dominic gave a curt nod. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Prescott."

Jonathan pulled Evelyn forward. "You've known my daughter for some time now. What are your thoughts?"

Dominic's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Miss Prescott is... remarkable. But my heart belongs to another. She deserves better than a man who can't return her affections."

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. She turned away to hide the tears threatening to spill.

Jonathan's expression darkened, but Genevieve intervened smoothly. "These matters of the heart can't be forced, darling. The young man has made his choice."

Evelyn forced a brittle smile, her lashes fluttering to conceal the storm in her eyes.

"Dominic Blackwood! Finally we meet." A rough voice cut through the tension.

Evelyn froze. Her pulse spiked when Wesley Thornton materialized beside her parents, sizing up Dominic with open hostility.

Dominic's polite mask didn't slip. "Mr. Thornton. I've heard... interesting things about you."

Their handshake became a silent battle of wills - Dominic's elegant fingers against Wesley's calloused grip.

The tension became palpable. Even Lillian shifted uncomfortably.

"Are you unwell, Miss Sinclair?" Evelyn asked with false concern, seizing the opportunity to grasp Lillian's arm. Her fingers discreetly tugged at Lillian's hair as she feigned support.

Lillian winced but forced a smile. "Just a passing discomfort. I'll sit for a moment."

Evelyn's mind raced. 'Morning sickness? Is she pregnant?'

"Nonsense," Evelyn insisted, signaling her maid. "Margaret, fetch the stomach medicine from my suite. We can't have guests suffering."

Lillian's grip tightened on her clutch. "That's unnecessary. I dislike medication."

"The Prescotts take hospitality seriously," Evelyn pressed, earning approving murmurs from nearby guests. "We insist."

As Margaret ascended the stairs, Lillian's knuckles turned white. That unmarked bottle could contain anything...