Chapter 424
Lillian Prescott stared intently at the disheveled homeless man.
Even covered in grime and looking utterly exhausted, there was something unsettlingly familiar about his face.
A chill ran down her spine as she met his bloodshot, filmy eyes.
Then it hit her like a freight train.
The man who drank himself into stupors, gambled away their last dime, and beat her mother black and blue—her biological father.
Donovan Sinclair.
Her mother had lost an eye and broken multiple bones under his relentless abuse. Lillian's own back still bore the scars from his belt.
This man was the reason for every nightmare.
Worse than trash, he'd forced his wife into prostitution to fund his gambling. He'd even tried to sell his own daughter for pocket change.
She'd only escaped because she was smart enough to run.
As the memories flooded back, Lillian's entire body went rigid with revulsion. Every instinct screamed at her to flee.
But outwardly, she remained perfectly composed.
Coolly sliding on her sunglasses, her voice turned arctic. "I don't know you. Stop harassing random women or I'll have you arrested for attempted kidnapping."
She moved to step around him toward the parking lot.
"Lillian! Don't walk away from your own father!" The homeless man spread his grimy arms, blocking her path. "After all I sacrificed for you? Is this how you repay me?"
The stench of alcohol and unwashed flesh made her gag. Lillian spun on her heel and sprinted to the security booth.
Tugging off her silk scarf, she let tears well up as she addressed the guards. "Please help me. That man's been following me. I'm terrified."
Though not Hollywood A-list, Lillian's face was recognizable from numerous indie films.
The guards—usually ignored by glamorous actresses—swelled with protective fury. "We'll handle this, Ms. Prescott."
Electroshock batons crackled as they intercepted the staggering drunk. "Trespassers aren't welcome here. Get lost!"
The man wiped his dirty hands on his tattered coat. "That's my daughter! I just want to talk—"
The taller guard snorted. "Ms. Prescott? Your daughter? Are you delusional? She's the governor's adopted child. Now scram before we get serious!"
Ignoring them, the man shouted after Lillian. "Remember the cotton candy I bought you at the park? Come home, Lillian! I've searched for years!"
Leaning weakly against the booth wall, Lillian let a single tear fall. "He's clearly disturbed. Please make him leave..."
Nothing moved men faster than a beautiful woman in distress.
The batons struck with a sickening zap. The homeless man collapsed, twitching violently.
Lillian felt no pity—only cold satisfaction.
A smirk played on her lips as she walked away. If only they'd finished the job.
She slid into her convertible and peeled out without a backward glance.
Meanwhile in Phoenix Town...
As night fell, Dominic Blackwood escorted Evelyn Sinclair onto a gondola to admire the illuminated waterways.
The riverside promenade glittered with elaborate lantern displays—playful rabbits, proud peacocks, sinuous dragons. Every few yards revealed new marvels.
Giant lotus lanterns floated on the water, their petals rippling in the artificial mist. The effect was downright magical.
Evelyn gasped at each new discovery like an enchanted child. Dominic followed silently, his stern features softening whenever she turned to share her delight.
The lanterns meant nothing to him. But watching her eyes sparkle? That was everything.
Each time they passed a particularly stunning display, he'd press a kiss to her hair. This simple intimacy warmed him more than any lantern ever could.
When Evelyn began yawning, Dominic immediately summoned a private boat back to their luxury bed-and-breakfast.
Their suite featured a lavish bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the nightscape. After disinfecting the jacuzzi, Dominic lifted Evelyn into the steaming water.
Just as he joined her, violent thuds erupted from the adjacent room.
A woman's breathy moans mingled with a man's guttural commands: "Harder... yes, just like that..."
Evelyn's cheeks pinked at the unmistakable sounds. Dominic frowned.
That voice... why did it sound so familiar?