Chapter 43

It made no difference whether they were identical or not. Evelyn Sinclair was determined to attend this reunion.

Not for her former classmates. Not for that senior whose face she could barely recall. Only for the teacher who'd shown her such kindness - Mrs. Blake.

Now that she knew about the event, skipping it wasn't an option.

Noon at Blackwood Estate.

Dominic Blackwood hadn't taken three steps inside before his grandfather started trailing him. "You're not getting any younger," the old man nagged. "When will you settle down? What's your type, anyway?"

Dominic ascended the stairs in silence.

Undeterred, Reginald Blackwood followed, leaning heavily on his cane. That ungrateful grandson of his had no respect for elders whatsoever.

"Curvy? Fair-skinned?" the old man pressed, convinced he knew his grandson's preferences.

Dominic entered his bedroom, shedding his coat and carelessly discarding his tie.

"I heard Director Worthington's daughter is visiting," Reginald continued. "Why haven't you introduced her? If he hadn't called me personally, I'd be completely in the dark!"

"Why would I?" Dominic's icy retort cut through the sound of running water. "She's nobody important."

The old man's eye twitched. Message received - his grandson had zero interest in the Worthington heiress.

Downstairs, Julian Blackwood nearly bit into a blood peach when his grandfather's cane jabbed his back.

"What was that for?" Julian whirled around.

"Sit," Reginald commanded with unusual gravity.

Julian glanced between the stairs and his grandfather's stern expression before reluctantly complying. "What's wrong?"

"Keep tabs on your brother," Reginald ordered. "Find out about this woman he's seeing."

Julian's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. "You want me to spy on Dominic? Are you trying to get me killed?"

Their conversation halted abruptly as Dominic descended the stairs, freshly showered.

Julian studied his brother with open curiosity. What kind of woman could make his ice-cold brother stay out night after night?

Dominic settled at the dining table with a newspaper.

Ten minutes later, Margaret Lockwood came downstairs as Beatrice Lockwood returned home.

Lunchtime at the Blackwoods.

Dominic's phone rang.

"What is it?" he answered without looking up from his paper.

Sebastian Whitmore was mid-bite when he remembered an item on his boss's schedule. "Mr. Blackwood, your high school teacher's birthday is next weekend. Will you be attending? If not, I'll arrange your flight to America."

As expected, Dominic declined.

He'd attended once before. The endless flattery and empty compliments had bored him to tears. Since then, he'd sent prearranged gifts and made a personal call.

Mrs. Blake had been just his teacher. But when he'd been forced to leave town years ago, he'd entrusted her with a special request.

She'd fulfilled that duty impeccably.

That alone earned his lifelong gratitude.

The annual call followed its usual script - too busy to attend, work commitments, etc.

"Focus on your career," Mrs. Blake advised. "That's what matters most for a man."

Just before hanging up, she added, "You might not know this, but I'm quite pleased - remember Evelyn Sinclair? That bullied girl? My daughter ran into her today and invited her to the reunion. She seems to be doing well, thanks in part to you."

Dominic's grip on the phone tightened. He hadn't anticipated Evelyn's attendance. "That's...good to hear."

"You're a good man. Karma will reward you." The line went dead.

Reginald watched his grandson's expression darken inexplicably. Three minutes ago, he'd been perfectly composed.

"Lunch is ready," the old man announced.

Dominic didn't seem to hear. Frowning, he pulled up Sebastian's number - then immediately canceled the call.

He'd nearly canceled his America trip over a woman? The realization startled him. Why did she matter so much?

Especially when she played games, never speaking her mind, always keeping him guessing.

Cassandra Blake stayed at Evelyn's apartment all morning before leaving.

Evelyn walked her to the subway entrance, watching until she disappeared into the crowd.

At the neighborhood gates, Patricia Kensington stood scanning the area.

Evelyn had no choice but to approach. Hiding wouldn't solve anything.

Patricia's gaze locked onto Evelyn, fury rising. She'd been ringing Evelyn's doorbell earlier with no answer. But Evelyn had to come home eventually.

"Aunt Kensington," Evelyn greeted politely.

SMACK!

Patricia's palm connected sharply with Evelyn's cheek. "Don't call me that! Each time you do, it shaves years off my life!"

Evelyn touched her stinging cheek, then lifted her chin. "If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I'm going inside."

"How dare you speak to me like that?" Patricia's eyes turned razor-sharp.

"I'll match your energy," Evelyn replied coolly before turning away.

She maintained minimal respect for her elder. But only just.

Patricia's temper exploded. She chased after Evelyn, grabbing her collar from behind and yanking her backward. "You little witch! What did my son ever do to you? He caught you cheating, and you had your filthy boyfriend throw him in jail! Where's the justice?"