Chapter 457

"May 1st? That soon?" Reginald Sinclair and Gwendolyn exclaimed simultaneously.

Though he'd always known Evelyn would marry someday, the old man's heart still clenched painfully. His beloved granddaughter, the little girl who'd once depended on him for everything, was about to start her own family.

The thought made his wrinkled hands tremble as he wiped unexpected tears from his eyes. "Evelyn, I've waited for this day...but now that it's here, I can't bear to let you go."

Seeing her grandfather's tears shattered Evelyn's composure. Her throat tightened, but years of emotional control kept her own tears at bay.

She gently dabbed his face with a tissue. "Grandfather, marriage won't change anything. We'll still be in the same city. I'll visit whenever I can."

Gwendolyn bounced Alexander on her hip while offering comfort. "Father, Evelyn's at the perfect age for marriage. And Dominic is an exceptional match - we should be celebrating!"

With a heavy sigh, Reginald placed Evelyn's hand in Dominic's. "Young man, my granddaughter has a tender heart beneath her strong exterior. Treasure that. And Evelyn," he turned to her, "Dominic's position demands certain social obligations. You must learn patience."

Dominic guided the elderly man back to the sofa. His voice rang with conviction. "I swear on my life to protect and cherish Evelyn. As proof, I'll transfer all my personal assets to her name after our wedding. Should I ever fail her, I'll walk away with nothing."

Gwendolyn's jaw dropped. The Blackwood fortune was staggering - this would make Evelyn one of A City's wealthiest women overnight. Studying Dominic's earnest expression, she saw only genuine devotion. Her niece had found true love, unlike her own tragic past...

Reginald chuckled through his tears. "Nonsense! Evelyn's no gold-digger. She's lucky to have you. If this girl gives you trouble, you come straight to me."

Evelyn shot her grandfather an indignant look. "Already taking his side before we're even married?"

Dominic's warm fingers closed around hers, radiating heat through her skin.

Meanwhile, at the film studio...

Lillian Prescott adjusted the elaborate hairstyle of her period costume. The historical drama "Court of Petals," adapted from a bestselling novel, depicted the star-crossed romance between a wartime general and a female diplomat.

Today's scene involved the lovers' separation and dramatic reunion after the diplomat's near-fatal punishment. Lillian watched disinterestedly as her stunt double endured the whipping scene.

Her two attendants hovered nearby - one shading her with an umbrella, the other peeling grapes. The double performed adequately, so they moved to the intimate reunion scene where the general carries his wounded love to safety.

Lillian's co-star, a rising talent in the industry, delivered his lines with passion. But compared to Dominic Blackwood, he might as well have been a street beggar. Her wooden performance made the director grind his teeth.

Originally, they'd cast an acclaimed young actress, but "unforeseen circumstances" had installed Lillian instead. The disastrous shoot dragged on for hours before the director reluctantly called it a wrap.

Back in her trailer, Lillian changed with her agent's assistance. A satisfied smile played on her lips - Cassandra had confirmed Evelyn received the damning package. Soon Dominic would be free, and with her parents' influence combined with her charms, she'd have him exactly where she wanted.