Chapter 48

The friction left Evelyn's delicate foot tingling from Dominic's scorching touch.

She couldn't recall when he'd released her. Waves of pain radiated from her abdomen, a thin sheen of sweat forming on her forehead.

The wine's haze and the cramps pulled her into the plush warmth of the bed. Before she realized it, sleep claimed her.

Dominic occasionally used this hotel suite—his private sanctuary since taking over Blackwood Enterprises.

No unauthorized personnel ever stepped foot here.

After she drifted off, he adjusted the thermostat and draped the blankets over her with care.

When Evelyn stirred, darkness had swallowed the sky.

She blinked at the unfamiliar room, memories flooding back.

Sitting up, she rubbed her temples. The dizziness lingered, but her mind was clear.

Her phone lay beside her. A message from Abigail Thornton glowed on the screen.

"At the office. The boss asked where you were. Told her Sebastian Whitmore gave you a last-minute task—said you wouldn't return today." Sent at 4:30 PM.

Evelyn exhaled.

Abigail had witnessed how Dominic treated her earlier. She must've guessed where Evelyn had gone.

Was this cover-up to spare her office gossip?

"Thanks, Abby," she typed.

"Don't mention it. Just remember me when you're the boss's favorite," came the instant, teasing reply.

Evelyn's fingers hesitated. "I know my place."

"What place? Stop being dense. I'm counting on you!" Abigail shot back, exasperated.

Evelyn's chest tightened. Who would she rely on when Dominic discarded her?

As she debated how to escape the suite, warmth enveloped her from behind. She spun, meeting Dominic's piercing gaze.

"I'll take you home." His finger pressed the biometric scanner, and the door clicked open.

She hurried out first, putting distance between them.

The floor was eerily silent—no staff, just their footsteps. The lobby's buzz greeted them downstairs.

Employees bowed as they passed. Evelyn quickened her pace, but curious stares followed.

A taxi approached. She yanked the door open—

Dominic's hand clamped around her wrist. He hauled her out, shoved her into his Land Rover's backseat, and apologized smoothly to the driver.

The entire move was effortless, witnessed by gaping employees.

Evelyn wanted to vanish.

A nobody like her, receiving such attention? The rumors would paint her as a scheming seductress.

She'd be crucified alone.

The drive spanned half the city. Her cramps worsened, sapping her strength. By the time they stopped, the world spun.

"Careful." Dominic steadied her as she stumbled.

She sidestepped his touch. "Thank you for the ride, Mr. Blackwood. And... sorry about the wine earlier."

Her new apartment was cheaper but less convenient. The silver lining? A community hospital steps away.

"See a doctor. Or I'll worry." He didn't force her, just watched from a meter away, illuminated by city lights like some untouchable deity.

She shook her head. "I'm fine."

Dominic pulled out his phone. "Calling Dr. Grant. Address—"

"No!" She lunged for it.

He caught her wrist effortlessly, his grip firm. Her pulse fluttered under his thumb.

"Psych." He lowered the phone, lips quirking.

The screen was dark—no call made. But the threat hung in the air.

Evelyn dreaded Dr. Grant's visits. The first time, she'd been drugged. The second, bleeding mid-intimacy.

Each more humiliating than the last.

This pain? Maybe the aphrodisiac's aftermath. Or the wine during her cycle.

Fine. She'd go.

She wrenched free. "I'll handle it."

The hospital loomed twenty meters ahead.

Dominic followed, his designer suit out of place in the sterile halls. The receptionist gaped, fingers fumbling the keyboard.

"Gynecology, please," Evelyn mumbled.

Behind her, Dominic waited, the picture of a devoted husband. His intense gaze never strayed from her.

A woman elbowed Evelyn, eyeing Dominic enviously. "Where'd you find him? Bet your nights are... eventful."

She forced a smile, cheeks burning.

The judgment had already begun.