Chapter 79

"It's nothing. Just an unusual last name." Beatrice Lockwood maintained her composure perfectly, though internally her thoughts were racing.

She repeated the name silently in her mind. "Evelyn Sinclair."

Dominic's mother studied the young woman before her. Evelyn barely glanced back, assuming this was just casual curiosity about her uncommon surname.

In her entire life, Evelyn had never met another person sharing her last name outside her immediate family. From elementary school through her professional career, she remained the only Sinclair anyone knew.

Beatrice watched as her son departed with Evelyn and the twins.

When their car disappeared down the driveway, Beatrice found herself alone in the manor gardens. After ensuring no servants were nearby, she retreated toward the poolside and dialed a number she despised.

"The number you have reached is unavailable..."

Her fingers trembled with increasing frustration as she redialed repeatedly, only to hear the same automated message each time.

Meanwhile, Dominic escorted Evelyn and the children to a newly acquired penthouse in the city's financial district. The 2,200-square-foot luxury residence boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views.

"Father, why haven't we stayed here before?" Alexander explored every corner before turning to his father lounging on the designer sofa.

Dominic shrugged. "Purchased it yesterday."

"So we're never going home again?" The boy's question hung in the air.

"...The location's more convenient for work."

Alexander's eyes lit up with realization. "It's closer to our school too! When Uncle Sebastian drove us last week, we passed this building. The commute would be shorter."

Situated at the city's epicenter, the penthouse offered unparalleled accessibility. Alexander wasn't wrong - their prestigious academy was mere blocks away.

Dominic steepled his fingers. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

The boy gestured toward the three lavish bedrooms. "This place is huge. Aunt Evelyn could take one room, you and I share another, and Isabella gets her own space."

"No way!" Isabella's voice echoed from the bathroom where Evelyn was helping her wash up. "I want to sleep with Aunt Evelyn!"

Evelyn interjected gently, "I have my own apartment with six months' rent prepaid."

Dominic shot his son a withering glare.

Alexander immediately recognized his tactical error. "Did I just ruin your plans, Father?"

After drying Isabella's face, Evelyn crouched to the children's level. "Since this is on my commute, how about I come each morning to prepare breakfast and see you off to school?"

Alexander wanted to argue but understood pushing would backfire. They dined out that evening, and when midnight approached, Evelyn excused herself.

The newly relocated Alexander found sleep elusive. He wandered to the living room, activating the smart curtains with a remote. The city lights sparkled beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows as the boy frowned thoughtfully.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Dominic's voice startled him. The man lit a cigarette before joining his son on the balcony.

"Are you angry, Father?" Alexander ventured.

Dominic exhaled smoke without turning. "About what?"

"That Aunt Evelyn won't live with us?" The boy spoke with surprising wisdom. "You can't be selfish. Why should she care for a secondhand husband and his children?"

"A secondhand husband?" Dominic finally turned, arching one eyebrow. "Elementary school clearly can't start soon enough for you."

Alexander bit his tongue - just two more months until his enrollment. But he couldn't resist a parting shot before retreating: "You graduated Oxford with honors, yet you're nearly thirty and still single. I'll definitely do better."

Dominic's silence spoke volumes as the boy hastily locked his bedroom door.

The next morning, Olivia Kensington drove Evelyn to the hospital. "You're seriously playing stepmom already?" she teased. "Making meals for your boss's kids after visiting your father? How very domestic!"

Evelyn focused on unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Oh come on," Olivia pressed. "You're willingly caring for another woman's children. My dear, when exactly did you and Dominic... you know..."

Evelyn exited swiftly, slamming the car door behind her.

Olivia's eyes widened with realization. "You minx! So you have slept with him! When's the wedding?"

In the hospital room, Robert Sinclair brightened immediately at his daughter's arrival.

"Dad, how are you? I couldn't reach your phone."

The nurse discreetly exited as father and daughter spoke. "I meant to call you," Robert explained. "My phone died - just charged it."

Evelyn pulled up a chair, listening intently.

"Evelyn, about the Luojiazhen property demolition," Robert began before coughing violently. "The compensation agreement... cough... has been submitted..."

Evelyn immediately patted his back, ensuring he could breathe.