Chapter 85

Dominic braced himself against the car hood, his sculpted muscles straining against the fabric of his tailored shirt. The morning chill did nothing to cool the fire burning inside him.

His jaw clenched as he reached for the glove compartment, retrieving a sleek silver case of cigarettes. The first drag burned his throat, but he welcomed the discomfort. Anything to distract from the relentless ache in his body.

Those obsidian eyes remained fixed on the dimly lit window across the street. The abandoned house offered no curtains to obscure his view. He watched until the light finally flickered out.

Sleep eluded Evelyn that night.

Dominic fared no better. Driving back through the quiet town streets, memories surfaced unbidden - both bitter and sweet.

By 5:15 AM, Evelyn gave up on rest. A pounding headache greeted her along with Allison's venomous words replaying in her mind. The nightmare still clung to her - Beatrice Lockwood's manic threats, the cold steel of a blade against her throat.

She folded the blanket with mechanical precision and sought out her grandfather.

"Up so early, child?" Reginald Sinclair's weathered face creased with concern. "You should sleep more."

"Same as always, Grandpa." Evelyn wrapped her arms around his frail shoulders. "I'm taking you home with me. Dad's away on assignment. You'll stay with me now."

The old man missed the shadows in his granddaughter's eyes. His gnarled hands patted hers. "Such a good girl. But an old man like me will only burden your new life."

"You're never a burden." Evelyn forced a smile, blinking back moisture. "Any man who can't respect family isn't worth marrying."

The front door creaked open. Dominic's imposing frame filled the doorway, breakfast bags in hand. Toast. Sausages. Simple fare that suddenly smelled divine.

"Let's eat, Grandpa." Evelyn knelt to help with his shoes.

The kitchen buzzed with quiet conversation. Dominic engaged Reginald with surprising ease while Evelyn picked at her food. Soon she excused herself to pack.

The luxury items surprised her - Prada luggage, premium toiletries. Clearly her aunt's husband had provided well before abruptly sending Grandpa back. The contrast between Japan's comforts and this crumbling town must have been jarring.

Outside, early risers gawked. "Off to the city, old man?"

"Taking Grandpa home," Evelyn answered curtly, recognizing the busybody neighbor.

The woman's shrill voice followed them. "Better not dump him like your aunt did! Thought she was too good for us after marrying rich. Typical Rayne women - all airs and no substance."

Evelyn ignored the jab, but Dominic's stormy expression promised retribution. She caught his arm. "Not worth it."

"Filthy peasants," he muttered.

Evelyn surprised them both by slipping her hands beneath his coat, seeking warmth. The impending meeting with Beatrice weighed heavier with each passing minute.

During the drive, Reginald's questions came rapid-fire. "Where's your father working again? He never mentioned traveling."

Dominic's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror as Evelyn faltered.

"Supervisory position," Dominic interjected smoothly. "Mostly office work with factory inspections. Good pay, light workload."

Reginald's relieved chatter filled the car while Evelyn mouthed a silent 'thank you' to the man who lied so effortlessly.

A City emerged after two tense hours. Olivia Kensington waited at the apartment Evelyn had arranged - though plans had changed. Olivia's mother had been swindled into buying property for Sophia Montgomery, necessitating her return home.

"Grandpa Reginald!" Olivia beamed. "Evelyn talked about you constantly in school. Cried every time she got homesick."

Once Reginald settled, Evelyn pulled Olivia aside. "You're really moving back? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was about to when you left town." Olivia squeezed her shoulder. "This works out though - now you're not alone."

Evelyn's silence spoke volumes.

"What's wrong?" Olivia's perceptive gaze missed nothing.

After ensuring Dominic left for the office, Evelyn made her request. "Watch Grandpa for me? I have... an errand."

"Of course, but you're scaring me. What's happening?"

"Nothing." The lie tasted bitter. "I won't be long."

Twenty minutes later, Evelyn faced Beatrice Lockwood across a café table. The older woman's designer clothes and perfect makeup contrasted sharply with Evelyn's sleepless pallor.

"Shall I tell you about your real mother?" Beatrice's crimson lips curved. "No need for suspense - you're looking at her."