Chapter 89

Dominic couldn't decipher Evelyn's thoughts. That uncertainty sent panic coursing through him - he'd always believed they shared an unspoken connection in their relationship.

"Come here," he murmured, extending his arms and drawing her into his embrace.

The instant his large hand made contact with Evelyn's back, she shuddered violently. Each finger felt like a branding iron searing her skin.

"Let go. Don't touch me..." Her voice emerged hoarse and drained.

The woman in his arms lacked even the strength to struggle free.

Dominic tightened his hold. His lips began a slow descent from her forehead, trailing across her cheeks before finally claiming her mouth.

When their lips met, Evelyn let out a choked sob.

Dominic froze instantly, his body rigid. She could feel his rapid, heated breath against her lips.

"If you do this again, I'll vanish completely from your life tomorrow." Evelyn's threat came from a place of desperation.

Cornered and exhausted.

Dominic suppressed his burning desire for her. He shut his eyes, enduring her ultimatum.

She didn't even grant him the chance to speak.

Dominic was naturally domineering and decisive, his approach to everything unyielding and ruthless - especially when the woman he loved beyond reason demanded he stop.

How could he possibly stop?

At Blackwood Manor.

Seeing his father return, Alexander trailed after the tall figure, timidly reminding, "You promised Isabella and me you'd take us to the movies tomorrow."

Dominic remained silent, retreating to his bedroom.

Alexander lingered at the doorway, watching his father head straight for the shower. The stormy mood was palpable, so the boy wisely avoided provoking further trouble.

The next day.

Isabella bounded excitedly into the car with Alexander following closely.

Glancing at the silent man in the backseat, Alexander pressed his lips together. He wanted to ask about post-movie plans - would they eat out or return home for lunch?

One adult, two children.

The driver navigated the vehicle.

Alexander felt deeply dissatisfied. The best father-son bonding involved Dad driving, not some chauffeur. This arrangement made their family of three seem distant rather than close.

Settling into his seat with a pout, Alexander concluded he'd never understand workaholic adults.

"Mr. Blackwood, which cinema are we going to?" the driver inquired.

Alexander also looked curiously at his brooding father, wondering about their destination.

"Check the booking page." Dominic spoke as if just remembering their plans.

The driver pulled over to check movie listings.

Isabella remained oblivious, happily humming to herself while Alexander's small brow furrowed. His expression darkened at his father's apparent indifference.

In his haste, the driver only noted the movie title before confirming the theater location.

Blackwood Corporation owned numerous industries, including major cinema chains.

Arriving at the shopping plaza theater, the manager personally escorted them inside.

The stone-faced adult intimidated the manager into only addressing the children.

Isabella and Alexander entered with their snacks.

The massive IMAX theater stood empty except for them.

"Life?" Alexander munched popcorn as the title appeared on screen.

Isabella watched intently.

"How do people float like that?" she asked about the weightless astronauts.

Her questions met silence. The sole adult sat statue-still, legs crossed, his handsome features frozen in icy detachment.

Thirty minutes later, piercing sobs echoed through the cinema.

The frowning man turned.

"Isabella, don't cry. It's all fake." Alexander leaned forward to comfort his hysterical sister.

The movie's monstrous creature had grown bloodthirsty, devouring humans whole - terrifying imagery for adults, let alone a child.

Dominic finally rose, removing popcorn from his daughter's mouth before scooping her up and striding out.

The waiting driver immediately opened the car doors upon seeing his employer's return.

Outside the theater, Isabella calmed somewhat, though tears still clung to her lashes as she clung to her father's neck.

Back home.

Beatrice descended the stairs. "Back so soon? I thought you were seeing a movie."

"Isabella got scared and wanted to leave." Alexander's expression remained flat.

He shot a sad look at the girl now released by his aloof father before muttering, "Some adults don't understand what's appropriate for children."

Beatrice glanced at her son smoking in the courtyard.

She guessed Evelyn had either ended things or dropped another bombshell.

Given Dominic's mood, Beatrice suspected Evelyn hadn't revealed their blood relation. That truth would have triggered far more destructive rage.

Julian descended, towel-drying his hair.

"Who upset my favorite nephew?"

"Take a wild guess." Alexander shot a pointed look at the smoking figure in the courtyard.

"Who angered your father?" Julian followed the boy's gaze.

Dominic's rigid posture radiated fury.

"How should I know?" Alexander slumped onto the sofa with a pout.

Julian approached his brother cautiously. "Trouble with my future sister-in-law?"

Dominic's intense gaze remained fixed on the courtyard gate.

"The harder you try to please someone, the deeper they can hurt you. Lasting relationships require compatibility and mutual attraction - not force." Julian chose his words carefully.

Though he'd only met Evelyn briefly, her gentle nature was obvious.

She contrasted sharply with his long-abstinent brother whose passions ran dangerously deep.

Julian could easily imagine Dominic's advances being rejected - explaining both his foul mood and taking it out on the children.