Chapter 93

Dominic's mind had been elsewhere, barely registering the children's presence.

Yet he knew staying near his daughter would inevitably bring him face-to-face with Evelyn again.

Evelyn approached, casting Dominic a fleeting glance before kneeling to wipe the little girl's tears.

Isabella immediately clung to Evelyn's legs.

Scooping the child into her arms, Evelyn comforted her. When she turned and saw Dominic's conflicted expression, she couldn't resist saying, "If you can't handle children, perhaps you should stick to what you're good at."

These twins were nearly the same age as her own children.

The thought of her kids being treated so coldly by their father made her stomach twist.

Dominic remained impassive, studying his daughter's features that bore such striking resemblance to Evelyn's. "Who are you to lecture me on parenting?" he murmured. "An outsider might mistake you for their mother."

Evelyn shot him a sharp look.

Dinner unfolded with both patriarchs presiding. Beatrice Lockwood joined them while Dominic took his seat opposite. The twins deliberately chose spots beside Evelyn, ignoring their father entirely.

Alexander strained to grasp a rib with his tiny hands, chopsticks trembling before finally succeeding. He proudly deposited it in Evelyn's bowl. "Aunt Eve, this is for you..." His smile radiated pure maternal affection.

Abandoned by his own family, Dominic served himself a rib but left it untouched.

"Dominic!" Reginald Blackwood's voice cracked like a whip across the table.

Though nearing thirty, Dominic would always be a grandson first. He recognized the reprimand in his grandfather's tone.

Evelyn's worst fear was materializing.

Dominic selected another rib, placing it in Evelyn's bowl. With meticulous care, he deboned a second piece, leaving only succulent meat. "Enjoy," he said smoothly.

"Thank you." For Grandfather's sake, Evelyn maintained the charade.

The act worked - Reginald Sinclair beamed, raising his glass to toast the Blackwood patriarch.

Evelyn divided most of her rice between Isabella and Alexander. When the nanny noticed, she quickly refilled Evelyn's bowl.

"That's too much," Evelyn protested.

"Eat what you can," Dominic interjected smoothly. "I'll finish whatever you leave."

The nanny smiled. "Miss Sinclair, this rice is exceptional. Please enjoy."

Evelyn accepted the bowl reluctantly.

Some couples shared meals intimately; others couldn't bear to touch each other's leftovers. Their relationship defied categorization.

Hadn't she made her position clear? Dominic's performance felt excessive.

Would he truly eat after her?

Despite lacking an appetite, Evelyn cleaned her plate to spare him humiliation. The idea of the illustrious Dominic Blackwood consuming her scraps was absurd - he'd more likely toss them in the trash.

Beatrice contributed only hollow pleasantries throughout the meal.

Evelyn strategized how to minimize contact between the grandfathers. Their continued association meant more forced interactions with Dominic.

She recalled her teenage infatuation - how completely he'd captivated her. From their recent proximity to the shocking revelation of shared parentage, she needed distance to recalibrate.

If she couldn't view him as a half-brother, she'd treat him as a stranger.

Difficult, given his apparent regard for her. But not impossible.

After dinner, Reginald Blackwood announced, "Your grandfather will stay with me awhile. Two lonely old men playing chess and drinking tea."

Evelyn objected immediately. "We couldn't possibly impose."

How could she reduce contact if Grandfather lived here?

"Nonsense!" The elder Blackwood waved her off. "Are you suggesting I can't host properly?"

Dominic remained silent on the sofa, sipping tea with characteristic detachment.

Beatrice added, "Let the old men enjoy each other's company." Her saccharine tone turned Evelyn's stomach.

"Dominic, drive Evelyn home," Reginald ordered.

Evelyn grabbed her purse. "I'll call a ride. He's undoubtedly busy."

Ignoring her, Dominic retrieved his keys and headed for the garage.

Reginald's sharp eyes missed nothing. The rift between his grandson and Evelyn clearly persisted. Keeping Reginald Sinclair here would buy time.

Elsewhere, Nathan Kensington retreated to his room after work.

Olivia knocked. "Dinner's ready, jerk!"

Patricia scolded, "Mind your tongue, girl!"

Nathan exhaled cigarette smoke, rolling up his light blue sleeves. Squinting at his screen, he typed: 'No photos yet, but we work together. I'll get candid shots tomorrow.'

UserA replied: 'No pics of your own girlfriend? Sus.'

Nathan typed: 'Ex-girlfriend. We were too busy going out for photos. Trust me - pure and gorgeous.'

UserB offered: 'Get pics tomorrow. If she's hot, I'll trade you a night with my daughter-in-law for a night with your ex. Deal?'

Nathan tapped ash into the tray, hesitating before replying: 'Deal.'

UserB added: 'First time's awkward, but once you feel that rush? Addictive. Soon you'll beg us to fuck your women. Cuckolding is crack!'

Olivia barged in as Nathan slammed his laptop shut.

"Why so sneaky?" she demanded. "Doing something disgusting?"

"Design project." Nathan smirked, securing the laptop in his bag. "Can't have you stealing my ideas."