Chapter 360

Evelyn Sinclair pressed her back against the bathroom wall, her temper flaring at the white Persian cat's defiance.

No matter how much she waved the gourmet cat food can, the stubborn creature refused to budge from its perch on the flower stand. That cunning little beast!

She absolutely had to administer the liquid medication to the cat. Her entire plan depended on it.

Kicking off her designer heels, Evelyn climbed barefoot onto the marble sink counter. She reached for the feline, but it anticipated her move.

The cat leaped down just as Evelyn stretched out her arms, its razor-sharp claws raking across her bare forearm. Crimson lines bloomed on her porcelain skin.

She barely managed to shield her face in time. One second slower and those claws would have shredded her perfect features.

The Persian cat landed gracefully, then turned to give Evelyn a triumphant meow before darting away. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms as she swore vengeance on the furry demon.

After an exhausting chase that left her sweating through her silk blouse, Evelyn finally cornered the cat. The green liquid disappeared into its system with a quick syringe plunge.

Victory came at a price - deep scratches crisscrossed the back of her hand, still oozing blood.

Meanwhile, Dominic Blackwood's children tugged at their mother's sleeves. "Mommy, where did Tabitha go?" little Isabella asked, her big eyes wide with concern.

Several waiters pointed them toward the ladies' room. Evelyn led her twins down the corridor, their small hands warm in hers.

They rounded the corner and collided with Lillian Prescott and her frumpy assistant. The contrast couldn't have been starker - Lillian in head-to-toe designer couture versus her mousy companion in ill-fitting separates.

Celebrities always hired unattractive assistants, Evelyn noted. Probably afraid of competition for the spotlight.

Seeing Lillian made Evelyn's skin prickle with dislike. Even though Dominic had made his disinterest clear, the woman's persistent advances irritated her.

Evelyn tried to steer the children past, but Lillian blocked their path. "Ms. Sinclair! What an unexpected pleasure," she purred.

"Hardly unexpected at a restaurant this popular," Evelyn countered with a tight smile. "Unless you're following us, Ms. Prescott?"

Lillian's eyes darted around. "Where's Dominic? I thought he'd be with his family." The question dripped with fake concern.

Evelyn squeezed her children's hands. "He's parking the car. Said he's been neglecting us lately with all his business trips." She let her voice soften. "He insisted on family time today - said no amount of money compares to being with us."

Lillian's smile froze as Evelyn's words struck like poisoned darts. The scratches on her hand throbbed painfully.

"May your happiness last," Lillian spat through clenched teeth. She brushed past Evelyn with a meaningful shoulder bump, her assistant scurrying after her.

Isabella frowned up at her mother. "I don't like that lady. She's mean!"

Alexander nodded vigorously. "She likes Daddy, doesn't she? Just like all those other aunties who used to chase him."

Evelyn sighed. Her perceptive children had inherited their father's sharp instincts. "Yes, sweetheart. Many women want your father's attention."

"Uncle Julian says they swarm like bees to honey," Alexander added with childish solemnity. "Some even tried giving us presents. Daddy always sent them away."

Evelyn's lips twitched at the image. Dominic's magnetic charm came with complications. But she'd happily fend off every gold-digger and social climber who dared approach her family.

"Mommy? Did I make you sad?" Alexander asked anxiously when Evelyn grew quiet.

"Not at all, darling. Let's find Tabitha." She led them toward the restroom.

They'd barely stepped through the doorway when a shrieking woman barreled into them. The stranger's face bore deep, bleeding claw marks.

"Don't go in there!" the woman gasped. "A white cat's gone berserk! It attacked me for no reason!"

As she spoke, a white blur shot from the bathroom straight toward little Isabella, claws extended!