Chapter 492

Harrison wasn't certain if he spoke those words for Evelyn's benefit or his own reassurance. But one thing was clear - he would move mountains to fulfill her every desire.

"You really believe that? Let's pray your words hold truth."

"They will. Come, let's grab dinner at the bistro together."

"Perfect. I'm craving meatball subs, smoked ribs, and that creamy mushroom bisque..."

Later that evening, Evelyn returned to the Kingsley estate. As she ascended the grand staircase, a muffled sob from the study froze her in her tracks.

Curiosity prickling her skin, she tiptoed toward the oak-paneled door and gently eased it open just enough to peer inside.

Leonard Kingsley sat slumped in his leather armchair, the picture of devastation.

The family butler hovered nearby, murmuring, "Sir, you must preserve your health."

Leonard buried his face in trembling hands, shoulders shaking with silent tears.

"Master Dominic is young and strong," the butler continued. "He'll pull through this, I'm certain of it."

Leonard's voice cracked. "Of all my grandchildren, he's always been the brightest star. My firstborn heir, the pride of our family."

"I've spent years preparing him to take my place. Who could imagine such illness would strike him down in his prime?"

"Sir, divine providence will see him through. We've mobilized our global networks to find a compatible heart donor. Once secured, Master Dominic can undergo transplant surgery immediately. The prognosis is favorable."

Evelyn's knees nearly buckled at these words.

Before she could stop herself, she burst through the door, voice trembling. "Grandfather! What's this about Dominic needing a heart transplant?"

Leonard startled at her sudden appearance, hastily composing himself. "Evelyn, darling, when did you return?"

Her hands clenched into fists. "Don't evade me. Tell me truthfully - what's wrong with my brother?"

"And this talk of donor matches? How long has Dominic been ill? Why was I kept in the dark?"

The study fell deathly quiet save for the butler's heavy sigh.

"Grandfather, must you still hide the truth from me?"

Leonard turned toward the moonlit window before speaking. "Evelyn... Dominic was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a year ago. His condition has deteriorated rapidly. He's in end-stage heart failure and requires immediate transplantation."

The words struck Evelyn like a physical blow, her vision swimming with shock.

"That... that can't be possible!"

"Miss Evelyn," the butler interjected gently, "Only yourself and Master Leonard know. Your other brothers remain unaware. The family intended to inform everyone after Dominic's successful recovery."

"Where is he now?"

"At Massachusetts General."

Evelyn arrived at the hospital to find Dominic lying unnaturally still in the ICU bed.

A kaleidoscope of emotions churned within her. Suddenly, Leonard's insistence on her taking over Kingsley Industries made terrible sense.

She was now the family's last remaining hope.

Pressing her palm against the cold glass partition, she whispered, "Dominic, you have to fight this."

Clasping her hands as if in prayer, she made a silent vow.

Later, Leonard found her staring blankly at the hospital courtyard. "Evelyn... are you absolutely certain about this path?"