Chapter 13. The Call of Despair

Dominic’s POV

The call came just as I was reviewing the latest proposal for the land deal. Lewis and Clara had left for the evening, leaving me alone in the quiet of my office. The vibration of my phone against the polished mahogany desk was low but distracting, it cut through the silence sharply.

A slight frown creased my face when I saw Eva’s name flashing on the screen.

Eva rarely called me these days. Our conversations had dwindled to strained pleasantries and occasional, uncomfortable encounters. Picking up the call felt like opening a door I’d been trying to keep shut, but something compelled me to answer.

What now, Eva?

“Eva,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.

For a moment, there was only silence on the other end, broken by the sound of shallow, ragged breaths.”Dominic,” she finally whispered, her voice trembling. “I can’t... I can’t do this anymore.”

My eyes widened as something cold and heavy settled in my chest.

“What