Chapter 115
Dominic’s voice pulled me from my reverie. “You shouldn’t let him get in your head, Raina.”
I turned to him, startled. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I mean,” he replied, his tone clipped. “Alex. Don’t let him manipulate you Into thinking he’s changed.”
I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. “I don’t need you to tell me how to feel, Dominic.”
His grip on the steering wheel tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, his silence filled the car, leaving me to wrestle with my own conflicting
emotions.
As soon as I stepped into the house, the warmth of the entryway contrasted sharply with the chill that clung to my skin. My eyes immediately caught my grandmother pacing the living room, her hands wringing together in worry. The sight sent a pang of guilt through me. I shared a quick look with Dominic, and it was like we both came to the same unspoken agreement: we couldn’t say anything about Nathan’s plans. Not yet.
“Raina, there you are,” my grandmother said, rushing toward me. Her voice was tinged with relief, but the worry in her eyes didn’t fade. “Where have you been? I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m fine, Grandma,” I replied, trying to keep my tone even. “Dominic and I just needed to talk about some things. It got a little late.”
She didn’t seem entirely convinced. Her gaze shifted to Dominic, silently seeking confirmation. He stepped forward, his face calm and collected as always.
“We were discussing some business,” Dominic explained smoothly. “Nothing to worry about, I promise.”
My grandmother’s lips pressed into a thin line, and she nodded slowly, though the crease in her brow remained. “I don’t like when you’re out so late, Raina. You’ve been through so much already. I just…I just want you to be safe.”
Her words tugged at my heart, and I reached out to place a reassuring hand on her arm. “I know, Grandma. I’ll be more careful.”
Dominic gave me a subtle glance, his eyes conveying the same message I’d been telling myself: we couldn’t let her know. Not now. Not until we had more information, more proof. Telling her about Nathan and his plans would only add to her stress–and that was the last thing she needed.
“Why don’t you sit down?” I suggested gently, leading her toward the couch. “You’ve been on your feet all day.”
Dominic cleared his throat. “I should check on a few things before calling it a night.”
I nodded, understanding his need to step away. “Goodnight, Dominic.”
“Goodnight,” he replied, giving my grandmother a small smile before heading toward his office.
I stayed with my grandmother for a few more minutes, making small talk and trying to ease the tension that hung in the air When my grandmother finally seemed to relax, I excused myself.
As I started to head upstairs, the sound of my grandmother calling my name stopped me in my tracks. Her voice, tinged with worry, sent a jolt through my chest. I turned to see her standing at the base of the staircase, wringing her hands nervously.
“Raina, can I talk to you for a moment?” she asked, her voice quieter now.
“Of course,” I replied, descending a few steps until I was back on the floor with her. “What’s wrong, Grandma?”
She hesitated, her gaze darting toward the hallway where my grandfather’s room was. “It’s your grandfather,” she finally said, her tone heavy. “He isn’t feeling well.”
A wave of concern washed over me. “What do you mean? He seemed fine last night. Strong even.”
“That’s what I thought too,” she admitted, her brows knitting together. “But this morning, he woke up feeling weak, and by this afternoon, he had a high fever.”
“A fever?” I repeated, trying to keep my voice calm. “Did you call the doctor?”
She nodded quickly. “Yes, I had Dr. Miller come in to check on him. He said it’s just a fever, but it’s…high. He prescribed some medication, and your grandfather’s resting now, but…I’m still worried.”
Her voice broke slightly on the last word, and I reached out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Grandma, if the doctor says it’s a fever, then that’s all it is. Grandpa will be fine. He’s strong–he always bounces back.”
