Chapter 103

Liam's eyes burned with an unsettling intensity, radiating an icy aura that made the air around him drop several degrees.

With barely concealed irritation, he demanded, "You vanished after leaving a cryptic note. That's hardly proper behavior. Don't I deserve an explanation?"

Evelyn swallowed hard. The truth about her possible ties to Obsidian Circle couldn't be revealed.

Aldenria's military compound wasn't just any base—it specialized in advanced weapons development and housed the nation's most classified armory.

As someone who might be a spy, Evelyn knew lingering there was dangerous.

If classified information leaked, she'd be the prime suspect. That accusation was something she'd avoid at all costs.

Her abrupt departure had been fueled by sheer panic, her mind too scrambled to formulate a proper farewell.

"I..." Evelyn's voice faltered.

Liam couldn't tear his gaze from her lips. Every slight movement sent his pulse racing. His throat went dry with the overwhelming urge to kiss her.

He forced himself to swallow before asking, "What did Sullivan tell you that made you flee like that?"

Evelyn's spine stiffened as she met his gaze, her nervousness plain in her wide eyes. Liam immediately noticed her discomfort.

"General Blackwood, actually—"

"Change how you address me," Liam interrupted smoothly, his voice dripping with dangerous charm.

Evelyn's resolve softened slightly. There was no mistaking it—Liam was deliberately teasing her.

"Liam," she murmured softly.

A satisfied smile curved his lips. "Better."

Evelyn tensed again. Her heart was on a rollercoaster, soaring and plummeting with each turn. That single word of approval made heat flood her cheeks.

Liam noted the pink tinge coloring her face. Though inexperienced with women, he knew Evelyn was unique—the only one who flushed at his slightest intimate gesture.

Watching her fluster ignited his mischievous side. The more she withdrew, the stronger his urge to tease grew.

Yet Liam recognized this game was counterproductive. If continued, they'd accomplish nothing, and he might push her away entirely. Deciding to retreat, he slowly removed his hand from the doorframe.

"I don't play guessing games. Speak plainly," he stated.

Evelyn nervously twisted her shirt hem. The dilemma tore at her—would confessing now demonstrate honesty or complicate matters further?

But if Liam discovered the truth independently, the fallout would be catastrophic. The inevitable confrontation couldn't be avoided.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Evelyn whispered, "Liam, before my amnesia... I was a spy for Obsidian Circle, and—"

Liam's expression hardened instantly, his gaze turning glacial. "Did Sullivan tell you this?" he interrupted sharply.

Evelyn nodded.

"And you believed him?" Liam pressed.

"Because he was one too. I botched a mission, and the Circle sent him to eliminate me," she explained.

Liam exhaled in visible relief, his eyes softening with empathy. "So these past weeks, you've been silently suffering with this, overanalyzing everything, hiding away at home?"

Another nod. Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes, threatening to spill over.