Chapter 104

Liam guided Evelyn to the vanity and motioned for her to take a seat.

He settled onto the edge of the bed, his expression turning grave. "Evelyn, without concrete evidence, it's always better to maintain healthy skepticism."

Evelyn looked confused. Liam realized how sheltered she must have been.

Perhaps her amnesia had shielded her from understanding the darker aspects of human nature.

"My instincts tell me you might be connected to Obsidian Circle, but it's just speculation without proof," Liam explained patiently.

"Did the informant you eliminated lie?" Evelyn asked.

"He wasn't the one who attacked you earlier. I've analyzed the surveillance footage thoroughly. Their builds don't match."

"Also, a vice-captain who always carries a firearm wouldn't switch to a knife for an assassination," Liam countered.

Evelyn was startled by his thorough investigation.

"The vice-captain might be getting framed. If he's really with Obsidian Circle, he'd move quickly to eliminate you," Liam continued.

"I thought maybe I was the spy," Evelyn whispered.

"That possibility still exists," Liam admitted.

Evelyn's heart, which had begun to calm, clenched again at his words. Her head snapped up, worry clouding her eyes as she stared at him.

Noticing her distress, Liam quickly added, "Just professional paranoia. I've always been curious about your past, but haven't uncovered anything definitive yet."

Evelyn searched his face. "Liam, if I was a spy before my amnesia... would you kill me?"

The question startled him. Gazing into her clear eyes, he felt a sharp pain in his chest at the thought.

"Go shower and stop overthinking," he deflected.

His silence spoke volumes. Evelyn understood the unspoken answer.

"Alright," she replied quietly.

An emptiness filled her chest as she retrieved her pajamas from the walk-in closet and headed to the bathroom.

Lost in thought, Liam lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Perhaps seeing Evelyn had eased his mind, or maybe exhaustion from endless workdays finally claimed him. He drifted into sleep unnoticed.

When Evelyn emerged from her shower, she found Liam already asleep. She approached the bed silently and slipped in beside him.

As she settled, she couldn't help but study his peaceful face. His breathing was even, his handsome features relaxed in sleep.

Her fingers itched to trace his strong brows, but she clenched her fist and pulled back. Instead, her gaze traveled to his straight nose and firm lips.

Overcome with emotion, she nearly leaned in to kiss him. But doubt held her back.

She felt too tainted, too unworthy for someone like Liam.

Their marriage might appear strong outwardly, but inside it felt hollow. She wondered how long this fragile union could last.

Closing her eyes, Evelyn tried to ignore the ache in her chest.

The next morning at Blackwood Manor, Evelyn woke near noon. Thankfully, the staff handled all chores, and Richard and Eleanor gave them space.

By the time Evelyn rose, it was past eleven, with no sign of Liam. After freshening up, she ventured downstairs.

The living room buzzed with activity as several guests exchanged gifts. "Richard, Eleanor, these are for you. This one's for Gregory, this for Maxwell, this for Sebastian, and this for Liam. Donovan ran away years ago, so nothing for him."