Chapter 112

Evelyn noticed Liam's cautious demeanor and tilted her head. "Liam, the previous DNA results seemed quite convincing. Why did you still doubt I wasn't Evelyn Carter?"

Admiration flickered in Liam's gaze. "A woman who can't boil water suddenly masters oil painting, plays Chopin flawlessly, and arranges flowers like a professional."

"Not to mention her expertise in quantum physics and fluency in four languages. She devours scientific journals like romance novels."

"Such a woman might not be aristocracy, but she'd never come from poverty either."

Evelyn realized Liam's reasoning was impeccable. His mind worked differently - he saw beyond surface appearances.

Most people judged her based on rumors, labeling her as some gold-digging social climber.

Yet Liam had always treated her with dignity. Never once had he used her past against her.

She stepped closer, her pulse quickening as she met his stormy eyes. "Liam, what if—"

He lowered his gaze. "Hmm?"

Evelyn's throat tightened. Her palms grew damp. Gathering courage, she prepared to confess what she'd buried for months.

Her voice barely above a whisper, she began, "If...I wasn't really Evelyn Carter—"

Liam's jaw tensed at her hesitation. "Go on."

"Would you...Could you ever—"

The words lodged in her throat. Her heart hammered against her ribs. The unspoken question burned her tongue.

Could you love me? Just a little?

Heat flooded her cheeks. The confession died on her lips, replaced by a safer question. "Would you help me find my real family?"

Disappointment shadowed Liam's features. Not the question he'd anticipated.

He cleared his throat, looking away. "Naturally."

His phone buzzed abruptly.

Liam checked the screen and excused himself to the balcony. Evelyn barely registered his muffled conversation.

When he returned thirty seconds later, tension radiated from his rigid posture.

"I need to go." He grabbed his car keys from the console.

Evelyn understood the implication - personal business. "What happened?"

"Victoria overdosed." His voice was gravel as he brushed past her.

Evelyn's stomach dropped.

However Liam felt about Victoria now, the urgency in his movements betrayed lingering attachment.

Victoria still occupied sacred space in his heart. Disillusionment hadn't erased twenty years of love.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Evelyn stood frozen, the chill seeping into her bones. She squeezed her eyes shut.

A bitter laugh escaped her. What had she been thinking?

She blinked back moisture, staring at the ceiling until the ache subsided. Then reached for her phone with trembling fingers.