Chapter 117

"Liam, please don't go..." Victoria's desperate pleas echoed through the grand hallway.

Margaret clung to Liam's arm, her heart breaking for her granddaughter's distress.

Ryan and Adrian had finally secured the DNA results after personally supervising the blood analysis. The samples hadn't been compromised - only authorized medical staff had handled them.

They rushed back to Blackwood Manor immediately, the sealed envelope burning in Ryan's pocket. Evelyn needed to see this with her own eyes.

She sat motionless on the balcony chair, a cashmere shawl draped over her slender shoulders. The evening light painted her pale face with golden hues as she accepted the documents.

A crisp autumn breeze swept past, but Evelyn's hands remained steady. With deliberate movements, she broke the seal and unfolded the report.

Her eyes scanned the page once. Twice. Then she carefully refolded it, her expression unreadable. "Inform Mr. Blackwood that nothing has changed," she said quietly. "I'm Evelyn Carter. That's all. He can stop his investigations now."

Ryan and Adrian exchanged disappointed glances. "Yes, Mrs. Blackwood," they replied in unison.

A sudden coughing fit wracked Evelyn's fragile frame.

"Madam, you're unwell," Ryan said urgently. "Shall I call Dr. Whitmore?"

"It's nothing. Leave me." Evelyn leaned back, closing her eyes against the fading sunlight.

Adrian hesitated. "Madam, Mr. Blackwood has been-"

Evelyn raised a hand. "No more explanations, please."

They withdrew silently, leaving her alone with the twilight.

Evelyn drew her knees to her chest, burying her face in the soft fabric of her dress. Her shoulders trembled slightly as silent tears fell.

The evening breeze carried away her quiet sobs.

For three days, Evelyn remained in her rooms, barely touching the meals the staff brought. When she finally emerged, she knew there was one last visit she needed to make before leaving this place.

With careful hands, she applied rouge to her ashen cheeks.

At Wright Manor, she found Margaret sitting in the garden, staring blankly at the roses.

"Grandmother," Evelyn called softly.

Margaret turned slowly. "Who... who are you?"

Evelyn's smile faltered. She turned away quickly, pressing a hand to her mouth. How had Margaret's condition deteriorated so rapidly since their last meeting?

Swallowing her grief, Evelyn knelt before the older woman. "I'm Evelyn, Grandmother. Your youngest granddaughter-in-law."

"My youngest... which grandson was that again?"

Evelyn's heart clenched. Had she forgotten Liam too?

"His name is Liam," Evelyn whispered.

"Ah yes, Liam. And you said you were...?"

Evelyn didn't answer. Instead, she took Margaret's wrinkled hands in hers, memorizing their warmth as tears spilled down her cheeks.

In this moment, memory seemed more precious than life itself.

If she died tomorrow, at least she would live on in the hearts of those who loved her. But to be forgotten by someone who once cherished her...

That pain cut deeper than any blade.

"Take care of yourself, Grandmother," Evelyn managed through her tears. "I'll always love you, whether you remember me or not."