Chapter 145

Evelyn's grateful words scraped against Liam's eardrums like nails on a chalkboard. The air between them turned glacial, his frosty expression dropping the temperature to subzero levels.

Their gazes locked in silent combat, neither willing to break first.

"Liam, I decorated the guest room specially for you." Victoria's saccharine voice sliced through the tension as she emerged from the hallway. She latched onto his arm with possessive familiarity.

Liam remained stone-faced, peeling her fingers off with deliberate coldness before striding toward the guest room without a word.

Victoria shot Evelyn a triumphant smirk over her shoulder, her victory dance cut short when Evelyn fired back, "How proud can you be about Liam sleeping in your guest room?"

The barb hit its mark. Victoria's face froze in comical shock, unprepared for Evelyn's direct attack.

Liam paused mid-step, his shoulders tensing as he threw a questioning glance at Victoria.

"Nate, darling," Victoria simpered, forcing a laugh that sounded like broken glass, "Evelyn's clearly misinterpreting my intentions."

Disgust flashed in Liam's stormy eyes before he disappeared into the guest room, slamming the door so hard the frame rattled - leaving Victoria gaping at the closed door.

Evelyn didn't spare her another glance. Retreating to the master suite, she realized for the first time how cavernous the room felt without Liam's presence. The emptiness mirrored the hollowness in her chest.

Something vital was missing.

That night, sleep eluded Evelyn as thoughts of Liam tangled with revelations about her true identity. The path forward loomed treacherous, but at least now she had direction. No more wandering in confusion - she would uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

Morning found Evelyn mechanically preparing for the day. Descending to breakfast, she found the Blackwood dining table overflowing with family members, including Sebastian and Isabella who'd returned unexpectedly. The lively chatter died the moment she appeared.

Beatrice's sly grin set Evelyn's nerves on edge. Something unpleasant was brewing.

"Evelyn, come sit-" Eleanor began gesturing to the chair beside Liam, only to find Victoria already planted there like a territorial cat.

Eleanor awkwardly pointed to a distant corner. "You can sit next to Isabella."

Isabella crossed her arms with theatrical disdain. "Not beside me. You'll ruin my appetite."

Snickers rippled through the gathering as they watched for Evelyn's reaction.

Liam's jaw clenched around his breakfast, his grip on the cutlery turning his knuckles white.

Evelyn's hopeful glance toward him shattered against his icy indifference. The man who once defended her now regarded her with utter contempt.

The ache in her chest surprised her with its intensity as she took the isolated seat at the table's far end. When the staff served breakfast, the disparity became painfully clear - while others enjoyed lavish spreads, Evelyn's plate held two sad pieces of dry toast.

Beatrice preened under the attention. "No need to stare. I personally arranged your special breakfast."

All eyes swiveled to Evelyn's meager meal, the unspoken message clear: she was no longer welcome at the Blackwood table.