Chapter 153

Liam approached Evelyn with quiet admiration as he studied her painting of his garden. "I'm offering fifty million for this masterpiece," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "Any particular cause you'd like the donation to support?"

Evelyn blinked in surprise, her fingers tightening around the paintbrush. "Any foundation helping underprivileged children would be wonderful."

Their gazes locked as Liam turned to Ryan. "Arrange a fifty million dollar contribution to rural education initiatives in Valtoria."

While Ryan hurried to execute the order, Evelyn carefully rolled up her canvas and presented it to Liam.

"On behalf of those children, thank you," she said softly, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

As Liam accepted the painting, the stern lines of his face relaxed into an uncharacteristic smile.

The gathered crowd exchanged puzzled glances, whispers spreading about the nature of Evelyn and Liam's unusual connection.

Meanwhile, social media exploded with breaking news.

Isabella Grayson, the legendary artist, had resurfaced after three years to expose an imposter and auction her latest work for charity. The revelation sent shockwaves through both the art world and philanthropic circles.

A bold reporter pushed forward. "Ms. Grayson! Could we get a statement? Are you originally from Solterra or Aldenria? Was your disappearance related to General Blackwood?"

"Did you know about the imposter all along? When can we expect your next exhibition?" another journalist shouted.

The media swarm closed in around Evelyn, cameras flashing. Overwhelmed, she instinctively stepped back, unaware of the Blackwood family watching the scene with mixed reactions.

Seeing Evelyn's discomfort, Liam exchanged a glance with Ryan, who immediately signaled security to restrain the press.

Seizing the moment, Liam grasped Evelyn's hand and guided her through a discreet side exit, leaving Ryan to manage the chaotic scene.

"That's all for today," Ryan announced firmly. "As confirmed, Ms. Evelyn Carter is indeed Isabella Grayson. Further questions will be addressed at a later time."

Frustrated, the reporters turned their attention to the Blackwoods, bombarding them with inquiries. The family struggled to maintain composure while concealing their true feelings.

In the commotion, Victoria noticed Evelyn and Liam's disappearance and rushed to find them.

The garden stood empty when she arrived. Furious, she crushed a rose in her palm, its petals scattering to the ground.

She hadn't anticipated the organization sending such an incompetent imposter. That fool had embarrassed herself spectacularly in front of the real Isabella Grayson.

If this continued, Victoria feared her own deception might be exposed.

"You should have died when I first had the chance," she hissed to the absent Evelyn.

Meanwhile, Liam led Evelyn to the conservatory, where orchids bloomed in profusion. Gently withdrawing her hand, Evelyn looked up at him with nervous anticipation.

"Why bring me here?" she asked.

"Privacy for our conversation," Liam explained, leaning against a marble pillar, his intense gaze never leaving her face.

"Have your memories returned?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"Yet you seemed certain of being Isabella earlier," he observed.

A small smile touched Evelyn's lips. "When one person calls you Isabella, it might be a mistake. When the whole world insists you're Isabella Grayson..." She trailed off meaningfully.

"Sometimes your art speaks for you," Liam said quietly. "Like fingerprints on canvas."