Chapter 157

Evelyn finally regained her composure as she met Liam's intense gaze. His fingertips traced delicate patterns along her flushed cheeks, sending shivers down her spine.

"Were we really set against each other?" she whispered, voice trembling.

When Liam nodded solemnly, Evelyn tried to form another question. But the words caught in her throat like tangled vines.

With a heavy sigh, Liam cupped her face firmly. "Next time you're upset, don't immediately file for divorce. Talk to me first, understand?"

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes as she nodded obediently. Seeing her submission, Liam felt tension drain from his shoulders, his thumb brushing away a stray tear.

An electric silence crackled between them. Evelyn fidgeted with her sleeves, gaze darting everywhere before landing on Liam's bandaged shoulder.

"Does your wound still hurt?" she asked softly, unaware of how Liam's eyes darkened as they dropped to her parted lips.

His quiet hum of reassurance made Evelyn exhale in relief.

"We should go back," she suggested abruptly, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste to escape the intimate moment.

As she turned, Liam's strong hand encircled her wrist. "Evelyn." His voice held a warning that made her pulse race.

In the greenhouse's floral-scented air, Liam's breathing grew ragged. He pulled her close until their bodies aligned perfectly.

Just as his lips descended toward hers, Evelyn stiffened. The realization struck like lightning - they stood in Eleanor Blackwood's prized greenhouse, where anyone could discover them.

"Stop! We can't-" Evelyn pushed against Liam's chest with surprising strength, breaking free. Without looking back, she fled toward the manor, her cheeks burning.

Liam watched her retreat, an ache spreading through his chest. Her rejection felt like salt in an unhealed wound.

Meanwhile, Evelyn burst into the grand parlor where Victoria Dawson held court with the Blackwoods. The sight of that perfect blonde head tilted toward Richard Blackwood made Evelyn's blood boil.

"There you are," Victoria cooed, rising gracefully. "Have you seen Liam anywhere?"

Memories of Victoria's manipulations flashed through Evelyn's mind - the stolen phone messages, the whispered lies. No more games.

Evelyn advanced like a storm. "Stop stealing my husband's phone to send me fabricated messages, Ms. Dawson." Her voice cut through the room. "Trying to break a marriage is despicable."

Victoria's porcelain complexion paled. "I don't know what you're-"

The gathered Blackwoods gasped. Only Isabella Sinclair remained unfazed, her smirk venomous. "No mistake here. Everyone knows Liam prefers Victoria."

Evelyn turned her icy gaze on Isabella. "Are you a parasite, Isabella?"

"How dare you!" Isabella shot up from her chair.

"Then why are you so invested in my husband's affections?" Evelyn countered coolly.

Isabella gestured wildly. "It's obvious! The whole family knows!"

"Enough, Isabella." Victoria grasped her ally's arm, adopting a wounded expression. "Let's not cause more drama."

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. This battle was far from over.