Chapter 159

Evelyn's cheeks burned as she timidly proposed, "We could walk upstairs holding hands." Her real motive was crystal clear - to make Victoria seethe with jealousy by showcasing her closeness with Liam.

"You want us to hold hands?" Liam's eyebrow arched in that infuriatingly attractive way, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

Realizing her plan might backfire, Evelyn hastily explained, "I just want Victoria to understand she's lost this game and retreat gracefully."

What happened next stole her breath away. Liam suddenly closed the distance between them, his warm breath tickling her ear as he murmured, "Hand-holding won't make nearly enough impact."

Before she could process his words, his lips claimed hers in a kiss so tender it made her knees weak. The gathered crowd gasped audibly, their shocked expressions screaming disbelief - was this really the same cold, unapproachable General Blackwood they knew?

As if the kiss wasn't startling enough, Liam suddenly swept her off her feet. Instinctively, Evelyn's arms flew around his neck, her face nestling against his broad chest despite her racing heart.

Though she'd initiated this charade to provoke Victoria, Evelyn hadn't anticipated how Liam's unexpected actions would send her own heart into overdrive.

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled guests, Liam carried Evelyn upstairs with effortless grace, the bedroom door swinging shut behind them with finality.

Downstairs, Victoria stood trembling with barely contained fury, yet no one dared offer the seething woman comfort.

Cassandra leaned toward Gregory, whispering conspiratorially, "Do you think Liam's actually fallen for Evelyn?"

"With her beauty, talent, and kindness? Any man would be lucky to have her," Gregory chuckled, casting a meaningful glance toward the fuming Victoria.

"But Liam's always been so steadfast. How could his feelings change so suddenly?" Cassandra mused aloud.

Gregory's gaze flickered to Victoria before replying, "Interestingly, Evelyn bears an uncanny resemblance to how Victoria looked in her youth. That gentle demeanor is strikingly similar too. It's no wonder Liam would be drawn to her."

"Really? What did Victoria look like back then? Do you have photos?" Cassandra's curiosity was piqued.

Gregory swiftly produced his phone, scrolling through his gallery before revealing an old group photo. Cassandra's eyes widened as she took in the image of the Blackwood brothers with a young Victoria - a chubby-cheeked girl with sparkling eyes and an angelic smile.

"My god! She's the spitting image of Evelyn, especially when she smiles! Seems Liam's had a type since childhood," Cassandra remarked, handing the phone back.

Suddenly, Gregory blurted out, "You don't think... could Evelyn actually be Victoria?"

Cassandra smacked his arm sharply. "Have you lost your mind? The Dawsons watched Victoria grow up. You think they wouldn't recognize their own daughter?"

Their bizarre exchange drew curious glances from nearby guests. Flushing, Gregory quickly waved off the attention. "Pay us no mind - just idle speculation!"

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Liam had barely set Evelyn down before she scrambled away, putting distance between them. "Put me down! You're still recovering," she protested, though her voice lacked conviction.

Ignoring her weak protests, Liam gently deposited her onto the bed. She lay there breathless - golden hair fanned across the sheets, cheeks flushed pink, eyes shimmering with a mixture of shyness and something darker, more primal.

In that moment, Evelyn Carter had never looked more irresistibly alluring.