Chapter 164

The air crackled with tension as distrustful glances darted between family members. Evelyn Carter clenched her fists, her patience wearing dangerously thin.

How could someone be this brazen?

Trapped without concrete evidence, Evelyn felt utterly helpless. To compound matters, Victoria Dawson burst into theatrical sobs, playing the victim card with practiced ease.

Just as Evelyn was strategizing her next move, the sharp click of military boots echoed through the hall.

"Liam..." Victoria sniffled dramatically.

All heads swiveled toward the entrance where Liam Blackwood stood framed in the doorway. His tailored navy suit accentuated his commanding presence, the silver insignia on his lapel glinting under the chandelier. In his hand, a vibrant cluster of zinnias swayed gently.

Liam had rushed back from the military base the moment his meeting concluded. The thought of Evelyn facing Victoria's manipulations alone had haunted him throughout the afternoon.

Now, witnessing the scene firsthand, Liam realized Victoria's transgressions went far beyond what he'd imagined.

With deliberate steps, he approached Evelyn, offering the flowers. For a breathless moment, Evelyn simply stared, her lips parting in surprise. When their eyes met, her entire face illuminated with joy.

Her pulse quickened as warmth flooded her cheeks, an effervescent happiness bubbling in her chest.

Fingering the delicate petals, she murmured, "Where did these come from?"

"There's a meadow behind the base," Liam answered softly, his gaze never leaving hers.

Evelyn's smile deepened as she inhaled the flowers' subtle fragrance. "You were gone all day yesterday."

"Emergency briefing at the base," he explained.

"I see," she replied, still admiring her unexpected gift.

Liam intertwined their fingers before addressing the room. "Mother, Father, we'll retire for the evening."

Richard Blackwood nodded immediately. "Of course, son. Rest well."

Eleanor Blackwood chuckled, shaking her head. "Liam, darling, when bringing flowers to your wife, most men choose roses or lilies. Not wildflowers."

"Evelyn prefers zinnias," Liam countered without hesitation.

The intimate nickname and unwavering defense sent fresh color rushing to Evelyn's face. She ducked her head shyly.

Nearby, Gregory Lynch nudged Cassandra Blake with a smirk. "Couldn't even spring for florist flowers? My man's getting cheap."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "At least he picks them himself instead of having his secretary order arrangements like someone I know."

Gregory's shoulders slumped in defeat.

As Liam guided Evelyn toward the staircase, he typed rapidly with his free hand.

Victoria's pleas went unanswered. "Liam! Liam, please!"

Eleanor intercepted her firmly. "Victoria, darling, you can't force what isn't meant to be."

Simultaneously, every phone in the room pinged - except Victoria's. The family exchanged puzzled looks before checking their devices.

Gregory's jaw dropped. "Well, damn." He shot Victoria a withering glare. One by one, the others followed suit, their expressions shifting from shock to outright disgust.

In that moment, Victoria understood Liam's silence hadn't been indifference. He'd been compiling damning evidence - audio recordings and surveillance footage exposing every one of her schemes against Evelyn.

The game was over.