Chapter 169

"Evelyn, I'm outside your gate," Dorothy wept uncontrollably.

"At my gate?" Evelyn's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"To be exact, the Blackwood estate's main gate. We found out about your secret marriage. Your father caused a huge scene here, and your husband's men had to remove him... at gunpoint."

"Your father took his anger out on me right here in front of your house!"

"My life is ruined! Dominic won't even help me! I'm done with both of them. I can't rely on my husband or son anymore."

"Evelyn, you're my only hope now!" Dorothy's voice cracked with desperation.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the phone. Even with her fragmented memories, her feelings toward her adoptive parents had grown distant. After discovering her true identity, those emotions had faded completely.

"Wait there. I'm coming out," Evelyn said before ending the call and leaving her room.

Descending the grand staircase, she spotted Liam in the living room, engrossed in his phone. The moment her footsteps echoed through the hall, his head snapped up.

"I need to step out for a while," Evelyn announced awkwardly.

Liam set his phone aside and rose gracefully. "Your family was just here."

"I know," she replied quietly.

His intense gaze locked onto hers as he approached. "Where are you going? Should I come with you?"

Evelyn shook her head quickly. "That's not necessary."

But Liam noticed the subtle tremor in her hands and the uncertainty in her eyes. "At least tell me where you're headed?" He respected her privacy, yet an inexplicable protectiveness surged within him.

Evelyn hesitated before gesturing toward the gates. "My mother... she's waiting outside."

Hearing the careful neutrality in Evelyn's voice, Liam softened his tone. "Would you like me to invite her in?"

"No!" The word came out sharper than intended. Evelyn feared her adoptive family might cause more trouble for the Blackwoods.

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Liam casually slipped his hands into his pockets and gave a noncommittal hum.

"I should go," Evelyn murmured.

Liam simply nodded.

She took three steps before freezing mid-stride. Without turning around, she suddenly pivoted and marched back toward him.

Noticing her determined expression, Liam's lips curved slightly. "What is it?"

Evelyn inhaled deeply, gathering courage. "Liam, as long as it's just the two of us... I won't ask for a divorce. Unless you want me to."

His smile turned tender. "Where is this coming from?"

"It's fine if you don't love me. But please... end things with Victoria. Let's keep her out of our marriage."

Liam's breath hitched. His pulse raced as those three words - I love you - lodged in his throat again. Heat crept up his neck. Why was confessing his feelings harder than leading troops into battle?

Before he could form a coherent sentence, his body betrayed him with telltale signs - rapid heartbeat, flushed cheeks, nervous sweat.

Evelyn misinterpreted his silence. "Is that too much to ask?"

"I'll do it," Liam stated firmly.

A radiant smile transformed her face, eyes sparkling like sunlight on water. "Liam, I'll trust you this once. I should go now."

With a small wave, she turned and walked away, leaving Liam standing there, still grappling with unspoken emotions.