Chapter 171

Dorothy's eyes shimmered with affection as she studied Evelyn's face, her lips curving into a tender smile.

"My darling, you've transformed beyond recognition. Who would have thought my awkward little girl would grow into such an exquisite woman? You've made me so proud."

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably under the praise, leaning forward to rest her elbows on the café table. "In what ways have I changed exactly?" she pressed.

Clasping her hands together, Dorothy mirrored Evelyn's posture. "As a child, you favored your father's plain features. You used to beg for cosmetic procedures when you grew up."

"But look at you now - a natural beauty. That elegant poise, those delicate features, and that heart-shaped face could charm anyone."

Evelyn's fingers instinctively rose to trace her cheekbone as Dorothy spoke.

"And your temperament! You were so combative before, always ready for a fight. Now you're gentle as a lamb, with that soothing voice of yours."

"No wonder you've captured the heart of the military commander. You're practically flawless now."

"You used to clash constantly with Dominic and argue with me and your father. But these days, you navigate conflicts with such wisdom - anticipating problems before they arise. Your manners have become impeccable too."

"Really, the progress is remarkable."

"Evelyn, having you as my daughter fills me with pride."

A frown creased Evelyn's brow. "Do I seem like a completely different person to you?"

Dorothy's automatic nod froze mid-motion. She caught herself, giving Evelyn a startled look. "You'll always be my daughter, no matter how much you change."

Evelyn's bitter smile and silent nod confirmed Dorothy's words.

Judging by Dorothy's unfiltered honesty, she clearly didn't suspect Evelyn's true identity. She remained blissfully unaware.

"Who could be orchestrating all this?" Evelyn wondered.

After settling the bill, Evelyn pressed two thousand dollars into Dorothy's hand and escorted her back to the hotel before departing.

Instead of returning to Blackwood Manor, Evelyn hailed a cab leaving Aldenria behind. Hours later, she arrived in another city where she arranged new DNA tests using both their blood samples.

At registration, she used Rosalind's name and identification to maintain anonymity. Without special privileges, she expected to wait a week for results.

After the tests, she carefully tucked the receipt slip inside her phone case.

Night had draped the city in stillness. The empty streets glowed amber under the streetlights, devoid of pedestrians with only occasional cars passing by.

Evelyn rested her head against the cool window glass. The rhythmic blur of passing scenery began lulling her into drowsiness.

The sudden ringtone shattered the quiet.

She grabbed her phone instantly. Liam's name flashed on the screen.

"Hello?" she answered without hesitation.

Liam's deceptively light tone carried an undercurrent of tension. "Not coming home tonight?"

"I am," she assured, detecting the subtle blend of concern and displeasure. "I'm on my way back now."

"Where are you? I'll come get you."

"No need, I'm already in a cab. Almost there."

"Be careful," he ordered.

"Okay."

The call ended abruptly. Evelyn's unease grew as she set her phone aside.

Ten minutes later, the cab pulled up to Blackwood Manor's imposing gates. After paying the fare, Evelyn hurried toward the entrance.

Suddenly, a towering figure materialized from the shadows, illuminated by the soft glow of perimeter lights. The lighting carved sharp angles across his face, emphasizing his commanding presence. His piercing gaze locked onto her.

Evelyn's steps faltered. Her pulse quickened as she swallowed hard.

Liam.

"Why is he waiting at the gates?" she wondered.

In that moment, Evelyn felt exactly like a child caught sneaking home after curfew, bracing for parental wrath.