Chapter 174

Evelyn Carter supported Dorothy Simmons' decision to divorce, but she refused to offer her a place to stay.

Instead, she urged Dorothy to find a job, to expand her knowledge and skills, and to become a better version of herself.

Dorothy, realizing there was no point in further discussion, retreated to the Carter family estate with bitter disappointment.

A week later, the long-awaited DNA test results finally arrived.

Despite mentally preparing herself, Evelyn was utterly shattered by the truth they revealed.

She stood frozen outside the hospital, tears blurring her vision as she read the words confirming she had no biological connection to the Carters.

The report validated every suspicion, every inconsistency about her identity.

If she wasn’t Evelyn Carter, then who was she? Where were her real family and friends? And what sinister motives had driven someone to mold her into this false identity?

Lost in thought during the car ride home, her mind swirled with unsettling questions. Overwhelmed and desperate for comfort, she found herself longing for Liam Blackwood’s presence.

Though the sun bathed the world in golden warmth, Evelyn’s heart was a storm of turmoil.

Summoning all her courage, she pulled out her phone and dialed Liam’s number. After a hesitant pause and a deep breath, she pressed the call button.

The phone rang twice before he answered, sending her pulse racing.

"Evelyn," Liam’s deep, soothing voice echoed through the line.

Her heart fluttered at the sound. Despite their week of silence, his tone held an unexpected warmth—one that made her wonder if she was imagining it.

"Are you busy?" she asked cautiously, her voice laced with hope and uncertainty.

Every conversation with Liam left her breathless, torn between affection and fear.

"Not at all," he replied.

"Oh." Evelyn’s gaze dropped, emotions clashing inside her. She wanted to confide in him, but doubt held her back. Words failed her.

"Is there something you need?" he asked.

She sighed. "No. I just realized it’s been a week since we last spoke. I wanted to check on you."

Liam stood outside his office, an important meeting momentarily forgotten the second he saw her name on his screen.

Leaning against the wall, he glanced down at his shoes, a faint smile touching his lips. "Yeah. A week."

For him, those seven days had felt like an eternity.

Late at night, he’d wrestled with the urge to call her—afraid of disturbing her sleep, of awkward silences, or worse, of her not wanting to talk at all.

Worse still, he feared the overwhelming need to fly back to Aldenria just to see her.

The week had been torture, his longing growing stronger, yet he forced himself to hold back.

Evelyn fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, nerves making her fingers restless. After a long pause, she murmured, "I finished my work."

Liam sounded confused. "Hmm?"

Her face flushed, her palms damp with nervousness. Taking a deep breath, she pushed forward. "I’m done with everything, so I thought… maybe I could come see you. But I don’t want to interrupt your—"

"Don’t worry about that," Liam cut in, his voice laced with excitement. "Wait for me at home. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Is that okay?"