Chapter 175

Evelyn lowered her head, a soft smile playing on her lips as she murmured, "Okay."

Liam exhaled in relief. Though he didn’t want to hang up, the meeting demanded his attention.

"I should go," he said.

A pang of disappointment twisted in Evelyn’s chest. Two minutes? That’s it? She had heard of couples who talked for hours, lost in each other’s voices.

But then reality struck. Those were couples in love.

What she and Liam had was different. Even if he had the time, he wouldn’t waste it on sweet nothings with her.

"Alright," she whispered, the word laced with quiet resignation. "Bye."

The call ended. Evelyn set her phone aside and turned to the window, uncertainty and longing swirling inside her.

Would Liam send someone for me tomorrow?

The next morning, Evelyn rose early, dressed carefully, and waited. She lingered by the window, watching for any sign of a military vehicle.

But noon came and went with no word from Liam.

Instead, the doorbell rang—Victoria and Julian stood on the doorstep, arms laden with gifts.

The Blackwood family might not have liked Victoria, but they would welcome Julian warmly.

Evelyn had no desire to see either of them. She slipped away to the garden, settling by the pool to wait.

Minutes stretched into hours. Restless, she paced the edge of the water, anticipation gnawing at her.

"I never thought I’d lose to you."

The voice sent a chill down Evelyn’s spine. She turned.

Victoria stood there, arms crossed, her sharp eyes filled with venom.

Evelyn didn’t flinch.

Victoria smirked, stepping closer. "Look at you—so delicate, so fragile. And yet, you’ve somehow wrapped the Blackwoods around your finger. Even Liam."

"Wrapped around my finger?" Evelyn scoffed. "What are you trying to say?"

Victoria’s expression darkened. "You ruined everything. All my plans. I should kill you right now."

Evelyn frowned. "Plans?"

"My plan to marry Liam," Victoria hissed. "It was supposed to be me. I’ve worked for this my entire life."

Evelyn shook her head and turned to leave.

But before she could take a step, Victoria lunged.

Fingers tangled in Evelyn’s hair, yanking her backward. Pain shot through her scalp.

"Let go!" Evelyn gasped.

Victoria dragged her toward the pool’s edge, her grip unrelenting.

With a sharp shove, Evelyn plunged into the water.

Cold swallowed her. Water rushed into her nose, her mouth, choking her.

Panic seized her. She thrashed, desperate for air.

Her head broke the surface—only for Victoria to slam her back under.

Evelyn fought back, clawing at Victoria’s arms.

With a splash, Victoria tumbled in after her.

But Victoria was a strong swimmer. She hauled Evelyn deeper, forcing her under again.

Darkness crept at the edges of Evelyn’s vision.

She was running out of time.