Chapter 178

Liam exhaled deeply, reclining in his chair with uncharacteristic softness. "Did I disturb your sleep?"

After hours of silent turmoil, Evelyn had regained her composure. A glimmer of detachment shone in her hazel eyes as she responded, "You should rest. I'm perfectly fine now. There's no need for you to stay."

He tried to reconstruct the day's events. "I couldn't spot you underwater. Besides, Victoria has aquaphobia."

A sardonic smile played on Evelyn's lips. While the first explanation held water, the second was laughable. How could a socialite from old money not know how to swim?

Her voice turned razor-sharp. "Spare me the excuses. They're meaningless."

Noticing the venom in her tone, he replied helplessly, "Evelyn, I couldn't abandon Victoria in that state."

This was the ultimate litmus test of loyalty. In life-or-death moments, logic blurred and primal instincts took over.

Liam loved Victoria profoundly, and Evelyn had no right to question his choice. Yet the knife of betrayal twisted deeper in her chest.

Tears welled up as Evelyn met his gaze, her voice quivering. "Liam, Victoria can swim. She pushed me in and held me underwater. She believes I stole you from her. She wanted me dead."

His expression darkened instantly, silence stretching between them.

Evelyn wiped her tears, cursing her weakness. She'd sworn never to cry for him again, yet here she was.

Regaining control, she asked coolly, "Is there any surveillance footage?"

"None," Liam answered flatly.

Her lips curled bitterly. "So without evidence, my accusations are baseless?"

Liam found no words.

An icy chill spread through Evelyn's veins. There was nothing left to say.

She burrowed into the blankets, turning her back to him. Silent tears traced down her cheeks, soaking into the pillow.

As midnight approached, the hospital room grew still. In the dim glow of monitors, Liam remained motionless, his piercing gaze fixed on the darkness. The night stretched endlessly before them.

Dawn arrived.

At Wright Manor, a military SUV screeched to a halt. Liam emerged swiftly, followed by Adrian and Ryan. The butler startled at their abrupt appearance.

Liam strode past without acknowledgment, his regal bearing radiating danger. He marched straight toward the dining room.

Inside, Victoria breakfasted with Margaret. Her face lit up. "Liam!"

Margaret smiled warmly. "Here to see Victoria?"

His expression darkened as he seized Victoria's wrist, dragging her toward the garden. "Come with me."

Victoria stumbled. "Where are we going?"

Liam's silence was answer enough.

Alarmed, Margaret hurried after them. "Liam! She hasn't finished eating!"

He hauled Victoria to the pool's edge. Realizing his intent, she struggled violently. "Liam, stop!"

His grip tightened as she screamed toward the balcony, "Uncle Julian! Help!"

With one brutal motion, Liam hurled her into the water.

"No!" Margaret's face drained of color as she rushed forward, her aged legs trembling. "Have you gone mad? She'll drown!"