Chapter 18

The gang of thugs brandished their weapons and charged toward Liam.

Evelyn's heart hammered against her ribs. Every instinct screamed at her to throw herself between him and danger.

Liam remained utterly composed. With practiced ease, he drew his pistol and leveled it at Vince.

Vince's face drained of color. His hands shook violently as he yelled, "Hold! Everyone freeze!"

The remaining gamblers scattered like frightened mice at the sight of the weapon. In Aldenria, only those with immense power carried firearms legally - people you didn't cross.

Evelyn exhaled sharply when she saw Liam's gun. Now she understood his calm demeanor.

Vince forced an ingratiating smile. "My apologies, sir. Please, take your leave. Consider the debt forgiven."

A commotion erupted outside.

Liam checked his watch precisely as ten black SUVs screeched to a halt. His men operated with military precision.

Holstering his weapon, Liam watched as Vince wiped sweat from his brow, thinking the danger had passed.

Suddenly, two dozen armed operatives in tactical gear stormed the casino, subduing every thug within seconds.

"Apologies for the delay, General Blackwood," his lieutenant said with a crisp salute.

Only one man in Aldenria commanded such forces - General Liam Blackwood, supreme commander of the Aldenrian Special Forces.

Vince collapsed to his knees, trembling. "General Blackwood! Mercy! I beg you!"

Liam ignored the groveling man. "Shut this place down. Arrest them all."

"Yes, sir!"

His team moved with ruthless efficiency.

Liam's nose wrinkled at the stench of stale alcohol and sweat as he turned to leave.

Evelyn hurried after him, her pulse racing as she stared at his broad shoulders. Despite knowing his heart belonged to another, admiration swelled within her. She despised her own weakness.

The armored limousine whisked them away from the scene.

Liam knew Evelyn couldn't return to her family. Shadowmire Island wasn't an option either - he couldn't risk her upsetting his grandmother with talk of divorce.

The car glided through Blackwood Manor's wrought iron gates.

Evelyn hesitated, staring at the palatial estate. The mansion loomed like a gilded cage, sending sharp pain through her chest.

Liam unbuckled his seatbelt. "Come. We'll enter together."

Her fingers clutched his sleeve. "Liam, please. Take me to Shadowmire instead."

His icy gaze dropped to her hand.

She recoiled as if burned.

"This is your home," he stated with finality.

Home? She had none - not with her family, not here.

Bitter anguish threatened to choke her. "Why must you be so cruel?" Her voice cracked.

Why chain her to this loveless marriage? Why torment her with his indifference and family obligations?

The injustice of it all crushed her spirit.