Chapter 19

Liam stood frozen, staring into Evelyn's shimmering hazel eyes. A single tear traced down her porcelain cheek.

An unfamiliar tightness gripped his chest. The sight of her distress confused him, stirring an unexpected irritation.

"What happened?" His voice came out sharper than intended.

Evelyn turned her face away, hastily brushing away the evidence of her emotions with trembling fingers.

Taking a steadying breath, she composed herself. "It's nearly dinner time. Your entire family will be gathered. I'll go in first - wait by the doorway and listen."

Before he could respond, she slipped from the car and strode toward the Blackwood mansion without a backward glance.

The moment Evelyn crossed the threshold, Winston, the family's longtime butler, materialized from the shadows.

The silver-haired man in his late fifties maintained perfect composure, though his eyes widened briefly in surprise.

"Ah, Mrs. Blackwood. How fortunate - dinner is about to be served," Winston intoned with practiced politeness.

Evelyn recognized the hollow courtesy. Every staff member at Blackwood Manor treated her with the same detached professionalism masking thinly veiled disdain.

"Thank you," she murmured before moving past him.

The grand living room buzzed with cheerful conversation as the Blackwood clan lounged around an ornate mahogany coffee table. The warm glow of crystal chandeliers illuminated their contented faces.

"Mother, Father, good evening—"

Evelyn's greeting shattered the domestic harmony like glass.

An icy silence descended. Dozens of eyes turned toward her, their gazes sharp as daggers.

Goosebumps prickled along her arms. Her throat constricted under the weight of their collective hostility. She opened her mouth to greet others, but a cutting voice interrupted.

"Darling, who is this woman calling you 'Mother'?"

"That? Just the caretaker from Shadowmire Island who manipulated Grandmother Margaret. Don't tell me you've forgotten how she trapped Liam into marriage by threatening the old woman's life?"

"Oh, that schemer! I'd nearly succeeded in forgetting her existence."

"How careless of you. A conniving gold-digger like her leaves quite an impression."

"Poor Liam. A decorated military leader with such impeccable reputation, shackled to this... creature. What a disgrace."

"Absolutely. She's not fit to polish our silverware, let alone bear the Blackwood name."

"Winston, have my meal sent to the solarium. I refuse to share a table with this... person. She ruins my appetite."

The barrage of insults continued unabated, each more vicious than the last, delivered without regard for her presence.

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. Her entire body trembled with suppressed rage. Hot tears threatened, but she blinked them back through sheer willpower.

This was nothing compared to the humiliation she'd endured when first arriving. Back then, she'd believed Margaret's assurances that Liam returned her affection.

She'd suffered their cruelty for love's sake, clinging to the belief that at least Liam cared.

Now the memory turned to ashes in her mouth. Did Liam secretly share his family's contempt?

Clearing her throat, she spoke, though her voice wavered slightly. "I apologize for disturbing you all. I only returned to announce that Liam and I will be divorcing. You needn't concern yourselves with me any longer."

She refused to disparage Liam directly. This was the only way to show him the torment she'd endured in his home.

If he didn't love her, he should let her go!

"A divorce? Splendid news! We must open the '85 Lafite to celebrate—"

The room fell abruptly silent. All eyes shifted behind Evelyn, their expressions transforming into obsequious smiles.