Chapter 20

Evelyn sensed Liam's presence the moment he stepped through the grand foyer doors.

Though the youngest Blackwood heir, Liam commanded undeniable authority that even his elder siblings respected. His parents dared not challenge him.

Richard and Eleanor Blackwood sprang from their seats, their faces lighting up as they rushed past Evelyn without a glance.

"My boy! You've finally come home!" Richard boomed, clapping Liam on the shoulder.

Eleanor cupped her son's face with trembling hands. "Let me look at you, darling. Have you lost weight this past month?"

Liam gently removed his mother's hands, his stormy gaze sweeping across the assembled family.

"Since you're here, stay for a few days at least," Eleanor pleaded, sensing his dark mood.

Ignoring his parents, Liam's voice cut through the room like winter wind. "Who did my wife offend? Whose precious home did she soil?"

Wife? Evelyn's breath hitched. The word sent shockwaves through her system.

She never imagined Liam would defend her against his own flesh and blood. The humiliation weighing on her shoulders lightened fractionally.

His sisters-in-law shifted uncomfortably, opening their mouths to protest before shrinking under his glare.

Richard's face darkened. "Liam! These are your elders! Show some respect!"

Liam's piercing gaze turned to his father. "Respect?" His voice dropped dangerously. "Tell me, Father, have they shown basic human decency?"

Richard faltered, unable to counter.

The room erupted in indignant protests.

"You've gone too far!"

"We merely spoke the truth about that woman!"

"Don't pretend you care for her!"

Chaos descended upon Blackwood Manor.

Liam finally understood Evelyn's reluctance to live here. Even without love between them, she deserved basic dignity.

Without another word, he seized Evelyn's wrist and turned toward the exit.

Eleanor rushed after them. "Liam! Where are you going? This is ridiculous over some harmless comments!"

"You can't possibly be angry with us!" Richard called after them.

After bundling Evelyn into the car, Liam turned to his mother. "We're returning to Blackwood Manor. I'll visit when I have time."

"But you just arrived!" Eleanor cried.

The car door slammed shut, cutting off further protests.

Tension thickened the air inside the vehicle. Evelyn leaned against the window, watching the world blur past through unshed tears.

Liam broke the silence. "I apologize for my family's behavior."

Evelyn closed her eyes against the fresh wave of pain. His apology only highlighted the cruel distance between them.

Her voice barely rose above a whisper. "Let's get divorced."

A beat of silence. Then: "After Grandmother's birthday."

Relief and sorrow warred in Evelyn's chest. "Thank you," she murmured.

Turning fully toward the window, she let the tears fall. The vibrant spring scenery mocked her inner devastation.

Each breath burned like shards of glass in her lungs. The weight of unspoken words threatened to crush her completely.