Chapter 205

Evelyn gently assisted Liam into a sitting position before adjusting the hospital bed's meal tray. She then carefully transferred the dishes from the side table.

The injuries were minor for a hardened military man like him. He certainly didn't require assistance for such trivial matters.

Yet he'd deliberately allowed her to help him sit up. The truth was, he secretly enjoyed her attentive care. So he played the role of a vulnerable patient.

As she arranged the dishes, Evelyn poured soup into a bowl. "Liam, why is Alexander in Muzat? Your parents mentioned he hasn't visited home in five years." Her brow furrowed. "Is he... involved in drug trafficking?"

Liam responded casually while picking up his utensils. "With the Blackwood family fortune, my brother has no need for illegal income."

"But I saw him negotiating with known traffickers." She placed the steaming bowl before him. "Why didn't you approach him?"

He offered her a spare set of cutlery. "Join me for dinner."

"I'll eat later." She settled at the foot of the bed, pushing the soup closer.

"Now," he insisted.

"Alright." Accepting the utensils, Evelyn began eating beside him.

After a brief silence, she ventured, "Alexander isn't actually a criminal, is he?"

Liam's hands stilled, his expression darkening. "He graduated top of his class at the police academy."

Evelyn's eyes widened in realization. She stared at Liam, comprehension dawning. As a Blackwood heir, Alexander would never need drug money.

Which meant only one possibility - undercover narcotics work. His five-year absence suddenly made terrible sense.

"Does your family know?" she whispered.

"No. And they can't." His tone brooked no argument.

Evelyn understood the deadly risks of deep cover operations. A heavy weight settled in her chest.

Noticing her somber expression, Liam's voice turned sharp. "Why this sudden interest in my brother?"

If not for Alexander's intervention, she might not have survived. Of course she'd worry about her rescuer. Especially since he was the brother of the man she...

"Just curious," she murmured, focusing on her food.

They ate in tense silence until Evelyn spoke again. "Liam... is Alexander in danger?"

His appetite vanished. Setting down his spoon, he answered tersely, "He can handle himself."

"Adrian nearly died when his cover was blown during that investigation." Her voice trembled. "I'm terrified the same might happen to Alexander."

Liam wiped his mouth with a napkin, exhaling sharply.

Evelyn blinked. "You're not eating?"

"Lost my appetite." He leaned back against the pillows.

She frowned at his barely touched meal. "You've hardly eaten anything."

"Not hungry."

"Just a little more?"

"You finish it."

"Alright." She continued eating alone, sighing between bites.

Liam studied her troubled face. "What's wrong?"

"I can't stop worrying about Alexander."

He took a measured breath before responding calmly, "This was his choice. We must respect that. The consequences... are beyond our control."

Evelyn pushed her plate away. "Those traffickers are monsters. If they discover him..."

"You met him once." Liam's voice turned icy. "Spent less than a day together." His jaw tightened. "Why this obsession with his safety?"

His tone made her pause. She looked up, confused by his intensity.

With a sharp exhale, Liam swung his legs off the bed.

Evelyn reached out anxiously. "Your injuries! You shouldn't be moving."

His expression darkened. "My legs work fine." He stood firmly. "I can walk perfectly well."