Chapter 207

Evelyn clenched her thighs nervously. "You should rest now."

She threw one last hesitant glance at Liam before turning away, shutting the door firmly behind her.

The hospital corridor stretched endlessly before her. With each step, her vision blurred. Tilting her chin up, she drew ragged breaths, fighting the tears.

True love meant craving their presence most when hurting. Yet Liam had sent her away precisely when he needed care. The message couldn't be clearer.

She meant nothing to him.

Sunlight assaulted her as she exited the building. Its warmth failed to penetrate the icy void in her chest.

Ryan approached hurriedly. "Mrs. Blackwood," he called, "your brother's here."

"My brother?" Her voice cracked with disbelief.

"Yes. I've seated him in the administrative building's reception. He insists on seeing both you and the General."

Evelyn's fists clenched. Teeth gritted, she stormed toward the building.

She'd encountered shameless men before, but Dominic Carter redefined audacity. His sudden appearance at Aldenrian Military Headquarters boded nothing good.

The door crashed open under her force. There lounged Dominic, legs arrogantly crossed, sipping coffee like he owned the place. His gaze swept the room with entitlement before landing on her.

"Evelyn! There you are." He set down the cup with false cheer.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she spat.

His lips curled into that familiar slimy smile. "Turning over a new leaf. Thought I'd ask dear brother-in-law for a military position. Serve my country, you know?"

Evelyn barked a laugh. "Veteran status? Defense Academy graduate? Which qualification do you possess?"

"Blood ties count for nothing?" He spread his hands with brazen charm. "Can't he pull strings for family?"

"Connections?" Disgust twisted her gut. Only familial obligation had stayed her hand from prosecuting him before.

Dominic adopted a wheedling tone, inching closer. "Sis, I admit my mistakes. You're the bigger person—"

"Save it." She cut him off coldly. "Liam and I are divorcing. The papers are signed. Don't even think of exploiting that relationship."

His chuckle dripped condescension. "Don't be ridiculous. No woman walks away from Liam Blackwood's wealth."

"Get. Out." Her finger jabbed toward the exit. "Or I'll settle every debt between us right now."

Amusement flickered across his face. "We're flesh and blood, Evelyn. Where's your heart?"

"My heart?" The irony choked her.

She inhaled sharply. "You won't stop until forced, will you? Hear this clearly, Dominic—you ceased being my brother the moment you sold me. You're lucky I haven't sought vengeance. How dare you come begging favors?"

Rage darkened his features. He advanced, voice venomous. "Who do you think you are? Liam must be blind to waste himself on trash like you—a common whore."

"Now you've climbed into some man's bed, you forget your family. Ungrateful bitch."