Chapter 208

Evelyn had reached her limit. "Ryan, get in here!" she snapped, her voice sharp with fury.

Ryan Sullivan, who had been waiting outside, entered promptly. "Yes, Mrs. Blackwood?" he asked with practiced deference.

"Remove him from the Aldenrian Military base," she commanded. "Ban him permanently. If he causes any disturbance or attempts to force entry, handle him according to protocol."

"Understood, Mrs. Blackwood." Ryan approached Dominic Carter. "This way, sir."

Dominic remained unfazed. He strolled to the sofa and lounged carelessly, crossing one leg over his knee with a deliberately provocative smirk. "I'm not going anywhere. Fetch your general. Tell him his brother-in-law demands an audience." His tone dripped with arrogance.

Evelyn was momentarily speechless at his audacity.

Ryan remained eerily calm. He withdrew his sidearm and disengaged the safety with a crisp click.

Dominic's face drained of color. His body stiffened visibly as he swallowed hard.

"You were permitted entry solely due to your relation to Mrs. Blackwood," Ryan stated coolly. "Since she's revoked that privilege and authorized lethal force, do you understand your current position?"

He continued evenly, "Trespassing on Aldenrian Military property and creating disturbances carries severe consequences. Are you aware what those entail?"

Dominic's hands trembled. He sat ramrod straight, forcing composure. "I merely wished to see my brother-in-law. No disturbance intended."

"Aldenrian law permits lethal force against military base intruders when circumstances warrant." Ryan leveled the firearm at him.

Dominic shot to his feet, hands flying up in surrender. "I-I'm leaving now! D-don't shoot!" His voice cracked with panic.

He didn't dare breathe as he passed Evelyn. Leaning close, he hissed through clenched teeth, "This isn't over. You'll regret this."

Ryan escorted him out without further incident.

Evelyn stood frozen, fists clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms. The anger coursing through her left her trembling.

She loathed everything about the Carter family. She yearned to shed this false identity and reclaim her true self - if only she could remember who that was.

Who was she really?

Who had orchestrated this nightmare?

Exhausted, she returned to her quarters. A hot shower did little to ease her tension before she collapsed into bed.

Morning came late. After a solitary lunch, she attempted to read, but her thoughts kept drifting to Liam.

Had he eaten properly? Taken his medication? Rested adequately?

She longed to visit him yet feared another rejection. Propping her chin on one hand, she absently flipped pages until her phone chimed.

The notification startled her. Seeing Liam's name, she opened it immediately.

"If you're available, I'd appreciate a book to alleviate my boredom," the message read.

Evelyn blinked in confusion.

Bored? Liam Blackwood? The man who worked through injuries and had subordinates at his beck and call?

Why request this of her specifically?

Shaking off the oddity, she selected a book, checked her appearance, and headed out. Perhaps he simply wanted reading material.