Chapter 210

Where was Evelyn? Had she changed her mind?

A soft knock echoed through the room moments later.

Liam immediately tossed his phone aside and straightened his tie. He adjusted his posture, sitting rigidly upright.

His lips curved into an expectant smile as he gazed toward the door.

In an instant, his hopeful expression shattered.

The person entering wasn't Evelyn—it was Ryan.

"Sir, why did you summon Ms. Wright here?" Ryan asked cautiously.

Liam's face darkened. "The task I assigned you remains incomplete after all this time. How much longer must I wait before taking matters into my own hands?"

Understanding dawned on Ryan's face. He lowered his head in shame. "My apologies, General."

Liam rose and strode toward the doorway. He stood in the empty corridor, staring intently at the elevator banks.

His heart sank with each passing second. The anticipation turned torturous.

Ryan approached quietly. "What should we do now?"

"Her toothbrush, used tissues, strands of hair—or create an opportunity to obtain a blood sample. Use whatever means necessary. I need that DNA immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Liam remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the deserted hallway.

After several minutes of silence, Ryan studied his commander's despondent expression before following his line of sight.

"What are you looking at, General?"

Liam didn't respond, the disappointment evident in his slumped shoulders.

"Are you... waiting for Mrs. Blackwood?"

Without a word, Liam turned and stalked back into the room, Ryan trailing behind him.

Liam collapsed onto the sofa, draping his arms along the backrest. His fingers tapped an erratic rhythm as he stared blankly at the balcony view.

The usually formidable general looked utterly defeated, his eyes devoid of their characteristic intensity. The silence around him felt heavier than any battlefield.

Ryan hesitated before whispering, "Should I bring Mrs. Blackwood to you, sir?"

"No." The single word carried icy finality.

The untouched meal and medication on the table spoke volumes. Ryan had never seen his commander like this—so clearly pining for a woman who remained oblivious to his devotion.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave, sir." Ryan bowed slightly.

Liam responded with a noncommittal hum.

He waited the entire day without any sign of Evelyn. No calls. No texts.

As twilight painted the sky, Ryan returned with devastating news.

"General, Mrs. Blackwood departed for Aldenria hours ago," he reported quietly. "She's already airborne."

A bitter smile twisted Liam's lips before vanishing. Loving someone who didn't love him back was a special kind of torment.

First, the childhood sweetheart who saw him only as a brother. Now, a wife in name only.

Was he truly unworthy of love?

Days later, discharged from the hospital, Liam drowned himself in work. Constant activity provided temporary relief from his heartache—if he stayed busy enough, he could almost forget.

In his office, Ryan entered carrying a sealed dossier.

"The results are in, General Blackwood."

Liam set aside his documents and extended his hand.

He tore open the file with uncharacteristic impatience. Inside lay two DNA reports—one for Victoria Dawson and Archibald Wright...