Chapter 211

The second report belonged to Archibald and Evelyn's.

Both documents came from the military hospital, ensuring absolute accuracy in their findings.

Liam's brow furrowed as he examined both files. His expression grew increasingly grave, his eyes darkening like storm clouds.

When he finished reading, rage turned his face ashen. Veins bulged at his neck, his entire body radiating lethal energy.

He slammed the papers onto the table with such force that Ryan jumped. The explosive anger made the younger man shrink back instinctively.

Liam bent forward, elbows on knees, pressing his palms against his forehead. He squeezed his eyes shut, taking measured breaths to contain the fury threatening to consume him.

An arctic chill settled over the room.

"Is something wrong, General?" Ryan ventured timidly.

Liam felt like he was drowning in rage. Leaning back against the sofa, he stared blankly at the ceiling.

Ryan's breath caught when he saw the moisture gathering in Liam's bloodshot eyes. In all their years working together, he'd never witnessed the general struggling to contain emotions like this.

Through clenched teeth, Liam spat out two names like poison: "Julian... Whitmore..."

Ryan swallowed hard.

Liam's fist smashed into the sofa cushion before he abruptly stood and strode toward the door.

Ryan scrambled after him. "Where are we going, sir?"

"Back to Aldenria."

"By car or—"

"Private jet."

"Right away, sir."

Evelyn had been staying with Rosalind these past few days. Today, Eleanor had summoned her back to Blackwood Manor.

Upon arrival, she found an elegant elderly woman in the parlor. Though her hair was silver-white, she carried herself with refined grace that made Evelyn's pulse quicken inexplicably.

"Evelyn, this is Margaret Whitmore, Victoria's grandmother," Eleanor introduced.

Evelyn offered a polite greeting. "Madam Whitmore."

Margaret's steel-gray eyes raked over her with disdain. "My granddaughter tells me you copied her youthful appearance through plastic surgery to trap Liam Blackwood."

"Modern medicine is truly remarkable. At first glance, you do resemble Victoria in her younger days. But upon closer inspection..." She sniffed derisively. "The imitation falls short."

Evelyn's chest tightened.

She'd never undergone any procedures. Why was Victoria spreading these vicious lies? What was she trying to hide?

Margaret's hostility was palpable. Clearly, she'd come as Victoria's champion.

Evelyn maintained her composure. "If you have business with me, Madam Whitmore, please state it plainly."

"Eleanor," Margaret said coolly, "I'd like a word alone with her."

Understanding flashed in Eleanor's eyes. "Of course. I'll tend to the greenhouse roses."

With that, she departed, leaving Evelyn alone with the older woman.

Evelyn sipped her tea, the unfairness of the situation churning in her gut.

Margaret produced a check from her purse and slid it across the table. "Ms. Carter, our family lacks for nothing except my granddaughter's happiness. Name your price to walk away from Liam Blackwood."