Chapter 212

Evelyn stared at the check in her hands, her emotions swirling like a storm.

"You don't need to do this, Madam Hoffis. Money means nothing to me."

"My granddaughter told me everything about you," Margaret sneered. "Besides, Liam has loved Victoria since childhood. You can't possibly understand the depth of his feelings."

She continued, her voice dripping with pride, "Victoria was a prodigy. Top of her class, brilliant beyond measure. Liam worked himself to exhaustion just to get into the National Defense Academy - all to be worthy of her."

"Victoria told him she admired men who could build rockets and defend our nation. He became the man he is today because of her."

"It was Victoria who shaped him into this remarkable man, yet you stole him with your scheming ways." Margaret's voice grew louder with each word.

Her fists clenched, trembling with barely contained rage. "You destroyed what should have been a perfect union. Do you realize how despicable you are?"

Evelyn looked down. Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms, the pain anchoring her to reality.

At that moment, she felt like she might shatter. Her nose burned, her throat tightened. Tears welled up as her chest ached with unbearable weight.

The humiliation crushed her.

She couldn't speak, couldn't breathe.

Margaret composed herself with visible effort. "Make the wise choice, Ms. Carter. Why cling to a man whose heart you'll never possess?"

"Name your price. I'll pay whatever it takes to be rid of you."

Evelyn took a steadying breath. "Truthfully, Madam Hoffis, this visit was unnecessary. Your money means nothing to me."

She continued softly, "The divorce papers are already signed. We're just finalizing the legalities."

Margaret's face lit up. "Truly?" She shot Evelyn a triumphant look.

Seeing the older woman's joy twisted Evelyn's heart. These tears weren't for Liam - they were for the cruel woman before her.

The unfairness of it all made tears spill uncontrollably. She dug her nails deeper into her palms.

"Keep your money," she whispered hoarsely.

"You're certain? When will this be official?"

Evelyn's voice shook. "When Liam returns to Aldenria."

"Excellent. I'll await the good news."

Good news? The irony burned.

Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed through the room. Both women turned to see Liam striding in, his expression dark.

"You're back, Liam! What perfect timing," Margaret said brightly.

Liam's intense gaze locked onto Evelyn. Seeing her distress, his eyes turned bloodshot.

The woman he'd searched for endlessly stood right before him. All this time, he'd unknowingly fulfilled his childhood dream - marrying the love of his life.

Even without recognizing her as Cassandra, he'd fallen for her all over again.

His heart had known before his mind did. This was the woman he'd loved for over two decades.