Chapter 225

Liam poured years of pent-up longing into that searing kiss. His lips claimed Evelyn's with possessive intensity.

Evelyn's mind went blank under the assault. She could only feel - the heat of his mouth, the press of his body pinning her against the wall, the way time seemed to stop.

When they finally broke apart, she followed him downstairs in a daze, her lips still tingling.

The Blackwood family was already gathered for breakfast. Eleanor's curious voice broke the silence. "Evelyn, what did Ms. Wright want with you yesterday?"

All eyes turned to Evelyn.

She hesitated briefly before answering. "Nothing important." Then she focused on her plate, clearly unwilling to elaborate.

Isabella scoffed. "Please. Women like Margaret Wright only deal in threats or bribes." She smirked. "Probably wanted to pay you off to leave Liam for her precious granddaughter."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her fork. "You're quite the mind reader, Isabella."

Liam continued eating silently, but his expression darkened.

Cassandra, ever the gossip, leaned forward eagerly. "How much did she offer you?"

Evelyn shrugged. "She said I could name my price."

Cassandra gasped. "You didn't accept?" She caught Liam's glare and quickly added, "I mean, it's admirable you resisted temptation."

Evelyn ignored her.

The tension at the table grew palpable as everyone watched Liam's reaction.

Only Isabella dared to continue. "Not that it matters. Without Liam's consent, she couldn't leave this marriage even if she wanted the money." She smirked. "I overheard them discussing divorce last night."

Shocked glances flew between family members. Their expressions clearly accused Evelyn of being a gold digger.

"Evelyn, is this true?" Eleanor asked nervously.

Cassandra gasped. "You'd really choose money over Liam?"

Isabella looked triumphantly at Liam. "You shouldn't waste your power keeping this gold digger. She's not worth it."

Evelyn set down her utensils with deliberate calm, though her knuckles were white. The appetite had left her.

Before she could respond, Liam's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Isabella Sinclair, you've crossed a line eavesdropping on private conversations!"

The entire table froze under his fury. Even Sebastian didn't dare defend his wife.

Isabella, incensed by Liam defending Evelyn, snapped back. "I'm not the one crossing lines here! Unlike your sham of a marriage!"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.

Evelyn looked stunned. The others exchanged glances, their expressions suggesting they found Isabella's claim believable given Evelyn's background.

Sebastian grabbed his wife's arm in panic. "What nonsense are you spouting? Apologize now!"

Isabella shook him off defiantly. "Tell me I'm wrong, Liam."

Liam said nothing. Instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his expression terrifyingly calm.