Chapter 226

OWN

Liam's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade. "Deploy two search teams to Blackwood Manor immediately."

Isabella's face drained of color as she stared at him in disbelief.

The dining table erupted into hushed whispers.

"Why search the house?"

"We're family, Liam. What is this about?"

"This is completely unnecessary."

Liam ignored them. His expression remained unreadable as he pushed back from the table and strode toward the living room, settling onto the couch with an air of unshakable authority.

A suffocating tension filled the room, making everyone shift uncomfortably. It felt like the calm before a storm—one that would tear the family apart.

Evelyn glanced between Liam and the others, her stomach twisting with unease.

Under Richard and Eleanor's insistence, the Blackwoods had been forced to live together under one roof. On the surface, they maintained civility, but beneath it all, resentment simmered.

Within minutes, Ryan arrived with six military investigators, their gear professional and intimidating.

"General Blackwood, the teams are ready."

Liam lounged on the couch, his fingers tapping idly against his chin. The casual gesture did nothing to soften the weight of his presence.

The family abandoned their meals and gathered in the living room, watching as the investigators dispersed toward their private quarters.

Panicked, Isabella dug her nails into Sebastian's hand.

Sebastian couldn't stand it. He stepped forward, defiance burning in his eyes. "Liam, you don’t own this place! What gives you the right to invade our privacy? Did you even ask for our permission? What the hell are you trying to prove?"

Liam lifted a brow, his cold gaze locking onto his brother. The contrast between Sebastian's righteous anger and Liam's chilling calm was stark.

His voice was slow, deliberate. "You should pray they find nothing. Otherwise, you'll be dealing with more than just my displeasure."

Sebastian scoffed. "Why should I be worried? I just can’t stand your arrogance! Do you even care about this family?"

Liam didn’t dignify that with a response.

Richard and Eleanor joined in, chastising Liam for his high-handedness. They called it excessive, disrespectful.

Liam remained unmoved.

Then Ryan rushed back downstairs, urgency in his steps. "General Blackwood—we found something."

All eyes snapped to him. When Ryan placed miniature listening devices and hidden cameras on the coffee table, the room erupted in shock.

Richard shot to his feet, jabbing a finger at the devices. "Where were these? Who planted them?"

Ryan's voice was grim. "All were found in your and Madam Blackwood’s bedroom."

Evelyn covered her mouth, her chest tightening with betrayal. This was supposed to be her sanctuary. Now, it had been violated.

The room exploded into outrage.

And in that moment, every accusing glare turned toward Isabella.