Chapter 227

"If it wasn't you, then who could it possibly be?" Cassandra countered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Besides, everyone knows how obsessed you were with Liam back in the day."

Isabella's face darkened at Cassandra's words, the tension between them thickening like storm clouds.

Sebastian struggled to keep his voice steady as he asked, "Isabella, tell me the truth. Did you do this?"

"Of course not!" Isabella's defiance was immediate. Her eyes flashed with hurt. "Even you're doubting me now?"

Sebastian's frustration boiled over. "Then why were you panicking when the security team arrived? And how did you know about Liam and Evelyn's arrangement?"

Tears sprang to Isabella's eyes as she screamed, "If you don't trust me, maybe we should just end this marriage right now!"

The argument was cut short when Richard slammed his fist on the coffee table with a thunderous crash. "Enough!"

Silence fell over the Blackwood living room.

Evelyn flinched at the sudden noise, her anxious gaze darting to Richard.

Taking a deep breath, Richard turned to Liam with measured calm. "Son, how do you propose we handle this... situation?"

Liam's expression remained unreadable, his military bearing evident in his straight posture. "We identify who violated our privacy, then pursue legal action."

Eleanor gasped, clutching her pearls. "Liam darling, we're family! We can't involve the law - think of the scandal! Someone could go to prison!"

Richard nodded in agreement. "Your mother's right. Since no real harm was done, can't we just let this go? For the sake of family harmony?"

Evelyn stared at them in disbelief. No harm? Their most private moments could have been recorded. She shuddered at the thought of changing clothes in what she'd believed was the safety of their bedroom.

Liam wordlessly gathered the surveillance equipment from the table, handing it to Ryan with deliberate movements.

Eleanor reached for her son's arm with trembling fingers. "Please, Liam. For me? Let's just move forward and make sure it never happens again."

Her pleading gaze shifted to Isabella, who scoffed loudly. "Why are you looking at me like that? I told you I didn't plant those cameras!"

Cassandra couldn't resist interjecting. "Then why did you know about Liam and Evelyn's fake marriage before anyone else? And why were you sweating bullets when security showed up?"

Isabella's eyes darted nervously. "Well, that's..." She swallowed hard before pointing an accusing finger at Maxwell and Penelope, who had been observing quietly. "Why single me out? They're just as suspicious!"

Maxwell and Penelope exchanged startled looks. "What does this have to do with us?"

Isabella's voice rose defensively. "Everyone's a suspect! For all we know, it could have been an outsider. Remember when Victoria stayed over last month? She's practically obsessed with Liam - maybe she's behind this!"

The room fell into thoughtful silence as the family considered this possibility.

Liam stood abruptly, his commanding presence silencing the room. "This investigation will continue."

Eleanor tried one last plea. "Liam, is this really necessary?"

Meeting his mother's gaze steadily, Liam replied, "Don't concern yourself with this matter, Mother. Evelyn and I will be moving out temporarily. Once the truth comes to light, we'll decide our next steps."

No one dared to object to the military commander's decision.