Chapter 228

Liam approached Evelyn with quiet determination, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Come live with me at Blackwood Manor," he murmured.

Evelyn's head bobbed eagerly. Absolutely she would. This house, these people... A shiver ran down her spine wondering who among them could be the traitor.

"Go pack your essentials," Liam instructed gently.

"Right away," Evelyn breathed before darting upstairs.

The living room sat heavy with unspoken tension, every family member wearing identical grim expressions.

Liam lifted Evelyn's luggage. After exchanging stiff farewells, they departed the Blackwood estate.

Once settled in the car, Evelyn tilted her head. "Where exactly are we going?"

Liam reclined against the leather seat, his molten gaze tracing her curious expression. "Blackwood Manor. Will that be acceptable?"

Blackwood Manor?

The name sent an uncomfortable twinge through Evelyn's chest. That estate had been custom-built for Victoria, every detail tailored to her exact preferences.

But circumstances left no room for sentimentality.

She couldn't return to the main house, and asking Liam to arrange new accommodations would be unreasonable.

"That's fine," Evelyn answered with forced brightness.

Liam's eyes softened. Unable to resist, he reached out to tuck a stray lock behind her ear.

The intimate gesture made Evelyn's cheeks flush. She cleared her throat. "But... could your security team sweep the manor first?"

Liam stilled.

"Even though Isabella clearly dislikes me," Evelyn hurried to explain, "I don't believe she'd go that far."

Liam's brow furrowed. "Who told you Isabella had feelings for me?"

"Cassandra."

An exasperated smile tugged at Liam's lips. "And you believed her?"

"I've seen it myself. The way she looks at you explains her hostility toward me," Evelyn insisted.

Liam's lips pressed into a thin line. He turned toward the window, his profile hardening into that intimidating mask that kept most people at bay.

Evelyn studied his rigid posture before gathering courage. She leaned across the console, pressing against his arm. "Even Victoria was obsessed with you. Did you ever suspect her?"

The contact sent electricity through Liam. His muscles tensed as his gaze dropped to where her body met his.

His pulse jumped. That familiar warmth flickered in his eyes as he rasped, "Everyone remains under investigation."

"Even Blackwood Manor?"

"Naturally."

"Good." Evelyn exhaled in relief, beginning to pull away.

An inexplicable emptiness filled Liam's chest. "Little Sparrow," he murmured.

Evelyn blinked. "Since when do you call me that?"

"It suits you better. Helps establish intimacy." His thumb brushed her knuckles.

Evelyn's cheeks burned as she ducked her head. "Oh."

Liam studied her delicate features, fighting the urge to trace the blush spreading across her cheeks. "There's nothing between Isabella and me. Don't let your imagination run wild."

The earnestness in his voice made Evelyn's heart flutter. For the first time, this all felt startlingly real.