Chapter 229

Forty minutes later, the car pulled up at the grand gates of Blackwood Manor. Evelyn stepped out behind Liam, her fingers nervously clutching the hem of her blouse as they entered the lavish living room.

They had barely taken their seats when Ryan rushed in, his hands trembling around a dozen listening devices. His face was ashen, eyes burning with barely contained fury. "General Blackwood, you need to see this."

Liam's brow furrowed as he examined the pile of surveillance equipment. His expression darkened like a gathering storm, the temperature in the room seeming to drop several degrees.

Evelyn gasped, her gaze darting between Ryan and Liam in confusion. The air grew thick with tension.

The security team conducted a thorough sweep of the entire estate, including the gardens and basement. After reporting their findings to Liam, they departed swiftly.

"Who would do this?" Evelyn demanded, her voice shaking.

Ryan shifted uncomfortably, while Liam merely smirked, his silence more unsettling than any answer.

Evelyn's mind raced. Liam and Harrison had discussed confidential matters here. When Project Aurora was compromised, she'd been the prime suspect.

Now the realization made her stomach churn with guilt for ever doubting him.

Liam's jaw tightened with barely restrained anger. He knew exactly who was responsible, but revealing his hand now would jeopardize everything.

Seeing Liam lost in thought, Evelyn pressed, "Could it be Victoria?"

Liam's gaze turned inscrutable as he leaned closer. "Cassandra," he murmured, using her childhood nickname, "you must pretend you know nothing. No questions. No investigations."

"But why?"

Liam cupped her face gently. "Just trust me on this."

Evelyn hesitated. "Is she so obsessed with you that she's lost her mind?"

"This isn't about love," Liam said firmly. Turning to Ryan, he ordered, "Destroy these."

"Yes, General Blackwood."

"And proceed as we discussed."

Ryan nodded sharply before exiting with the incriminating devices.

The grand living room fell silent, leaving only Evelyn and Liam amidst the opulent furnishings.

Evelyn glanced around, noting how unchanged everything appeared. Yet everything felt different now - the air charged with unspoken tension.

When her wandering gaze met Liam's, the intensity in his dark eyes sent heat rushing to her cheeks. Her pulse quickened, and she hastily looked away.

Since when had his gaze become so... consuming? Those smoldering looks made her feel exposed, vulnerable to emotions she couldn't name.

Liam chuckled at her flushed face. "Warm?"

Evelyn shook her head too quickly. "No."

Liam checked his watch - barely 10 AM. "Care to read?"

Evelyn eyed the leather-bound volumes lining the shelves and nodded.

"Choose one and join me in the study," Liam said, rising.

Evelyn stood awkwardly. "I'll stay here."

Liam's voice dropped to that low, irresistible tone. "I'd prefer your company."

Evelyn blinked, certain she'd misheard. Since when did the formidable General Blackwood request companionship?