Chapter 232

The morning sun streamed through the windows as Liam moved about the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

Evelyn lounged on the living room sofa, her fingers absently scrolling through social media updates.

A sudden vibration startled her. An unknown number flashed across her screen.

She hesitated before answering. "Hello?"

The voice that responded made her blood run cold. "Ms. Carter, surely you remember this old woman?"

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone. She cast a nervous glance toward the kitchen before whispering, "Madam Hoffis... is everything alright?"

"I simply wished to inquire whether you and Liam have finalized your divorce yet."

Evelyn swallowed hard. "I'm afraid we've decided against divorce, Madam Hoffis."

Dead silence. Then a sharp intake of breath. Evelyn rushed to explain, "Liam refused to sign the papers. I thought... perhaps we could make this work."

"Liam refused?" The laugh that followed was bitter. "You expect me to believe that?"

"I'm telling the truth. I won't bring it up again."

"You're the most despicable creature I've ever encountered!" The venom in Margaret's voice made Evelyn flinch. "Do you have any idea what you've done? Torn apart two people who've loved each other for decades!"

Evelyn remained silent, her nails digging into her palm.

"Let me remind you - Liam has adored my Victoria for twenty years! Twenty!"

The words struck like physical blows. "And you - some gutter-born tramp with a face full of silicone - you think you can compare to my granddaughter? You're not even fit to lick her shoes!"

Enough. Evelyn's voice shook with restrained fury. "First, I've never had plastic surgery. This is my natural face."

She continued through gritted teeth, "Second, as a high-ranking Aldenrian general, Liam's marital status affects his career. I can't divorce him unless he agrees."

"Third," her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, "don't you dare call me conniving when your precious Victoria tried to buy me off. My husband provides quite adequately."

"Finally, we have nothing more to discuss." Evelyn ended the call with trembling fingers, her chest heaving.

The phone rang again instantly. Margaret's number.

Evelyn took three steadying breaths before answering. "Was I unclear?"

"How dare you hang up on me, you little slut!" The shriek made Evelyn hold the phone away from her ear.

"I've investigated you thoroughly," Margaret spat. "Do you really think some back-alley whore can compete with my Victoria? Mark my words - you'll regret this!"

Evelyn opened her mouth to retort when the phone was plucked from her grasp.

Liam's voice cut through the tension like steel. "Madam Hoffis, you're mistaken about the situation. I'd advise against making threats."

"Nate!" Margaret's tone turned pleading. "Tell me - what does that worthless tramp have that my Victoria lacks?"

The question hung in the air as Evelyn watched Liam's jaw tighten. His next words came slow and deliberate.

"Everything."