Chapter 235

Julian wiped the blood from his split lip with his thumb, his dark eyes gleaming with malicious amusement as he smirked up at Liam.

Liam's fists trembled at his sides, the knuckles already bruised from their earlier impact. With visible restraint, he shoved Julian backward onto the Persian rug.

After retrieving a monogrammed handkerchief from his pocket, Liam meticulously cleaned his hands as if erasing all traces of their confrontation.

Victoria blocked the study doorway, arms outstretched. "You can't just assault someone and walk away like nothing happened!" Her voice shook with indignation. "Explain yourself!"

Liam's gaze swept over her with undisguised revulsion. The woman before him bore no resemblance to the childhood friend he once cherished.

Turning sharply, he shouldered past her without a word, leaving Wright Manor behind in long, purposeful strides.

A sudden realization struck Victoria. She rushed to the antique desk and frantically activated the surveillance system - only to find every device offline.

Her knees buckled as she collapsed into the leather chair, face drained of color.

Moments later, Victoria found Julian in the parlor, wincing as he applied antiseptic to his injuries.

"Uncle Julian," she whispered urgently, dismissing the hovering housekeeper with a sharp gesture.

Her breathing came in shallow gasps. "Something's wrong. All our surveillance equipment has been disabled. Do you think Liam suspects us?"

Julian's derisive laughter sent chills down her spine. "You think he came here for a friendly chat?"

"Then what should we do?" Victoria wrung her hands.

"He has no concrete evidence," Julian scoffed, snapping the first aid kit shut. "If he did, you'd already be in handcuffs."

Victoria's lips curled in a smug smile. "Impossible. I was once the love of his life. He wouldn't dare arrest me, even if his feelings have changed."

Julian merely snorted in response.

After a tense silence, Victoria murmured, "The way he looked at me... it was different. Colder. Do you think he doubts my identity?"

"Of course he does," Julian said, rising to his full height. He regarded her with open contempt. "You and Cassandra are nothing alike. The comparison is laughable."

Victoria's nails dug into her palms. "Then why haven't you eliminated her yet? She's Liam's wife now - you'll never have her!"

Julian's expression darkened dangerously. His voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Careful, Victoria. That sounded like a threat."

She swallowed hard but maintained her composure. "Mark my words - if you don't act, she'll destroy you when her memory returns."

"Everything you've worked for - the Wright fortune, your reputation - it will all be hers. You'll lose not just Cassandra, but your freedom. Your life."

Julian's eyes clouded with contemplation. Seizing the moment, Victoria suggested, "If killing her is too difficult... why not keep her?"

"Lock her away where only you can access her. Then you can have her however you want, for as long as you want."

A slow, sinister smile spread across Julian's face as he nodded in agreement.

As twilight descended, the gardens of Blackwood Manor glowed under the soft illumination of wrought-iron lanterns lining the cobblestone paths.

In the grand dining room, Evelyn rested her chin on folded hands, staring at the untouched meal before her. The silverware gleamed under the chandelier's light, the food long gone cold.

She debated calling Liam to inquire about his dinner plans, but hesitated. With a resigned sigh, she pushed the plate away.

This was her reality now - a military wife waiting alone more often than not. She needed to adjust her expectations.

The sound of the front door opening sent her rushing to the foyer. Her face lit up when she saw Liam's familiar silhouette crossing the threshold.